Application Guidelines | International Seabed Authority

Are you a marine geologist or marine biologist interested in working with your colleagues on a deep-sea research initiative? Are you interested in training programmes to build upon your skills and expertise?

We invite scientists and technical personnel from developing countries to apply for assistance through the Fund. To be eligible for assistance, scientists, researchers and technicians must have three to four (or more) years of experience in a relevant field for marine scientific research.

Objectives of the Fund

To promote and encourage the conduct of marine scientific research in the international seabed area for the benefit of mankind as a whole by:

supporting the participation of qualified scientists and technical personnel from developing countries in marine scientific research programmes; and
providing them with opportunities to participate in international technical and scientific co-operation, including through training, technical assistance and scientific co-operation programmes.

Applications for Assistance

Assistance may be sought by qualified scientists and technical personnel from developing countries to:

Participate in marine scientific research programmes or scientific co-operation;
Enrol in training programmes; or
Qualify for technical assistance.

Applications should be submitted by developing country members of the International Seabed Authority. Applications may be accepted from other countries if the application demonstrates that it will benefit scientists from developing countries.

Submitting Applications

Applications should be submitted to the International Seabed Authority in both electronic and hard-copy formats. Please note that seven (7) hard copies of the application are required.

Applications should be submitted to:

The Secretariat
International Seabed Authority
14/20 Port Royal Street
Kingston, Jamaica
Fax: 1 876 922 0195
E-mail: E-Fund@isa.org.jm

Applications should be received at least three months before the proposed date of commencement of the training programme or research activity for which financial assistance is sought.

Acceptance of Applications

Awards from the Fund are made by the Secretary-General of the International Seabed Authority on the basis of recommendations by the Advisory Panel. Assistance provided will be subject to the availability of funds.

Advisory Panel

The Advisory Panel is appointed by the Secretary-General of the International Seabed Authority. It consists of six to nine experts in the law of the sea and its implementation. The Panel will evaluate all applications and make recommendations for awards of assistance from the Fund.

Information Requirements

It is particularly important that the purpose for which assistance is sought contain the following information in sufficient detail to enable the application to be considered and evaluated by the Advisory Panel.

TO PARTICIPATE IN MARINE SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH PROGRAMMES OR SCIENTIFIC CO OPERATION:

Specify the nature and objectives of the marine scientific research programme.
Outline the method and means to be used.
Indicate the name of any sponsoring or participating institution(s) and the person(s) in charge of the project.
Provide a statement on the extent to which it is considered that individuals from developing countries will be able to participate in and benefit from the project.
Attach the curricula vitae of all developing country personnel who are proposed to benefit from assistance from the Fund.
Provide information on the duration and location of the marine scientific research programme or scientific cooperation.
Submit an itemized statement of the estimated costs for which assistance is requested.
Attach a statement on the extent to which the proposed activity is consistent with the purposes and objectives of the Fund.

TO ENROL IN TRAINING PROGRAMMES

Specify the goal of the training and the positions the trainees are intended to fill afterwards.
Describe the training institute(s) or entity in question.
Provide a copy of the training course(s) and a schedule for the training programme.
Attach the curricula vitae of the trainees.
Submit an itemized statement of the estimated costs for which assistance is requested.
Attach a statement from the candidate as to how he or she expects to benefit from the training programme and how it would assist in the development of his or her career or vocation;
Attach a statement on the extent to which the proposed activity is consistent with the purposes and objectives of the Fund.

NOTE:
An award from the Fund for the purposes of training or a fellowship may cover course fees, unless these fees are waived by the partner institution or entity. The award may also cover costs of travel, maintenance and accommodation allowances, and medical insurance.

Payments for maintenance are for normal living expenses only and shall be made in accordance with the policies and practices governing the administration of United Nations fellowships and training.

Awards will not, in principle, be granted for the pursuit of academic studies leading to degrees or diplomas. Training programmes may incorporate, when appropriate, instruction that is both general and specialized, as well as theoretical and practical.

TO QUALIFY FOR TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

Specify the nature and objectives of the technical assistance and the benefits to be derived therefrom.
Outline the technical assistance programme.
Indicate the name of any sponsoring or participating institution(s) and the person(s) in charge of the project.
Attach the curricula vitae of all consultants who are proposed to provide the technical assistance.
Submit an itemized statement of the estimated costs for which assistance is requested.
Attach a statement on the extent to which the proposed activity is consistent with the purposes and objectives of the Fund.

Evaluating and Disseminating Information on Successful Applications

A recipient of assistance from the Fund for the purpose of participation in marine scientific research programmes or scientific co operation will be required to report to the Secretariat of the International Seabed Authority on the use of the funds provided, the outcomes of the assistance provided and on the results obtained. It is understood that this information would be subject to the need to maintain confidentiality on any aspect of the research programme, scientific co-operation concerned that may be requested by the institution or entity concerned.

A candidate who is awarded a traineeship or fellowship will be required to submit a brief report on the usefulness of the training at the end the programme. The supervisor should also provide a report to the Authority on the participant’s performance. The developing country which proposed the trainee shall also provide a brief report on the extent to which the training benefited the trainee and the developing country concerned.

A recipient of assistance of the Fund for the purpose of technical assistance will be required to report to the Secretariat of the Authority on the use of the funds provided, the outcomes of the assistance provided on the results obtained.

The Secretariat of the International Seabed Authority is required to disseminate information on the results of Fund’s activities for the benefit of all members of the Authority. This is subject to any confidentiality requirements.