Advance Research Grants

2022

ADVANCE Research Grants

Unprecedented platform to bring the top-notch expertise in the targeted STEM-related fields in Armenia

PARTNERS

back to programs

General Information

The ADVANCE Research Grants program, established in 2020, is one of our core initiatives aimed at fostering the development of scientific directions in STEM-related fields in Armenia. Over the past four years, this innovative framework has proven successful, generating significant impact. Starting in January 2025, the program continues under the funding and administration of the Higher Education and Science Committee of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of the Republic of Armenia.

Since 2020, the Program saw 9 groundbreaking research projects formed under the leadership of prominent STEM scientists from Belgium, Chile, France, Germany, USA. Two projects: Machine Learning and Biotechnology successfully concluded their 4-year journey in September 2024.

88 researchers benefitted. 6 local institutions expanded their research laboratories by hosting the research teams. 30 publications have been made in top scientific journals so far. Dozens of academic courses were conducted by the Principal Investigators for the local academic community, involving 770 beneficiaries.

About the program

ADVANCE pioneering platform invited distinguished scientists from all around the world to lead new teams of ambitious Armenian researchers. The experience and network these emerging Armenian researchers gained in the program boosted their professional growth, enabled effective global collaboration, and significantly increased research output in target fields. The comprehensive financial and logistical support provided by FAST and its partners worked toward putting Armenia on the map of cutting-edge scientific research worldwide.

PIs engaged

local researchers funded

courses/workshops organized

The grants were provided for 3 to 4 years to the research groups formed in Armenia around a project proposed and led by a distinguished Principal Investigator from abroad.

Aiming to foster inter-institutional and interdisciplinary connections, we had put together diverse and multi-faceted research groups, where there is a lot to learn from each other. Researchers from a number of different institutions in Armenia and beyond got enrolled and benefitted from the program. You can find out more about each research project 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 conduct credit-based and non-formal courses at local universities, helping nurture aspiring researchers in relevant fields of study.

Granting scheme

The grant includes the following budget lines:

PI’s travel expenses and coverage of expenses during their visit to Armenia,
Grants 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.

Grant Amount

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

Grants for the local researchers and students - 300 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)

Evaluation Procedure

Every application underwent an eligibility check by the FAST team, and then was evaluated by an independent Committee composed of a committee lead, and peer reviewers specializing in a corresponding subject area.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE EVALUATION GUIDELINE.

Publications