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Press Releases
CRDF periodically releases news items of general or topical interest. If you are a member of the press and wish to receive media alerts, please sign up for our mailing list. Please direct all media inquires to EA Dyson, 703-526-2339, or e-mail the CRDF Media Relations office.
CRDF Co-Sponsors Lecture Exploring Science and Economic Growth in Africa
January 9, 2009In a public lecture today (Jan. 9), Harvard professor Calestous Juma explored the role emerging technologies can play in fostering economic growth and improving human welfare in Africa. His talk focused on new opportunities for international cooperation on development issues in light of the current global food and financial crises. CRDF co-sponsored the public lecture, which was hosted by the National Academy of Sciences. Click here to listen to the lecture and view the Powerpoint presentation.
Workshops Help Ukrainian Scientists Develop Tech Entrepreneurship Skills
January 8, 2009A fall 2008 workshop series—organized by the U.S. Civilian Research & Development Foundation’s (CRDF) Science and Technology Entrepreneur Programs (STEP)—provided Ukrainian scientists with the information they need to turn their discoveries into successful startups. The workshops, entitled “From Idea to Market,” took place in two historic cities in the heart of Ukraine, Kharkov (Sept. 25-26) and Kyiv (Sept. 29-30).
New Research and Education Center to Focus on Energy Efficiency Technologies in Ukraine
December 22, 2008The U.S. Civilian Research & Development Foundation (CRDF), the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Ministry of Ukraine for Education and Science (MESU) are pleased to announce the creation of a new Research and Education Center to be located at the Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University in Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine. The new center -- “Nanomaterials in Energy Generation and Accumulation Devices” -- will carry out fundamental and applied research in nanotechnologies for energy efficiency such as cathode, solar-electric and thermoelectric materials.
Q&A with Chuprunov Evgeniy Vladimirovich, the Rector of Nizhiy Novgorod State University
December 17, 2008Chuprunov Evgeniy Vladimirovich, the new rector of Nizhiy Novgorod State University (UNN), answers questions about strengthening science and engineering research education in Russia, international collaboration and related issues. Vladimirovich attended a conference held Oct. 20-21, 2008 in Nizhniy Novgorod to commemorate the 10th anniversary of CRDF's Basic Research and Higher Education (BRHE) program, which transforms and reinvigorates the training of young Russian scientists by strengthening the basic research capabilities of Russian universities.
Venture Competition Promotes Business Growth in Armenia
December 4, 2008Helping Armenian science and technology entrepreneurs bring their new products to the marketplace was the main theme of a business partnership grant competition held in Yerevan, Armenia on Oct. 17, 2008. The competition -- sponsored by the U.S. Civilian Research & Development Foundation's (CRDF) Science & Technology Entrepreneur Programs (STEP) and organized by Enterprise Incubator Foundation (EIF) awarded five grants to teams of Armenian scientists who have partnered with local companies to pursue income-generating commercial projects.
Fall Activities Highlight Innovation, S&T Entrepreneurship
December 4, 2008CRDF’s programs and activities in innovation continue to address urgent issues of global entrepreneurship and technology commercialization. Highlights from the last quarter are presented. You can also visit the Innovation page for more information about our industry partnerships.
Welcome Message from President and CEO Cathy Campbell: “Promoting Positive Change through Innovation”
December 4, 2008In her welcome message for the December 2008 issue of Forge, President and CEO Cathy Campbell writes : "As part of our mission, CRDF promotes positive change by introducing international best practices and proven institutional models in science, higher education and technology commercialization. One of our major approaches is to focus on partnerships and training that foster invention, innovation, entrepreneurship and the commercialization of technology."
Conference Commemorates 10th Anniversary of U.S.-Russian Higher Education Program
October 23, 2008A conference held Oct. 20-21, 2008 in Nizhniy Novgorod, Russia commemorated the 10th anniversary of CRDF's Basic Research and Higher Education (BRHE) program, which transforms and reinvigorates the training of young Russian scientists by strengthening the basic research capabilities of Russian universities. The Pan-REC Conference—of which this conference is the 8th—is an annual event that brings together representatives from the BRHE program's 20 Research and Education Centers (RECs) to present scientific research and share experiences.
CRDF to Promote Partner Development Program at Russian Venture Forum
October 7, 2008CRDF’s Partner Development Program (PDP) creates partnerships between U.S. businesses and Russian S&T entrepreneurs, and CRDF President and CEO Cathy Campbell will promote the potential of these partnerships at the 2008 Russian Venture Forum. The forum—which will take place Oct. 8-10 in St. Petersburg, Russia—will bring together leading local and international investors and innovative high-tech business leaders.
Now Available: Speech Transcript of Ambassador Thomas R. Pickering
September 24, 2008First CRDF George Brown Award Recipient Dr. Yuri Osipyan Dies
September 12, 2008Podcast: “A Drive to Learn”
August 29, 2008This Week in Science host Kirsten Sanford describes her recent experience teaching at CRDF’s intensive English language training camp held June 29 to July 19, 2008 in Tambov, Russia.
Meetings Held in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Jordan
August 18, 2008CRDF delegations traveled to the Middle East region in the spring and summer of 2008 for a series of meetings in Qatar, Jordan and Saudi Arabia.
CRDF Participates in Collaborative HIV/AIDS Events
August 18, 2008CRDF continues to be an active leader in supporting interdisciplinary approaches to preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS throughout Eurasia—and its participation in two recent National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) events underscores a strong commitment to building lasting connections between U.S. and Eurasian public health researchers.
CRDF Delegation Visits Azerbaijan
August 18, 2008A delegation from CRDF traveled to Baku, Azerbaijan between May 18-23, 2008 to hold meetings with key Azeri and U.S. representatives.
CRDF Co-Sponsors Second Russia – U.S. Entrepreneurial Forum
August 18, 2008CRDF was among the co-sponsors of the Second Russia – U.S. Entrepreneurial Forum, which took place on June 25, 2008 at the National Hotel in Moscow. This invitation-only event focused on policies that promote entrepreneurship and identify international experiences stimulating entrepreneurship that may apply to Russia. The other forum co-sponsors included The U.S. Russia Center for Entrepreneurship and OPORA Rossii in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Kauffman Foundation.
Competition Launched for New Research Center for Energy Efficiency in Ukraine
August 18, 2008CRDF has just announced a competition to select and establish a major research and education center for energy efficiency in Ukraine. This center will be the second in a planned series of new research and education centers in Ukraine that will address key economic priority areas. These CREST (Cooperation in Research and Education in Science and Technology) centers are jointly funded by public and private sector partners.
Report Calls for Creation of Cabinet-level Science Advisor Position
August 18, 2008Dr. Rodney Nichols, a member of CRDF’s Board of Directors and president emeritus of the New York Academy of Sciences, co-authored a report released June 17 by the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars that recommends enhancing the science and technology policymaking capacity of the White House so the next president can better address key issues facing the nation.
Welcome Message from President and CEO Cathy Campbell: “Why the U.S. Must Do More to Engage Our Scientists and Engineers in International Collaboration”
August 18, 2008Welcome to another issue of Forge. In this newsletter, you will find many examples showing how international science collaboration builds bridges between the nations of the world. CRDF strongly believes that science is an essential part of diplomacy—and we’re working hard to make the case heard.
Innovative Entrepreneurship Conference Held in Azerbaijan
July 25, 2008A match-making event aimed at strengthening cooperation between local scientists and the business community took place in Baku, Azerbaijan on July 15, 2008. The conference -- entitled “Support for Innovative Entrepreneurship in Azerbaijan” -- was hosted by U.S. Civilian Research & Development Foundation (CRDF), the Azeri Ministry of Economic Development and the Azerbaijan National Science Foundation (ANSF).
CRDF Testifies Before House Committee on Science and Technology
July 11, 2008Dr. William Wulf, a member of CRDF's Board of Directors, testified on behalf of CRDF at a July 15 hearing before the House Science and Technology Subcommittee on Research and Science Education about the role of nongovernmental organizations and universities in international science and technology cooperation. The hearing highlighted the importance of engaging some of our most valued resources in the United States, our scientists and engineers, to help lead the world toward global solutions for global challenges to build peace and prosperity for all.
Dr. E. Daniel Hirleman to Receive 2008 George Brown Award
June 25, 2008Arlington, VA – The U.S. Civilian Research & Development Foundation (CRDF) has announced Dr. Edwin Daniel Hirleman, professor and head of the School of Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University, as the recipient of its 2008 George Brown Award for International Scientific Cooperation in recognition of his outstanding commitment to international education and cooperative research.
Washington Congressman Calls for Return to American “Science Diplomacy” in the Middle East
June 24, 2008Rep. Brian Baird (D-WA), in an interview with Conversations, is urging the United States to resume its role as, “a leader in science diplomacy” in the Middle East. Rep. Baird is the second member of the House of Representatives to promote science-based diplomacy along with Rep. Rush Holt (D-NJ), who appeared in a previous edition.
No Simple Answer” to Role of Science in U.S.-Middle East Relations, Expert Says
June 23, 2008According to Thomas Lippman, adjunct scholar with the Middle East Institute, there are both advantages and accompanying concerns regarding scientific collaboration in the Middle East. Lippman’s remarks appear in the latest edition of CRDF's Conversations – an online discussion focused on the transforming impact of science.
U.S., Arab Journalists Have Much to Learn From Each Other
June 23, 2008Dr. Nadia el-Awady, President of the Arab Science Journalists Association, sees an opportunity to build valuable relationships between science journalists in the Middle East and those in developed nations. Her remarks appear in the latest edition of CRDF's Conversations – an online discussion focused on the transforming impact of science.
Cathy Campbell Briefs International Journalists on CRDF's Work in Central Asia
June 19, 2008CRDF President and CEO Cathy Campbell was the featured speaker at the June 18 World Learning Visitor Exchange Program for foreign journalists covering the U.S. government, politics and foreign policy.
Business Training Events Held in Russia
May 8, 2008Two CRDF business training events took place in Russia in March and April. The first -- a conference entitled "Practical Issues of Financing Technology Transfer: How to Deal with Investors" and co-sponsored by CRDF and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) -- was held in Kazan on March 27-28. The second -- a regional business training workshop co-sponsored by CRDF and the U.S.-Russia Center for Entrepreneurship -- was held in Nizhny Novgorod on March 31-April 3.
CRDF Signs New Protocols with Ukraine
May 8, 2008CRDF leaders traveled to Ukraine during the week of March 17 to focus on financial and programmatic development of the new Cooperation in Research and Education in Science and Technology (CREST) program. CREST was established by CRDF and the Ministry of Ukraine for Education and Science (MES) to promote the integration of research and education in Ukrainian universities.
Dr. Gloria Duffy Honored at Reception
May 8, 2008A reception was held on February 28, 2008 to honor Dr. Gloria Duffy for ten years of outstanding service as Chair of the CRDF Board of Directors. Attendees included members of CRDF’s Board, staff, government and business officials. The Ambassador of Moldova, His Excellency Nicolae Chirtoaca; Ambassador of Tajikistan, His Excellency Abdujabbor Shirinov; and former CRDF presidents Gerson Sher and Tom Owens were also in attendance.
Welcome Message from President and CEO Cathy Campbell: “Building Knowledge-based Economies”
May 8, 2008Welcome to this spring’s issue of Forge. This edition features articles that illuminate CRDF’s success in developing and executing innovative programs and services in a growing number of countries. Since the last issue, we have been especially active in working with partners in the Middle East and North Africa to respond to priorities from that region.
Commercialization Business Training Held in Kazakhstan
May 1, 2008Conversations: Alan Hamlet Calls for Mitigation, Adaptation in Response to Climate Change
March 31, 2008Arlington, VA – Dr. Alan Hamlet, a research assistant professor at the University of Washington’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, is urging that steps be taken to mitigate future emissions that contribute to climate change while adapting to current circumstances. Dr. Hamlet’s comments appear in the latest edition of CRDF's Conversations – an online discussion focused on the transforming impact of science.
Conversations: Kevin Knobloch Says Science is Key to Fighting off 'Catastrophic Impacts' of Climate Change
March 31, 2008Arlington, VA – Kevin Knobloch, president of the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS), is calling for urgent change and a rapid, immediate reduction of emissions to combat the effects of global warming. Knobloch’s comments appear in the latest edition of CRDF's Conversations – an online discussion focused on the transforming impact of science.
Conversations: Maria Blair Emphasizes Urgency of Climate Change Policy, Impact on Poor and Vulnerable People
March 31, 2008Arlington, VA – Maria Blair, associate vice president and managing director of the Rockefeller Foundation, called to attention the immediate need for practical use of data regarding global climate change. Blair’s comments appear in the latest edition of CRDF's Conversations – an online discussion focused on the transforming impact of science.
Promoting Iraqi Infrastructure Reconstruction through a U.S. Public-Private Partnership
March 19, 2008CRDF has been given responsibility for implementing an impressive new public-private partnership aimed to significantly further reconstruction efforts in Iraq. Supported by the U.S. Departments of Defense and State, the Iraq Engineering Enhancement Program (IEEP) has selected five Iraqi engineers to participate in internships with universities and private sector engineering firms in the United States.
CRDF Makes Grand Showing at AAAS Boston
February 21, 2008The theme “Science and Technology from a Global Perspective” proved an appropriate backdrop during the 2008 Annual Meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in Boston, February 13-18, where CRDF made its presence known and felt
CRDF Hosts First Annual Business Partnership Grants Competition Venture Forum in Kazakhstan
January 30, 2008A venture forum showcasing early stage technologies developed by Kazakhstani. scientists took place on Dec. 7, 2007, in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The forum—jointly organized by CRDF's Science & Technology Entrepreneurship Program (STEP) and the National Center of Scientific and Technological Information (NCSTI) of the Republic of Kazakhstan—featured six science and business teams who presented their innovations and business plans to a panel of seasoned venture capitalists and investors from the U.S. and Kazakhstan, which judged the proposals based on their feasibility. Click here to read more. The presenting teams had already passed the first round of a previously held business partnership grant competition.
Malta III Conference Identifies Future Opportunities for Middle East Collaboration
January 30, 2008Dr. Charles Dunlap, CRDF senior program manager, attended a conference co-organized by CRDF entitled "Frontiers of Chemical Sciences III: Research and Education in the Middle East" between Dec. 8-12, 2007 in Istanbul, Turkey. The conference—better known as the Malta-III conference—served to identify unique opportunities for collaboration to meet challenges for economic and social development in the region, including science education, water and the environment, medicinal chemistry, materials science, nanotechnology and solar energy.
CRDF to Assist in the Development of KAUST Global Research Partnership
January 30, 2008In August 2007 the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)—a graduate research university under development in Saudi Arabia—engaged the U.S. Civilian Research & Development Foundation (CRDF) to lend its expertise to facilitate the development of a new program called the Global Research Partnership (GRP). GRP will provide a significant source of support to, and collaboration with, leading scientific research centers and individual scientists around the globe. It will devote resources over the next ten years for institutions and individual investigators conducting advanced research in the areas of science and technology that are important to Saudi Arabia, the region and the world.
Board Election Results Announced
January 30, 2008CRDF is pleased to announce the election results from its Board of Directors meeting held in October 2007. The Board has elected Dr. John Moore, president emeritus of Grove City College and current vice chair, as chair, and Ms. Rose Gottemoeller, director of the Carnegie Moscow Center, as vice chair. These changes will take place on Jan. 1, 2008. Click here to read more.
CRDF is also pleased to welcome three new members to its Board of Directors—Dr. Jaleh Daie, a managing partner of Aurora Equity, Dr. Rodney Nichols, the former president and chief executive officer of the New York Academy of Sciences, and Dr. William Wulf, the immediate past president of the National Academy of Engineering. Their terms will begin Jan. 1, 2008. Click here to read more.
CRDF Co-Sponsors Summit on Biofuels in Ukraine
January 30, 2008The First International Summit on Biofuels Research and Business Opportunities in Ukraine took place Dec. 9-11, 2007 in Kyiv, Ukraine. The summit focused on biofuel production, technologies and market conditions in Ukraine and built relationships between farmers, biofuel producers, scientists and others interested in biofuel production.
Welcome Message from John Moore
January 30, 2008I have been on CRDF’s Board of Directors since CRDF began in 1995. It is an honor to be elected Chair of the Board of Directors and to guide CRDF as it embraces the many challenges and enormous opportunities that lie ahead. As Chair, I have a tough act to follow. Dr. Gloria Duffy served as Board Chair for 10 years and she did a wonderful job for this organization. She saw it through some hard times and some very good times as well. We all owe a great deal to Gloria and are pleased that she will continue as an active member of the Board.
Message from President and CEO Cathy Campbell: “A New Year of Opportunities”
January 30, 2008I hope you find this first issue of 2008 to be a useful way to stay informed about the activities of CRDF, its partners and its grantees. As we begin this new year, I am particularly pleased to introduce Forge readers to the new chair of the CRDF Board of Directors, Dr. John Moore. Dr. Moore succeeds Dr. Gloria Duffy, who continues on the Board as Chair Emeritus. A founding member of the CRDF Board of Directors and former president of Grove City College, Dr. Moore brings a wealth of experience to this position. I invite you to read Dr. Moore’s welcome message here.
U.S. – Azerbaijan Research Program Awards $680,000 to Increase Science & Technology Cooperation
January 14, 2008Arlington, VA - CRDF, the Azerbaijan National Science Foundation (ANSF) and the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS) have awarded $40,000 to 17 joint U.S. – Azerbaijan research teams, for up two years, under their Bilateral Grants Program.
CRDF, MRDA and ASM Fund New Generation of Moldovan Scientists
January 7, 2008CRDF, the Moldovan Research and Development Association (MRDA) and the Academy of Sciences of Moldova are pleased to announce the results of the Moldovan Young Scientists Support Program (MYSSP) competition. The program will be jointly funded and administered, will award a total of $60,000 in grants to eight of Moldova’s most exceptional young scientists.
CRDF, MRDA and ASM Support Moldovan Scientific Infrastructure Development
January 7, 2008CRDF, the Moldovan Research and Development Association (MRDA) and the Academy of Sciences of Moldova have awarded a total of $360,000 in grants to four Moldovan institutions for the purchase of scientific equipment essential to high quality research.
CRDF Honors Two Scientists for International Science Collaboration
October 16, 2007Addressing the Global AIDS Challenge on a Personal Level
August 8, 2007Duke University and a group of Russian specialists in St. Petersburg have partnered to explore the use of an integrative treatment model that combines education and open discussion to encourage and empower at-risk Russian women to pursue healthier lifestyles for themselves and their children.
Cooperation in Research and Education in Science and Technology in Ukraine (CREST)
July 19, 2007CRDF Announces 2007 George Brown Award Winners
July 3, 2007CRDF Provides Logistical Support for CDC-Sponsored Training in Russia
May 31, 2007Training sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for Russian pediatricians and HIV specialists on treating HIV infection in children and preventing mother-to-child transmission took place in St. Petersburg, Russia on March 20-23, 2007. CRDF provided logistical support for the meeting though a contract with CDC/DRH (Department of Reproductive Health).
CRDF Launches CREST Program in Ukraine
May 21, 2007BRHE Governing Council Member Dr. Nicolai Plate Dies
March 23, 2007CRDF mourns the passing of Dr. Nicolai Plate, an internationally respected researcher, and a leader of the Russian scientific community. Though Academician Plate is well-known for his contributions to the fields of chemistry and material sciences, he is best remembered at CRDF for the significant role that he played in its Basic Research and Higher Education (BRHE) program.
CRDF's HIV/AIDS initiative: A Year in Review
November 30, 2006With Eastern Europe and Central Asia experiencing some of the world’s fastest HIV/AIDS growth rates, the region’s scientists and healthcare workers are facing a tremendous challenge combating this pandemic. At the same time, these countries are also confronting a resurgence of tuberculosis, Hepatitis C, and other related diseases. Without intervention, these diseases will have major consequences on the growth and development of the Eurasian countries, as well as the global community.
George Brown Award 2006 Recipient: Dr. King Holmes
November 3, 2006CRDF CEO Cathleen Campbell Speaks at USRBC Annual Directors Meeting
October 16, 2006For American businesses eyeing the international marketplace, Russia provides both attractive opportunities as well as potential challenges. A CRDF delegation provided practical steps and insight into this issue, during the New York City meeting of the US-Russia Business Council (USRBC) on October 11-12.
CRDF, ANSF, MoE Announce $300,000 Research and Education Grant
September 21, 2006CRDF Hosts Manufacturing Caucus on Hill
August 3, 2006Access to highly skilled individuals and their ideas is a critical component of American economic growth and competitiveness for thousands of manufacturing companies. CRDF recently had the opportunity to highlight its successes helping domestic businesses to access technical expertise from nearly 20 countries as a briefing for the House Manufacturing Caucus.
Ohio Businesses and Investors Continue Advancement to Global Market at International Forum
June 14, 2006CLEVELAND, OH—06/12/06—Business leaders, private investors and government officials gathered in Cleveland for the Eurasian Innovation & Investment Forum June 6-8, 2006. The two-day Forum served as the crucial first step toward creating more globally aware and competitive businesses in Ohio; providing access to technologies from Russian, Ukrainian and Armenian researchers and to enter into mutually beneficial collaborations that will stimulate growth in Ohio.
Chornobyl's Effects and Lessons
April 28, 2006The consequences of the Chornobyl accident have played out for two decades in the economies, health, environments and psyches of millions of Ukrainians, Belarusians, Russians and many others. Despite hundreds of research studies and conflicting views, all experts agree that the accident at reactor four has created a grim legacy—and a lesson for the future.
GAP Receives High Marks from Clients
March 31, 2006A recent survey of Grant Assistance Program clients revealed high confidence, high efficacy, and overall high satisfaction. The responses received from both sponsors and recipients were overwhelmingly positive and indicate the value of the program's core strengths.