Inaugural RISE Competition Attracts 48 Proposals

Concept proposals for RISE networks have been received from 48 applicants and involve 29 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, from Angola to Zimbabwe. All six priority areas specified in the Request for Proposals (materials, mathematics, chemistry, ICT, energy, water) are represented, as are several other fields. Multi- and interdisciplinary networks are proposed as well. Some applicants plan to build on existing networks; others envision new partnerships.

A committee of six scientists from five countries, including three in Africa, will select twelve finalists who will be invited to submit fully developed proposals. Selection will be based on viability of the network, quality of the research and training, and other factors enumerated in the RFP, with consideration given to geographic and subject area diversity. Where the committee determines there is more than one excellent concept proposal in any given field, applicants may be given the option of submitting a joint proposal rather than competing against each other.