OPEN for Application! Phase 2 – ASEAN BCG Researcher Development Program 2023

Background

The Bio-Circular-Green Economic Model or BCG has been introduced by the research community and promoted by the Thai government as a new economic model that supports inclusive and sustainable growth while reducing waste, pollution and dependence on finite resources.

In January 2022 the ASEAN BCG Network was launched which is a coalition of public, private and non-government organizations in ASEAN committed to BCG and who are focused on building capacity in research, development and technology diffusion to enable the adoption of applicable technologies for sustainable development. The network will serve as a gateway to catalyze collaboration with other non-ASEAN organizations in research, technology demonstration, technology localization and commercialization on BCG.

Program Overview

The program consists of 2 phases. The 1^st phase will offer opportunities for ASEAN researchers to improve essential researcher skills such as critical thinking, science communication, and networking skills through a series of online courses.

In Phase 2, 30 researchers selected from the 1^st phase will participate in an on-site program in Thailand. Mentors will work with researchers to strengthen their proposal writing and project leadership skills and support them in developing a research funding proposal that can respond to global food, energy, and environmental challenges. 

Phase 2 – ASEAN BCG Researcher Development Program

On-site Workshops and Site Visits

Phase 2 of the ASEAN BCG Researcher Development Program will take place in Thailand. Experienced mentors will guide participants in improving their project leadership and proposal writing skills, and support them in developing a research funding proposal support them in developing a research funding proposal that can respond to global food, energy, and environmental challenges.

At the end of the course, the candidates will be asked to present their proposal to the program organisers.

Applicant Profile

Potential applicants are early to mid-career postdoctoral researchers from ASEAN who have following:

• A doctoral degree or at least 3 years of equivalent research experience
• The age limit for applying is to 45 years and holding nationality of any of the ASEAN Member State
• Have a permanent position at an academic or research institution in ASEAN
• Excellent command of spoken and written English

To participate in Phase 2, applicants must have attended 70% the online seminars in Phase 1.   

Selection Process

30 participants will be selected from Phase 1 based on the candidate’s profile (CV) and a short expose (500 words) explaining how their own research connects with BCG and addresses both national and ASEAN priorities. (500 words).

The required documentation includes a recommendation letter from their university or research institute detailing how this program will benefit the applicant’s career path.

Exposé

• A 1-page exposé of no more than 500 words outlining your intended research project will be required from applicants. The exposé should include the following sections and information:
• Applicant name, disciplinary area of the proposal, and title of the project;
• Introduction of scientific background: the introduction of your research idea based on a related BCG concept in at least 1 topic; 1) agriculture and food 2) health and medical 3) energy, materials, and biochemicals 4) tourism and creative economy
• Specify areas of cooperation for ASEAN or dialogue partners
• Approach: briefly describe the procedure, e.g., the methods to achieve your project’s purpose.

Academic CV

Please provide a 1-page resumé of your academic career and specify your area of ​​expertise.

Letter of Support

Please submit a 1-page letter of support from your affiliated institution with details on the human resource development and/or the expected career path of the candidate after passing the program.

File Format

Please title all PDF files as below:

“familyname_firstname_expose”

“familyname_firstname_CV”

“familyname_firstname_letterofsupport” 

Selection Criteria

After completing the online course and providing all documentation of exposé and CV, the applicants will be considered according to the selection procedure as below:

• Qualification
  The applicants’ CVs display a transparent career path.

• Relevance
  The proposal shows evidence of scientific value. The project has the potential to produce a high-quality scientific product or publication. The synopsis indicates the extent to which new ideas in the field can be generated or the extent to which established concepts can be revised.

• Quality
  The synopsis addresses all the topics discussed in the course: 1) introduction 2) aim 3) methodology and 4) relevance. The synopsis is written in such a way that a person without proper knowledge of the topic can assess the scientific value of the proposed project. Additionally, the proposal has coherent and comprehensible ideas for proposing to international funding organizations.

Open for application from 5 April – 1 May 2023. Submit the application at aseanbcg@nstda.or.th.

The selection results for Phase 2 will be announced by the beginning of June 2023. Committee judgment is considered as final.