A Network is a system of research groups in an entire region, or among different regions, that pursues a common scientific project over an extended period. The network programme represents an efficient approach to overcoming the problem of isolation and counteracting the "brain-drain" of scientists in the Third World.

Scientific network projects receive support in the following ways: as institutes or individuals with common scientific interests who agree upon a well defined joint project that emphasises collaboration and the sharing of expertise and facilities.

The proposer of the network is expected to act as co-ordinator and his/her Institution as headquaters. A network may organize seminars or workshops, arrange for visiting scientists and maintain joint links with the rest of the international scientific community.

The ICTP contributes towards the travel expenses of scientists who belong to the network to visit other member Institutes. Grants can be offered to young scientists to work for extended periods at institutes that are part of the network.

Applications

A network project proposal should include:

• A detailed scientific and financial plan for one year;
• The list of member institutions/individuals;
• A description of the facilities of the member institutions that will be involved in the network;
• A justification for the proposed network;
• The commitment of the member institutions to contribute substantially to the expenses of the project, in particular, to offer hospitality and local services.

Requirements and Type of Support Offered

The support to a Network is given through a co-ordinated use of the existing ICTP and TWAS programmes:

• Visits of scientists to the members of the network through the ICTP Visiting Scholar/Consultant Programme or the TWAS South-South Fellowship Programme;
• Contribution towards equipment costs through the TWAS Research Grant Programme;
• Donation of books and journals through the ICTP-TWAS Donation Programme;
• Scientific activities (for examples workshops and conference, etc.) within the framework of the OEA Scientific Meetings Programme.

The ICTP support towards a network is offered under the same criteria as other OEA programmes, namely:

• Scientific validity of the research project;
• Relevance of the project to the needs and culture of the region;
• Evidence of commitment from local authorities.

Reports and Renewal

A network project is approved for one year.

At the end of the year, the co-ordinator is required to submit a scientific report and a financial breakdown of expenses. Network projects are renewable.

There is no deadline for the submission of proposals.

Submission of Applications

There are no official application forms for Networks. All enquiries and proposals should be submitted to:

or by email oea@ictp.it