Physical Science | Scholarship for Nigerians and Africans - Part 381

IFAR’S Professional Development Program 2011: Agriculture and Related subjects

In support of its mission, IFAR annually provides small grants to professionals from national agricultural research systems in developing countries (NARS). The award made to the youngest woman grantee each year will be designated the Ravi Tadvalkar Memorial Scholarship, in recognition of the many contributions to the organization by IFAR’s first Treasurer and Secretary, his commitment to capacity building in developing countries, and his concern about diversity and gender issues.
IFAR also manages the IFAR Wilfried Thalwitz Scholarship established in his memory by the family and friends of the late CGIAR Chair for research linked with CGIAR Centers. The objectives of IFAR’s grants are to:
(a) Enhance the professional development of promising professionals from developing countries, who are at the early to middle stages of their careers, and undertaking research in partnership with CGIAR Centers to support sustainable development of agriculture in developing countries;
(b) Promote values gained from a “System Perspective” involving linkages between CGIAR Centers and NARS, and collaboration among CGIAR Centers;
(c) Encourage cooperation among national institutions through linkages with CGIAR Centers.
Eligibility:
(a) all applicants are expected to hold a graduate degree;
(b) grants are not intended to finance regular undergraduate or graduate academic programs, in whole or in part.
Number of IFAR grants: In 2011,
(a) Up to 12 grants will be awarded under the IFAR Small Grants Program.
(b) One additional scholarship will be granted to the applicant selected for the Thalwitz Scholarship.
(c) Each grant awarded will be for up to a maximum of $11,000. Of this amount, $1,000 will be sent through the sponsoring Center to each award winner for his/her use on purchases of appropriate books, journals, or equipment. The remainder will be disbursed by the sponsoring Center to meet expenditures in support of the Awardee’s work program. CGIAR Centers and partner institutions in developing countries are expected to support the work program in cash or in kind.

Scholarship Application Deadline: March 15, 2011

Further Scholarship Information and Application

PhD Scholarship in Biometrics 2011, Germany: Finger Print Recognition

The focus of our Biometrics research group (www.stochastik.math.uni-goettingen.de) at the Institute for Mathematical Stochastics (IMS) is on the development of novel models and methods for fingerprint recognition. Dissertation projects can interdisciplinary combine the potentials of stochastics, statistics, numerics and computer science for providing new solutions to exciting challenges in the coinciding areas of biometrics, pattern recognition and image processing. Essential qualifications are a master degree, diploma or a comparable degree in mathematics, computer science or a related scientific field.

Preferred:
– Good skills in written and spoken English
– Programming skills (e.g. Java, C++, Matlab, R)
– Experience in mathematical or statistical imaging

Background in geometry, pattern recognition or image processing is advantageous. We expect creativity and independence, the ability to work and communicate within a team of scientists from different disciplines. The scholarship of the DFG Research Training Group 1023 are based on the support rate granted by the DFG and amount to EUR 1365,- per month with a monthly supplement of EUR 103,-. The advancement of equality at the IMS goes without saying; in particular, we are striving to increase the percentage of women in the science sector. Severely disabled persons with equal qualifications will be considered preferentially within the framework of legal requirements.

Scholarship Application Deadline: 1 February 2011

Further Scholarship Information and Application

PhD Scholarship for Development of Functionally Graded Materials for Thermoelectric Devices, Denmark

The Fuel Cells and Solid State Chemistry Division at Risø DTU is seeking a Ph.D. student to develop graded thermoelectric materials with optimized properties over a broad temperature range for use in conversion of heat into electricity.
Thermoelectric power conversion is a promising technology for waste heat recovery in a broad variety of applications, e.g. transportation, building and industry. A thermoelectric device works by converting a certain temperature difference into an electric potential to generate power.

You will be part of a large project which aim to develop and demonstrate high-temperature efficient thermoelectric oxide modules integrated in a converter system.

This will take place at the international front line in collaboration between Risø DTU and four leading laboratories in Denmark, Japan and the US, while industry participation ensures strong links to both technology providers and end-users.

The project
A major challenge in thermoelectric materials development is to combine a number of materials belonging to different families of materials together in order to improve the conversion efficiency and to expand the working temperature range of the thermoelectric device. The project is focussed on the construction and optimization of p- and n-type segments over a broad temperature range by graded materials. This will be done in order to improve the so-called compatibility factor between the materials in each leg. The materials are chosen among the best of state-of-the-art materials and the novel developed thermoelectric oxides.

Qualifications
• Master’s degree in chemistry, physics, materials science or similar
• Knowledge in synthesis of inorganic materials preferably oxides
• Prior knowledge in the area of thermoelectricity is beneficial
• Experience with experimental methods for materials characterization
• Ability to work independently, to plan and carry out complicated tasks, and to be a part of a large, dynamical group
• Good communication skills in English, both written and spoken

We offer
We offer an exciting and challenging job in an international environment.
Good possibilities for professional and personal growth.
A family friendly organisation with flexible working hours.

Scholarship Application Deadline:15-2-2011

Further Scholarship Information and Application