FAST (the Foundation for Armenian Science and Technology) has supported scientific research in Armenia since 2017, funding joint projects run by local and international scientists.
What does the FAST grant programme for scientists involve?
FAST is a non-profit organisation that has supported science and technology in Armenia since 2017. Its work is built around three areas – education, research and the commercialisation of developments. Among its priority fields are artificial intelligence, data science, advanced materials, biotechnology and robotics. FAST uses several funding instruments to support scientists, the main ones being the ADVANCE programme and the Travel Grant.
Terms and budget of the ADVANCE grant for research teams
The ADVANCE programme builds a research group in Armenia, led by an invited scientist from abroad – the international Principal Investigator. The grant runs for 3-4 years, with the work carried out at Armenian research institutions.
The project budget ranges from 65,000 to 125,000 US dollars a year:
- grants for local scientists and students – 300 to 1,200 US dollars a month
- international travel and professional development – up to 15,000 US dollars
- laboratory materials and consumables – up to 25,000 US dollars
- the international Principal Investigator's honorarium for a visit to Armenia – 3,000 US dollars, twice a year
Since January 2025, funding for ongoing ADVANCE projects has been administered by the Higher Education and Science Committee of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of the Republic of Armenia. The terms of any new intake are best confirmed on the official websites of the foundation and the Committee.
FAST Travel Grant: how to get support for international collaboration?
The Travel Grant is designed for scientists running joint projects with partners abroad. The programme covers several categories of applicant:
- Armenian scientists collaborating with international colleagues from leading research organisations
- specialists running joint projects in the foundation's priority fields
- foreign and diaspora Armenian scientists planning to carry out part of their research in Armenia
This type of support is particularly relevant for scientists preparing a Candidate of Sciences or Doctor of Sciences dissertation.
Requirements for applicants for FAST funding
Applications can be submitted by research teams based at universities, institutes of the National Academy of Sciences or other research organisations in Armenia. A mandatory condition is the involvement of an international partner – either the project's Principal Investigator or the organisation carrying out the joint work.
Specialists holding administrative positions in government bodies may also take part in a project, though they are not entitled to monetary compensation – only reimbursement of travel expenses is available to them.
How to apply for a FAST grant and go through the evaluation?
The selection process includes several stages: a check of the application against formal criteria, followed by assessment by an independent expert committee made up of a committee lead and reviewers in the relevant field.
- Form a research team together with an international Principal Investigator.
- Define the research direction in line with the foundation's priorities.
- Prepare an application describing the project and budget under the set expense categories.
- Complete the application review and an interview with the expert committee.
Based on the results, the committee scores the application according to the approved methodology and decides on funding.
Funding from FAST remains a significant source of support for science in Armenia. The ADVANCE and Travel Grant programmes help scientists build international connections and increase their publication output. Before applying, it is worth reviewing the current terms on the official websites of the foundation and the relevant committee.
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