The U.S. Civilian Research & Development Foundation is working to improve the conditions for conducting scientific research and education in many of the countries of Eurasia, which are still feeling the effects of the post-Soviet emigration of scientists, and a historical lack of research and training opportunities for university science students, which together pose a long-term challenge to technologic growth and stability.

CRDF's Centers & Institution Building program meets the challenge by building sustainable institutions patterned on successful international analogs that will enable Eurasian scientists to develop national and global science and technology advances.

Through its Basic Research and Higher Education Program (BRHE), CRDF is working with the Russian Ministry of Education and Science to integrate research and education thereby strengthening the basic research capabilities of universities and their ability to train the next generation of Russian scientists. Twenty university-based Research and Education Centers (RECs) grant students and faculty access to state-of-the-art research equipment and provide training in research management, technology transfer, and the English language, which further facilitates the integration of young Russian scientists into world science. 

CRDF and the Ministry of Ukraine for Education and Science (MES)  launched the Cooperation in Research and Education in Science and Technology (CREST) to strengthen the research component of Ukrainian universities, create a modern experimental base, and promote integration of science and education in Ukrainian higher education institutions.

CRDF has also established twenty-one Regional Experimental Support Centers (RESCs) in eight nations across Eurasia.  These centers are developed at selected civilian research institutes through major equipment grants from CRDF. By giving users at local research institutes, universities, and for-profit companies access to this analytical equipment, their ability to perform high quality basic and applied research is increased. The analytical services these centers offer should attract investment from the companies that drive the regions' economies forward.          

Finally, in coordination with national governments, CRDF has established independent institutions in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Moldova that will continue to promote each nation's scientific and technological progress by offering competitive merit-based grants. These institutions fund research across all fields; peer-review ensures quality and relevance to the nation's needs. More importantly, they serve as models of world-class research management that teach scientists how to compete in a market-based economy where grant proposals and industry collaborations are essential. Bilateral grants competitions co-funded by CRDF and each national institute provide support for international research collaborations in basic and applied sciences. 

For each nation to see lasting scientific and technological progress, its government must take on an increasing responsibility for the ongoing operations of these programs. The support governments have already shown by co-sponsoring these initiatives are a validation of the value that the host countries place on these institutions and the model they represent.