International Science and Technology Center ISTC Science and

International Science and Technology Center - ISTC Science and Technology Center in Ukraine - STCU "Reforms in Science and Development in Georgia Activities of Georgia National Science Foundation" 10 -12 March 2008 Ljubljana, Slovenia Natia Jokhadze Director of GNSF Georgia National Science Foundation

Reforms in Science and Development has been started after so called “Rose Revolution”, in 2004 Georgia National Science Foundation The main directions of the reforms in S&D • Reorganization of National Academy of Science • Establishment of Independent Scientific Institutes • Optimization of Institutes and Universities • Raising the basic financing of Scientific Institutes and Universities, including the salaries of scientists and teaching staff • Creating the competitive environment for science development through establishment of the Georgia National Science Foundation www. gnsf. ge

Georgia National Science Foundation was established in 2005 by the Presidential Decree Objectives of the Georgia National Science Foundation q Support of the reforms of science system q Grant financing in the equal and competitive environment q Reveal scientific potential and support its development q Support of knowledge based economy q Promotion of young scientists q Support of integration of Georgian scientists in international scientific activities q Development of scientific infrastructure q Popularization of science q Commercialization of science www. gnsf. ge

Georgia National Science Foundation Financing Schemes used by the Georgia National Science Foundation 1. State Science Grants - 113 projects were financed in 2006 with total budget of about 12 milln. GEL (about 7 500 000 USD) - 139 projects are financed in 2008, among them 31 in Humanities and Social Sciences, total budget about 14 milln. GEL (about 9 200 000 USD) 2. Grants to purchase scientific equipment (5 projects were financed with total budget over 1 milln. GEL) 3. Scientific library support grants for universities (5 projects were financed with total budget of 325, 000 GEL) 4. Individual Travel grants, to participate in international scientific forums (in 2006 -2007 111 scientists were financed; in 2008 already - 9) 5. Presidential Stipend program for young scientists (35 young scientists receive stipends 150 -300 GEL monthly) www. gnsf. ge

Georgia National Science Foundation Financing Schemes used by the Georgia National Science Foundation 6. Individual Presidential Grants for Young Scientists – 37 young scientists are financed in 2008 in all scientific fields 7. Scholarships of I. Vekua for young scientists in Mathematics, Mechanics and Information Technology Sectors – 10 young scientists receive scholarships in 2008 8. Scholarships of Iv. Beritashvili for young scientists in Life and Medical Sciences - 10 young scientists receive scholarships in 2008 9. Joint financing of projects with international organizations (STCU, CRDF, INTAS) www. gnsf. ge

Financing Schemes used by the Georgia National Science Foundation 10. STCU-GNSF: Target Initiatives and Development Program In 2007 seven 7 Projects financed with total budget of 350 000 USD, (50% -GNSF) Program for 2008 is ongoing 11. CRDF-GNSF: Business Partnership Grants Program 2007 51 applications submitted 8 projects receive financing in 2008 with total budget of 200 000 USD 12. CRDF-GNSF: National Program for Young Scholars 2007 22 applications submitted 15 projects receive financing in 2008 with total budget of 175 000 USD www. gnsf. ge

Georgia National Science Foundation Financing Schemes used by the Georgia National Science Foundation 13. CRDF-GNSF: CORE Program (fundamental research and high education) 1 Project financed with total budget of 300 000 USD, (17% -GNSF); projects title: “Biodiversity of Caucasus” 14. INTAS-GNSF: Stipends for Young Scientists 9 young scientists receiving financing 15. INTAS-GNSF: Regional Call for South Caucasus 12 projects receiving financing 16. NATO-GNSF: Scholarships for scientists who are grant recipients of NATO Science for Peace and Networking Infrastructure Grants Programs – financing starting in 2008 www. gnsf. ge

Georgia National Science Foundation Financing Schemes used by the Georgia National Science Foundation 17. Young Scientists Support Program 2008 - Summer School on Science Management, including Science Commercialization - Awards for publishing in impact-factor scientific periodicals 18. Science Popularization Program 2008 - Individual grants for scientists to present scientific-popular lectures in schools - Quarterly newsletter on scientific events - Science Festival 19. Grants to organize international scientific forum in Georgia - 2008 www. gnsf. ge

Georgia National Science Foundation Financing Schemes used by the Georgia National Science Foundation Project: Elaboration of effective model for science administration on the overview of European experience Project is financed through EU Tacis program (from August 2006) Main Goals: 1) overview of international experience; 2) study of current situation in science sector of Georgia; 3) assist in elaboration of science policy and strategy www. gnsf. ge

Georgia National Science Foundation Priorities of the GNSF in 2008 -2011 Young Scientists support International Collaboration Commercialization Support Science Popularization www. gnsf. ge

Georgia National Science Foundation Needs of GNSF • International experience in supporting science development • International experience in Best Practices of science management and administration of calls • Collaboration with the similar national foundations • Collaboration with the international foundations www. gnsf. ge

Georgia National Science Foundation Thank you for your attention www. gnsf. ge