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2019 Program in Lao PDR

About the Program

Funded by the US. State Department, the goal of the Lower Mekong Initiative (LMI) Young Scientist Program is to foster collaboration, knowledge sharing and the creation of a network of young scientists in the LMI countries: Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.

As implementing partners of this program, Arizona State University (ASU) will leverage its decades of experience in sponsored project implementation in Southeast Asia through the Higher Engineering Education Alliance Program (HEEAP); the Building University-Industry Learning and Development through Innovation and Technology (BUILD-IT) and the Young Southeast Asia Leaders Initiative (YSEALI).

The program supports youth and young professionals by creating opportunities for collaboration. Joint research, workshops and symposiums encourage the sharing of scientific knowledge, ideas and experience, including authorship of peer-reviewed research papers. The program has two objectives: to foster and promote scientific collaboration within the region, and to promote knowledge sharing on science and technology best practices and research ideas.

Program Activities

The program will support the goals of creating a scientific research community of young scholars in the LMI member countries with the following activities:

  4-Week Thematic Placement Program

ASU will host the 4-week program during the summer of each year, at a partner institution in a different LMI country. The program will deliver skill-building workshops, allowing participants to apply skills learned toward research initiatives and new technology development. The LMI Young Scientist Program is the first step in the LMI Young Scientist journey.

Participants are encouraged to apply for the program before the application deadline of May 24, 2019

  Annual Scientific Symposium

During the third quarter of each year, the LMI young scientists will be invited to participate in a two-day symposium that will include guest speakers and networking opportunities. A poster session will be held, allowing the country teams to showcase their projects and collect additional feedback from guests of academia, industry, government and non-profit organizations; research policy recommendations will be developed from this input. Each year the symposium will be hosted in a different LMI country.

  Competition for Seed Funds

During the fourth quarter, the program will organize an annual competition where participants will be invited to submit their project proposals before a reviewing committee for a chance to receive up to $15,000 in seed funding to implement their projects. Proposals will be selected for funding based on feasibility, innovation, impact and replicability. 

Application Information

Who is eligible to apply?

Early-career scientists, researchers and engineers from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam, who are enrolled in, or recently completed a graduate program (Master’s or PhD) in the fields of: Epidemiology, Bioinformatics, Biostatistics, Biomedical engineering, Data Science/Engineering, Public Health, etc.

Eligibility Requirements

Must be able to fully participate in the summer program uninterruptedly, during the 4 weeks in July

• Between the ages of 25 - 35 at the time of application, although exceptional applicants under the age of 25 or over the age of 35 can be considered if they meet all other eligibility requirements;
• Must be enrolled in a graduate program or be a recent graduate of a Master’s or PhD degree in the relevant area of study 
• A citizen of one of the following LMI countries: Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam. If selected, applicants who are currently living outside of the 5 LMI countries will have to support their own travel to their home country, since the program will only cover regional travel.
• Proficient in spoken and written English
• Must be able to fully participate in the summer program uninterruptedly, during the 4 weeks in July

Selection Criteria

• Demonstrate strong leadership qualities and track record in their university, place of work, and/or community; 
• Demonstrate technical knowledge and professional experience related to the thematic area for the program
• Be willing to actively participate in an intensive academic program, community service, and study tour;
• Have a commitment to return to their home country to apply research skills and training to benefit their community, country, or the LMI region.

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