Deadline: 25-Aug-2025
The International Science Council’s Regional Focal Point for Asia and the Pacific (ISC-RFP) and the International Network for Governmental Science Advice in Asia (INGSA-Asia) have launched a new initiative called “Science Seeds, Asia.” This initiative offers policymakers, civil servants, and government officials a chance to explore how science engagement can support their work. It also provides scientists with insights into the complexities of policymaking and ways to integrate science effectively.
The initiative aims to help scientists, researchers, academics, and practitioners in Asia design and deliver science advice activities in their countries. These activities support science advice at the grassroots level, strengthen evidence-informed policymaking in the region, and enhance engagement between ISC-RFP and the regional scientific community.
Participants benefit from expert advice on science policy engagement and access to a platform that builds national and institutional capacity in science engagement. Grants of up to AUD 9,500 are available to support direct costs related to activities such as venue hire, event catering, audiovisual services including online streaming, production of materials, travel for invited speakers, fees for registered training providers, and other approved event expenses.
However, salary and staff costs, gifts or prizes, bursaries, scholarships, research expenses, institutional overheads, and speaker fees are not eligible costs.
To qualify for a Seeds of Science Asia grant, applicants must be based in countries within ISC-RFP’s Asia region, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam. Applicants should work in science, research, science communication, science policy, or health sectors.
Proposals must be submitted by two applicants jointly: one affiliated with an academic or research organization, and the other a policymaker or civil society professional. Both must commit to designing, delivering, and attending the full workshop, with active participation during and after the event.
Applicants should demonstrate leadership experience. The academic partner should have experience in science engagement beyond the lab or potential to translate research into policy. The policymaker should have significant policy influence in their area.
The selection process prioritizes gender balance, disciplinary diversity, geographic representation, outreach, and inclusion of underrepresented or marginalized groups.
Proposals will be assessed based on clarity of objectives, potential impact, innovative design, inclusivity, ability to secure co-financing, and justified budget use supported by documentation.
For more information, visit International Science Council.