Purpose
The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) instituted the “Italian Bilateral Scientific Cooperation Award” in the year 2017 to recognize an Italian eminent scientist who, in performing his/her research abroad, has made a remarkable contribution to the advancement of science and technology, thus improving Italy’s S&T relations with foreign countries and with International Organizations.
The award is presented during the Italian Scientific Attachés Conference in Italy to be held in Rome on January 10, 2017. All fields of science and technology are included under this award. The award consists of an engraved medal and a certificate of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
Eligibility
- The “Italian Bilateral Scientific Cooperation Award” is available to Italian scientists and researchers who have given an outstanding contribution in the field of science and technology and in the field of the advancement of scientific cooperation, through her/his activity in one of the following countries: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, Egypt, France, Germany, Japan, Great Britain, India, Israel, Mexico, The Netherlands, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Serbia, Spain, USA, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland and Vietnam.
- The nominee should be living and working in the country where they are nominated for the award, at least since January 1st 2014.
- A nomination should be provided by a Fellow of any of the Director of Scientific Academy, University, Research Institute, eminent scientist, Head of a S&T Department of the Governments of the Country in which the nominee is working.
- The nominee should have an excellent academic career and should have joint publications in high impact journals and/or should have invented technologies supported by local / International patents, in collaboration with the scientists and researchers from the above-mentioned Countries in which she/he lives and works. Research in multilateral organizations hosted in the above-mentioned Countries will be considered as well.
- Age limit of the nominee: 45 years or below at the time of the submission of the nomination. the award will be granted without any restriction of sex, race or religion.
Evaluation Criteria and Mode of Selection
Nominees will be evaluated on the following criteria:
- The scientific impact of the applicant’s work and research
- Relevance of the applicant’s work to Italy’s S&T cooperation with the above-mentioned Countries
- Potential for significant, long-term collaboration
- Potential to broaden the collaboration to a wider, institutional level
- Applicant’s contribution to creative/innovative collaboration models
- Applicant’s efficient and innovative use of research infrastructures
The Award Committee, chaired by Minister Plenipotentiary of MAECI, Mr Fabrizio Nicoletti, will be composed by Presidents of the major Italian Research and Academic Institutions.
The Award Committee will communicate the winner of the Award by mid-December 2016.
The winner of the Italian Bilateral Cooperation Award will be awarded in a Ceremony at the MAECI on January 10th 2017 at the presence of Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Paolo Gentiloni, and the Minister of Education, University and Research, Stefania Giannini.
How to Apply
The Call for Nomination will be published on the websites of the Italian Embassies in the above-listed Countries.
Any scientist and institution willing to present a nomination may submit the format herewith enclosed by November 5th to the following email address: ilcairo.scienza@esteri.it
