The Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sport have recently introduced a new funding program called the “Research Creativity and Innovation Fund” for the year 2023. This program aims to cultivate a culture of innovative scientific research and investigation.
According to Ros Soveacha, the spokesperson for the Ministry, the Research Creativity and Innovation Fund is a joint initiative supported by the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Education Ministry. It has been established to foster research and inspire innovation in response to the demands of the labor markets and globalization.
The funding program specifically focuses on supporting scientific research projects that address local priorities. This includes projects related to digital electronics, computing for AI, and AR-VR-X technology (Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, and Extended Reality). Additionally, projects concerning the physical sciences and agricultural conservation are also eligible for funding. The agricultural projects aim to improve soil and landscape quality, prioritizing a balance between flora and fauna to prevent erosion of agricultural land.
Soveacha highlighted that the funding allocated to research projects may vary depending on their size and technical requirements. The Research Creativity and Innovation Fund supports project budgets ranging from $10,000 to $30,000. Furthermore, each research project is expected to last at least one year, although longer durations are also accepted. Funding will commence from the agreement signing date, and the utilization of funds must adhere to specific requirements and specifications.
Researchers interested in applying for the program must submit an application form, which includes a cover letter, Curriculum Vitae of themselves and other involved researchers, as well as a company or organization profile. Along with these documents, a detailed research proposal of three to five pages should be provided.
Although an official deadline for applications has not been set yet, quarterly reviews of each research project will be conducted. It’s important to note that the selection of research projects for the third quarter of this year will be finalized by August 20.
The Research Creativity and Innovation Fund is an excellent opportunity for researchers to pursue their scientific endeavors while focusing on addressing local priorities. By supporting innovative investigation and research, the Ministry of Education is taking significant steps towards encouraging a culture of research and inspiring innovation in response to the needs of the labor market and globalization.
Source: Khmer Times
