Sawiris Scholarships for Doctoral Students from Developing Countries

Sawiris Scholarships - Science & Technology for the South

Course(s) Offered: Science, Technology
Course Level: Graduate (PhD, research)
Provider: Sawiris Foundation for Social Development
Country to Study in: Switzerland, Applicant countries

Scholarship Description
In 2008, the Sawiris Foundation for Social Development has donated CHF 1.5 million to the ETH Zurich for the programme “Sawiris Scholarships – Science & Technology for the South”.

The Sawiris Scholarships promote doctoral research for the benefit of developing countries. The projects have to be innovative and develop a method or product, which is directly relevant for improving the livelihoods of poor people in developing countries.

Eligibility
The candidates who will receive the scholarship must fulfil the requirements for a doctoral position at the ETH Zurich. In addition, they must have the potential for a career in research and technology development.

Eligible groups
The candidate

• Preference will be given to citizens of least developed countries and other low-income countries according to the OECD classification.
• The entrance requirements for doctoral studies at the ETH Zurich have to be fulfilled.
• Experience in the selected research area is required.

Participating Institutions
The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) in Zurich, Switzerland; and
Approved institutions in least developed countries and other low-income countries.

The partnership:

• Projects involving a research partner from a developing country have to be based on the KFPE principles.
• All partners have been involved in project formulation and development.
• All partners make a substantial in-kind or cash commitment.
• The project is integrated into the general activities of the involved institutions.
• Preference will be given to projects with partners in least developed countries and other low-income countries according to the OECD classification (pdf).

Fields of study
The goal of the programme is to promote the development of products or methods, which are directly relevant for improving the livelihoods of poor people in developing countries. The topics have to be of high scientific standards and at the same time aim at direct implementation of the results.

The research project:

• The proposal is of high scientific quality and adheres to the principles of scientific integrity (pdf)
• The research topic is innovative and relevant for development.
• The ecological, socio-economic and cultural context has been taken into account.
• Reasonable results can be expected in the given timeframe.
• The expected impact of the research is high for the intended target group.

Number of awards
Ten (10) awards

Sponsorship duration
Over a period of five years, each year two scholarships will be granted. A grants committee will select the candidates according to specific selection criteria.

Scholarship benefits
This programme is a grant scheme providing ten doctoral scholarships of CHF 150’000 each. A scholarship of CHF 150’000 can be granted per proposal for a period of three years.

Method of Application
Professors of the ETH Zurich can apply for the scholarships.

The application procedure consists of the two following steps:

• First step – The candidate has to submit a concept note (details see below) to the North-South Centre, Emma Lindberg at elindberg[at]ethz.ch. Only concept notes fulfilling all indicated requirements will be admitted to the first selection. They will be evaluated by the selection committee with regard to its suitability for the Sawiris Scholarships.
• Second step – Candidates whose concept note has been accepted by the selection committee are entitled to elaborate a full proposal (details see below). The proposal has to be submitted to the North-South Centre by the supervising ETH professor.

For complete and detailed explanation on application requirements and procedures, please visit the official website (link found below)

DEADLINES:
First step - The deadline for submitting concept notes is October 31.
Second step - The deadline is February 15 of the subsequent year.

Contact
ETH Zurich; ETH Global (former North-South Centre)
ADM; Auf der Mauer 2; 8092 Zurich
Switzerland

Phone +41 (0)44 632 53 39
Fax +41 (0)44 632 15 08

Application Deadline: 31 October 2012 / 15 February 2013
Open to International students: Yes

More Scholarship Information and Application

Related: Scholarships in Switzerland for International Students