Global Science Corps

The Global Science Corps (GSC), an innovative program in international scientific cooperation, will place scientists and engineers (“GSC Fellows”) from scientifically advanced countries at universities and research institutes in developing countries to share expertise and collaborate with local partners.  

Originally conceived as a standalone program offering yearlong fellowships, the GSC will begin as an integral part of the Regional Initiative in Science and Education (RISE). Initially, RISE network institutions will serve as host sites for visiting faculty. As the program develops and additional funds become available, MSI Centers and other centers of scientific activity, research and training that are at a comparable level of excellence will also participate.

The objectives of the GSC are to:

• help the host institution develop its S&T research capacity through interaction with and instruction from the Fellow;
• promote sustained collaboration between the Fellow and the researchers at the host institution even after the formal placement has ended, through electronic communication and return visits;
• provide the GSC Fellow with a unique and valuable research experience;
• establish an alumni network of GSC Fellows and host scientists.

The concept for the GSC was introduced by SIG board member Harold Varmus at the Nobel Prize Centennial in Stockholm in December 2001. He proposed “establishing an International Corps for Global Science to allow science missionaries, young and old, to help build a global culture of science by working in those parts of the world that are underserved by science now.” (Full text)