Application Guidelines

Are you a marine geologist or marine biologist interested in working with your colleagues on a deep-sea research initiative? Are you interested in training programmes to build upon your skills and expertise?

We invite scientists and technical personnel from developing countries to apply for assistance through the Fund. To be eligible for assistance, scientists, researchers and technicians must have three to four (or more) years of experience in a relevant field for marine scientific research.

I.   APPLICATIONS FOR ASSISTANCE

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1.   Financial assistance may be sought for the following purposes:

  • Participation of qualified scientists and technical personnel from developing countries in marine scientific research programmes or scientific cooperation;
  • Training programme;
  • Technical assistance.

2.   Application should normally be submitted by a developing country that is a member of the International Seabed Authority. Applications may be accepted from any other country if the application demonstrates that it will benefit scientists from developing countries.

II.   INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS

It is particularly important that the purpose for which assistance is sought contain the following information in sufficient detail to enable the application to be considered and evaluated by the Advisory Panel. The application should be accompanied by the following detailed information under each purpose:

1.   Participation in marine scientific research programmes or scientific cooperation

  • A specification of the nature and objectives of the marine scientific research programme;
  • An outline of the method and means to be used;
  • The name of any sponsoring or participating institution(s) and the person(s) in charge of the project;
  • A statement on the extent to which it is considered that individuals from developing countries will be able to participate in and benefit from the project;
  • The curricula vitae of all developing country personnel who are proposed to benefit from assistance from the Fund;
  • Information on the duration and location of the marine scientific research programme or scientific cooperation;
  • An itemized statement of the estimated costs for which assistance is requested;
  • A statement on the extent to which the proposed activity is consistent with the purposes and objectives of the Fund. 

2.   Training Programmes

  • A specification of the goal of the training and the positions the trainees are intended to fill afterwards;
  • Information on the training institute(s) or entity in question;
  • A copy of the training course(s);
  • A schedule for the training programme;
  • The curricula vitae of the trainees; 
  • An itemized statement of the estimated costs for which assistance is requested;
  • A statement from the candidate as to how he or she expects to benefit from the training programme and how it would assist in the development of his or her career or vocation;
  • A statement on the extent to which the proposed activity is consistent with the purposes and objectives of the Fund.

Notes for the application for training programmes

i)    An award from the Fund for the purpose of training or a fellowship may cover course fees, unless these fees are waived by the partner institution or entity, as well as costs of travel, maintenance and accommodation allowances, and medical insurance. Payments for maintenance are intended to cover only normal living expenses and shall be made in accordance with the policies and practices governing the administration of United Nations fellowships and training.
ii)    Awards will not, in principle, be granted for the pursuit of academic studies leading to degrees or diplomas. Training programmes may incorporate, when appropriate, instruction that is both general and specialized, and theoretical and practical.

3.   Technical Assistance

  • A specification of the nature and objectives of the technical assistance and the benefits to be derived therefrom;
  • An outline of the technical assistance programme;
  • The name of any sponsoring or participating institution(s) and the person(s) in charge of the project;
  • The curricula vitae of all consultants who are proposed to provide the technical assistance;
  • An itemized statement of the estimated costs for which assistance is requested;
  • A statement on the extent to which the proposed activity is consistent with the purposes and objectives of the Fund.

III.    SUBMITTING APPLICATIONS

The Endowment Fund Application Form should be submitted to the International Seabed Authority in both electronic and hard-copy formats. Please note that seven (7) hard copies of the application are required.

Applications should be received at least three months before the proposed date of commencement of the training programme or research activity for which financial assistance is sought.

Applications should be submitted to:

The Secretariat
International Seabed Authority
14/20 Port Royal Street
Kingston, Jamaica
Fax: 1 876 922 0195
E-mail: E-fund@isa.org.jm