The Islamic Development Bank launched the IDB Merit Scholarship Program for High Technology in 1992. This program, still offered today, aims to develop technically qualified employees in IDB member countries. This is done through the promotion and provision of scholarships to outstanding scholars and researches in the fields of applied science and technology.

The program is designed to increase the scope of advanced studies and research in technology in developing member countries. It funds a full-time three-year Ph.D. study in scientific disciplines that enhance development. Acceptable fields include Health/Medicine, Agriculture/Food Production, Water Resources/Desertification, Energy/Infrastructure Development, Nanotechnology, and ICT for Development.

The program also allows researchers experience a six-month innovative post-doctoral research project. This project can address matters such as malaria, Ebola, food production, energy, and others. The goal of the program is to assist the needs of member countries and to develop quality human resources.

Applicants must be under the age of thirty-five for Ph.D. study, and forty for post-doctoral research. They should be attached to a research or academic institution in science and technology and possess the required academic and professional background. Within the application, they must demonstrate that the research proposed has scientist and technological relevance. They must also have proficiency in the language at the institution of study.

PhD candidates must secure admission at a university listed in the Times Higher Education Supplement. Priority is given to students enrolled at universities that have completed a cooperation agreement with the IDB. These institutions include the University of Cambridge, University of Nottingham, University College London and Imperial College London in the UK, Princeton University in the United States, and KAUST in Saudi Arabia. Successful candidates for post-doctoral research are encouraged to complete their research projects at the Research Centres of Excellence.

The scholarship provides all academic and living allowances, health insurance, round trip airfare to and from the place of study, conference participation fees, and scientific paper preparation allowances. The program is offered every year.

To apply, students should complete the application form for 3-year Ph.D. study or post-doctoral research. It should be submitted through nominating institutions to the Office of the IDB Governor for the country. For more information, applicants should visit www.isdb.org.

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