The ADVANCE Research Grants set ground for development of scientific directions in STEM-related fields in Armenia. This pioneering platform invites distinguished scientists from all around the world to lead new teams comprised of ambitious Armenian researchers. The experience and network these emerging Armenian researchers gain in the program boosts their professional growth, enables effective global collaboration, and significantly increases research output in target fields. The comprehensive financial and logistical support provided by FAST and its partners works toward putting Armenia on the map of cutting-edge scientific research worldwide.

We provide 2 to 4-year grants to the research groups formed in Armenia around a project proposed and led by a distinguished scientist from abroad called an international Principal Investigator (PI).

Aiming to foster inter-institutional and interdisciplinary connections, we put together diverse and multi-faceted research groups, where there is a lot to learn from each other. We encourage qualified and motivated researchers from any institution in Armenia and beyond to apply. Please note that researchers holding administrative positions in the government and/or top management or leadership positions at academic institutions are welcome to apply but are not eligible for monetary compensation. Eligibility for travel of such team members can be considered if justified by the project needs. You can find out more about our projects and open calls in the “Research Projects” section.

The research is conducted primarily in Armenia. The PIs both visit Armenia and supervise the group’s work remotely. The PIs also teach at local universities, helping to nurture aspiring researchers in relevant fields of study.

The grant includes the following budget lines:

• PI’s travel expenses and coverage of expenses during their visit to Armenia,
• Salaries for the local researchers, International travel costs for the local researchers’ participation in the conferences, collaborative research activities abroad, or other capacity-building events,
• Laboratory materials, consumables,
• Publications in journals and, if applicable, patenting costs.

Every application goes through an eligibility check by the FAST team, and then is evaluated by an independent Committee composed of a committee lead, and peer reviewers specializing in a corresponding subject area. The Committee receives the application package from FAST, thoroughly gets familiarized with it, then conducts peer interview with the candidate and registers the scores in the evaluation form in accordance with the assessment rubric.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE EVALUATION GUIDELINE. 

$65,000 - 125,000 per project per year

• Remuneration for the local researchers and students - 500 to 1200 USD monthly
• International travel, Capacity building activities - 15,000 USD
• Laboratory supporting materials - up to 25,000 USD
• International Principal Investigator’s travel expenses and honorarium - honorarium of 3,000 USD per visit (twice a year)