Impact of the Collaborative Research Programme

Since the Programme's inception in 1988, 359 grants have been awarded for a global financial commitment of over Euro 14.3 million. In 2009, 21 new projects have been awarded to maintain an equitable geographic and temporal distribution of grants.

The evolution of the Programme in recent years, has seen the introduction of substantial changes aimed at widening the funding opportunities available to ICGEB Member States. In particular, three types of grants have been established in addition to the regular annual Research Grant Programme of the Centre:

1. The ICGEB-OPS-RELAB CRP Programme (CALL CLOSED), a specific initiative for the Latin American Region jointly implemented together with the Organización Panamericana de la Salud (OPS) and the Red Latinoamericana de Ciencias Biológicas (RELAB), launched in 2003. The First Call of this Programme focused on the Molecular Biology of Viral Diseases, particularly on those of relevance to the Latin American Region (HPV, HIV, Dengue, Rotavirus, and Hantavirus among others). 5 projects were awarded a overall ICGEB-OPS-RELAB contribution of over Euro 225,000.

2. The ICGEB–TWAS Joint Plant Biotechnology Programme (CALL CLOSED), co-funded with the Academy of Sciences for the Developing World (TWAS), was formerly launched in 2006 with the aim to strengthen the capacity building in plant biotechnology in countries where this type of activity is poorly represented. 5 proposals were awarded a grant for a total ICGEB-TWAS contribution of Euro 240,000.00.

3. The "Return Grant", which is open to those ICGEB Postdoctoral fellows returning to their home countries within 3 years from the commencement of the fellowship. Launched during the 2004-2005 academic year, it aims to ensure that the knowledge and skills acquired at ICGEB are transferred back to the ICGEB Member States, providing seed money to young scientists and widening the ICGEB network of international collaborations.