NFSAT - Moon - Lune

The National Foundation of Science and Advanced Technologies

The National Foundation of Science and Advanced Technologies, commonly referred to by its acronym NFSAT, is a non-profit organization established in 1997 through a legislative act of the Republic of Armenia. The primary mission of this entity is to accelerate the development of the scientific and technological potential of the country. This is achieved through the implementation of competitive grant systems and initiatives that encourage research excellence. The organization operates on the firm conviction that the quality of science produced in Armenia is a crucial element in determining the nation's healthy development and economic viability in the future. Consequently, NFSAT strives to nurture young scientists, encouraging them to adopt competitive research practices and participate in merit-based promotion systems. The website serves as a chronicle of these continuing efforts, documenting the foundation's activities, programs, and achievements over the years.

Mission and Core Philosophy

The core philosophy of NFSAT is rooted in the belief that no effort should be spared in supporting the scientific community. The organization posits that the scientific potential of the Republic of Armenia constitutes a significant part of the national wealth of the Armenian people. For decades, scientific activities in the region have served as a main artery sustaining liberalization and progressive ideas. During the Soviet era, science and culture were primary means by which Armenians engaged with the world, acting as a vital bridge between the Diaspora and the Motherland. In the present day, as a free and independent republic undergoing economic revival and democratization, science remains the cornerstone of radical reformation and a reliable guarantee for accomplishing national objectives.

NFSAT is confident that the Armenian scientific community will find a distinguished niche within the international scientific community, regardless of the length or complexity of the road ahead. The foundation supports scientific activities through a merit-based competitive grant system. The guiding principles of this system include adherence to the law, transparency of process, and equal consideration for all applicants, regardless of their status, position, or legacy. The scientific merits of the proposals received are the ultimate decisive elements for support. The organization is confident that this mechanism is the only guarantee of advanced and competitive scientific results, which, when transformed into technological innovations, will serve as the foundation for Armenia's economic development.

Organizational Structure and Governance

The governance of NFSAT is structured around a Scientific Board, which serves as the policy-making body of the organization. This board is composed of distinguished scientists and officials from various institutions within Armenia. The members of the Scientific Board include representatives from the National Academy of Sciences, the State Engineering University of Armenia, the Yerevan Physics Institute, and Yerevan State University. These individuals hold various academic degrees, including Doctor of Science in technical, physical-mathematical, biological, and chemical sciences, as well as Ph.D. degrees in related fields. The board oversees the strategic direction of the foundation and ensures that its activities align with the goals of promoting high-quality research.

In addition to the Scientific Board, NFSAT maintains an International Advisory Council. This council includes experts from prominent institutions in the United States, Russia, and Canada. Members of this advisory group are affiliated with organizations such as the Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Boston University, the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, the National Institute of Child and Human Development, the University of Toronto, and the Lebedev Physics Institute. The involvement of these international experts helps to ensure that NFSAT's programs meet global standards and facilitate the integration of Armenian scientists into the broader international scientific community.

The executive leadership of the foundation includes a Founding President and Chief Executive Officer, a Deputy CEO, Program Directors, and other administrative staff. The executive team is responsible for the day-to-day management of the foundation's programs, including the administration of grants, the organization of workshops, and the maintenance of relationships with partners and donors. The foundation also benefits from the support of various sponsors and individuals who are concerned with the development of Armenian science.

Funding and Financial Support

The financial operations of NFSAT are supported by a combination of sources. The primary source of funding has been the U.S. Civilian Research and Development Foundation (CRDF). Since its establishment, NFSAT has received several awards from CRDF, totaling approximately 3.5 million U.S. dollars, to support science and technology development in Armenia. The CRDF is a public-private partnership created to facilitate scientific and technological cooperation between the United States and countries of the former Soviet Union. It is a private, non-profit, charitable organization authorized by the Congress and established by the National Science Foundation in 1995.

In addition to CRDF funding, NFSAT receives support from other organizations and individuals. The foundation appeals to religious, public-political organizations, state and non-state enterprises, citizens of Armenia, and Diasporan Armenians to contribute to its activities. Sponsors and individuals can obtain information on the foundation's projects and make voluntary contributions to preferred areas of activity. The foundation also utilizes funds from bank interest accrued from short-term deposits and service fees received for sponsored activities. These funds are typically used to implement projects in accordance with the NFSAT mission, such as supporting international conferences and travel grants.

The foundation is committed to the transparent and efficient use of its limited funds. It submits its work to annual independent audits in accordance with international standards. These audits are conducted by independent auditors who review the financial statements and compliance with grant agreements. The foundation has also undergone independent performance evaluations by experts from the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Embassy, and the U.S. National Academy of Sciences. These evaluations have confirmed the effectiveness of NFSAT's approach to science funding and its positive impact on the Armenian scientific sector.

Grant Programs and Initiatives

NFSAT implements a variety of grant programs designed to support different aspects of scientific research and development. These programs are competitive and merit-based, with support determined exclusively by the scientific significance of the proposals as assessed through an international peer-review process. The foundation allocates funds directly to scientists and research teams to support their initiatives, rather than to institutions. All competitions are based on an open call for proposals, and the results are announced openly. As a rule, anonymous reviewer comments are returned to applicants to help them prepare for future rounds.

Collaborative Research Programs

One of the key areas of focus for NFSAT is the promotion of international collaborative research. The foundation has supported numerous Armenian-U.S. Bilateral Grants Programs, which facilitate joint research projects between Armenian and American scientists. These programs have resulted in significant scientific output, including publications in referred international journals and the development of new technologies. The collaborative nature of these grants helps to integrate Armenian scientists into the international scientific community and fosters long-term partnerships between research institutions in Armenia and the United States.

Research and Educational Programs

NFSAT also supports research and educational programs aimed at strengthening the scientific infrastructure in Armenia. These include the Young Scientists Support Program, which provides funding for research in the fields of physical, natural, and technical sciences. The Early Career Support Program is designed to support outstanding applications from early-career Armenian scientists and engineers, helping them to increase their ability to concentrate on full-time research and advance their visibility in the international research community. The Graduate Research Support Program provides financial support to post-graduate students to perform high-quality research and participate in international conferences.

Instrumentation for Scientific Infrastructure

Recognizing the importance of modern equipment in scientific research, NFSAT has implemented several programs to support the acquisition and maintenance of research tools. The Instrumentation for Scientific Infrastructure Program has funded the purchase of unique research equipment and the modernization of existing facilities. The foundation has also supported the creation of a National Scientific Network using fiber-optic technology, which connects research institutes and universities and provides access to supercomputers. This network enhances the capacity of Armenian scientists to conduct cutting-edge research and collaborate with international partners.

Travel Grant Programs

To facilitate the integration of Armenian scientists into the international scientific community, NFSAT offers various travel grant programs. These include the Travel Fellowship and Follow-on Grants Program, which supports research visits to the United States for young Armenian scientists and engineers. The Travel Support Program provides funding for participation in international scientific conferences and engineering professional society meetings in the United States and Europe. These programs help Armenian researchers to establish new contacts, explore research ideas using modern facilities, and receive training on modern scientific equipment.

International Scientific Conferences Support

NFSAT sponsors international scientific meetings and conferences held in Armenia on topics in the basic or applied sciences. These conferences are organized by Armenian research organizations with non-profit juridical status. The foundation supports these events to promote the integration of Armenian scientists with the international scientific community and to improve contacts between scientists from the South Caucasus countries. The participation of scientific representatives from a large number of former Soviet Union countries and Europe is a key criterion for support.

Training and Workshop Support

The foundation also organizes training and workshop programs to improve the skills of Armenian scientists and researchers. These include proposal writing seminars, grant administration workshops, and technology development and commercialization workshops. These programs help scientists to develop the skills necessary to compete for international grants and to commercialize their research results. The foundation also supports the participation of young Armenian researchers in international events, such as the European Scientific Open Forum.

Impact and Achievements

Since its establishment, NFSAT has had a significant impact on the Armenian science and technology sector. The foundation's activities have increased the domestic and international profile of Armenian science. Some of the key achievements include the support of 57 International Collaborative Research Grants, which resulted in more than 400 publications in referred international journals. The foundation has also supported 27 grants to strengthen research in universities, benefiting 49 grantees, many of whom are young researchers or post-graduate students.

NFSAT has funded 12 grants for research tools, including the acquisition of five unique research equipments. The foundation has organized 28 workshops for improving career skills, which have been attended by more than 1000 participants. It has also provided 100 travel grants, resulting in about 200 international conference abstract publications. Additionally, NFSAT has supported 12 international scientific conferences held in Armenia, involving 250 participants from other countries.

The foundation has also contributed to the development of 16 technologies with sound market potential. In 2004, NFSAT supported the creation of a National Scientific Network, which involved 31 research institutes and universities and three supercomputers. Currently, the foundation supports about 130 scientists in the fields of exact and natural sciences. The foundation's work has been recognized by the international community, and it has served as a model for the establishment of similar organizations in Moldova, Georgia, and Azerbaijan.

Partnerships and Collaboration

NFSAT collaborates with a wide range of partners, including international organizations, government bodies, and academic institutions. The foundation's primary partner is the U.S. Civilian Research and Development Foundation (CRDF), which provides the bulk of its funding. NFSAT also cooperates with the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the National Science Foundation (NSF), and the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Armenia. The foundation works closely with Yerevan State University and other major research institutions in Armenia.

In addition to its international partners, NFSAT collaborates with Diaspora organizations, such as the Armenian Engineers and Scientists of America (AESA), the Support Committee for Armenia's Cosmic Ray Division, the United Armenian Fund, and Bay Area Friends of Armenia. These partnerships help to strengthen the relations between Armenia and the Diaspora and to promote the development of Armenian science. The foundation also works with other organizations to support joint research and development activities in Armenia, offering a unique set of financial and project management services.

News and Updates

The website of NFSAT provides regular updates on the foundation's activities, including news about grant awards, workshops, and conferences. The foundation announces the results of its competitions and publishes lists of grantees. It also shares information about the achievements of Armenian scientists, highlighting their contributions to the international scientific community. The website serves as a resource for researchers, partners, and the public to stay informed about the latest developments in Armenian science and technology.

Conclusion

The National Foundation of Science and Advanced Technologies plays a vital role in the development of science and technology in Armenia. Through its competitive grant programs, international collaborations, and support for research infrastructure, NFSAT helps to strengthen the scientific potential of the country and to integrate Armenian scientists into the global scientific community. The foundation's commitment to merit-based funding, transparency, and equal opportunity has made it a respected and influential organization in the field of science funding. As Armenia continues to develop and modernize, NFSAT will remain a key player in supporting the nation's scientific and technological progress.