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Calls for proposals for returnees and research cooperation with diaspora re-launched (1A/1B)
 Unity through Knowledge Fund has recently re-launched its Research Cooperability Program and announced the Calls for Proposals for financing joint research projects of Croatian expatriate scientists and experts with their Croatian colleagues, as well as projects of returnees of the expatriate scientists.
The Fund has been created by the Croatian Ministry of Science, Technology and Sports with the aim to use potential and establish cooperation between the Croatian scientific and professional Diaspora. The Fund finances collaborative research projects and knowledge-based business activities of expatriates and Croatian researchers, institutions and companies.
Both researchers from Diaspora and Croatia may apply for financial support of the projects that are implemented at Croatian organizations. The Fund supports only those projects that create added values to Croatian economy and society, and those that stimulate transfer of knowledge and investments to Croatia.
Two Committees in charge of the Fund, which include the eminent scientists and experts, decide on the allocation of the support. They use assistance of the peer review of international independent experts. Total Fund’s resources in the three years amount 5 million euros, with 80% from the World Bank credit. More information about the open calls, the Fund's procedures and already started projects can be found on the website of the Fund (www.ukf.hr).
Currently open Crossing Borders Grant is intended either for the excellent researchers who made their careers abroad in order to establish new projects in Croatia or for the excellent Croatian researchers who wish to create a cooperation with partners abroad. The Homeward Grant is intended to Croatian scientists and experts from abroad to return home in order to enhance Croatia’s competitiveness. Individual grants can amount up to 200.000 EUR for a two-year period, and can cover maximum 80 percent of the total project costs. Proposals can be submitted until the 18 May 2008.
The Fund will has open the calls for other types of grants too, aimed for young researchers, commercialization of research, intellectual property protection and enhancing international mobility of Croatian scientists and experts. All supported projects contribute to the Fund’s mission of unifying scientific and professional potential of Croatia and Diaspora in the development of the knowledge based society.
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