The new program of the Robert Bosch Stiftung “Sustainable Partners – Partners for Sustainability” supports Chinese-German research projects focusing on the sustained use of natural resources. The grants, available for a maximum of three years, will enable German and Chinese research teams to exchange scientists between their respective countries. The maximum grant can total up to 80,000 euros per project. The closing date for applications is October 10, 2007. Agriculture and the food industry, climate and water, the environment and energy are pressing research topics not only in Germany. It is essential that countries like China, which are experiencing rapid economic growth, research options for the sustained use of their natural resources. Joint research should aim to do more than just put the spotlight on these topics and help solve scientific issues – it should also strengthen the network of personal contacts between the German and Chinese scientific research communities.
Research teams from any discipline involved in researching how the use of natural resources impacts on the biosphere – for example, agricultural science and forestry, biology, environmental science, economics, politics and social sciences – are eligible to apply for a grant. It is important that the younger generation of scientists in particular is given the opportunity to work face to face with researchers in other countries. The program will fund travel expenses for German scientists and the costs of accommodation for Chinese scientists. A reciprocal sponsorship is expected from China. The cost of materials will only be funded in very special cases and on a very limited scale.
The program augments the Robert Bosch Junior Chair for the Sustainable Use of Natural Resources, first awarded in 2006, as Robert Bosch Stiftung continues its longstanding commitment to international agricultural science and forestry. The international Advisory Board of the Robert Bosch Junior Professorship Research in the Sustainable Use of Renewable Natural Resources, chaired by Prof. Klaus Töpfer, will decide on the applications for the program “Sustainable Partners – Partners for Sustainability” in December 2007.
