The National Science Foundation (NSF) is mandated to generate, disseminate and transfer knowledge ensuring its effective utilization for the greater benefit of the people of Sri Lanka. The R & D grant schemes seek to foster the formation of multi-disciplinary teams to conduct cutting-edge research and development projects that are of relevance to Sri Lanka and the society.

This year, the Journal of the National Science Foundation (JNSF) will mark 50 years of publishing and disseminating S&T related research findings to the globe.

Since February 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has severely affected the whole world, and the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) is not exempted.

The dynamics of the 21st century knowledge economy is being progressively driven by scientific and technological capabilities of a nation. The economic growth, prosperity and development of a country is increasingly being determined by its S&T competence and strength rather than its material and resource base. Recognizing that S&T is an important instrument in the growth paradigm, both developed and developing countries have evolved S&T policies to augment and strengthen their research infrastructure and technology intensity. India over the years has evolved a policy and program framework aimed at strengthening research and education infrastructure, building excellence and capacity in science for fostering knowledge creation and promoting innovation. India with its long culture and tradition in science has positioned itself as one of the leading countries in basic research supported through a vast network of apex R&D institutions. India is keen to enter into partnerships with its neighbouring countries to foster closer scientific and technological collaboration through human capacity building in advanced areas of research and development. The India Science and Research Fellowship (ISRF) aims at providing opportunities to researchers and scientists from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand to undertake R&D at premier research and academic institutions in India. Downloads ISRF Brochure (pdf, 759kb) ISRF Application (doc, 99kb)

International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) is calling applications for the ICGEB Collaborative Research Programme (CRP) 2022.

This programme provides support for research activities in basic life sciences, human health care, industrial & agricultural biotechnology and bioenergy.

Principal Investigators (PIs) of prospective research teams are expected to submit their complete applications online via the dedicated portal of the ICGEB. E-versions of complete applications must also be forwarded to the Director General, National Science Foundation (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) with a copy to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The closing date for the submission of applications is 30^th April 2022.  

For more information, please visit the link below: 

https://www.icgeb.org/activities/grants/

The National Science Foundation (NSF) embarked upon a new initiative with a view to forging strategic public-private partnerships (PPPs) for wealth creation through development of disruptive technologies and innovation. In this connection, preliminary discussions were  held with the Colombo Chambers of Commerce (CCC) on the 2^nd February 2022 with the participation of several outstanding economists, business leaders  and  entrepreneurs under the chairmanship of Prof. Ranjith Senaratne, Chairman of the NSF.

With its vast and comprehensive  intellectual and R&D resource base and global network with outstanding Sri Lankan expatriates across the globe,  the NSF is in a unique position to harness, mobilize and channel intellectual assets to meet the needs and challenges of industry. To this end, it proposes to bring   the key players, namely academia,  R&D institutions,  public sector and industry under one roof to forge strategic PPPs in high-priority and high-impact fields in a mutually rewarding and reinforcing manner to promote  economic development of the country with emphasis on export promotion and FDI.

During the discussion,  several high-priority areas were identified and strategies for  the way forward were  discussed. Need to pay particular attention to immediate and short-term needs of the country while ensuring long-term sustainability was stressed.

Mr. Manjula de Silva, Secretary General/ CEO, the CCC, Dr. W. A. Wijewardena, former Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Dr Chandra Embuldeniya, Chairman of the Technology Development & Innovation  Arm of the NSF,  Mr Rizvi Zaheed, Chairman of the Agripreneurs' Forum and Mr. Shiran Fernando, Chief Economist of  the CCC were present. It was decided to hold  the next meeting with the participation of all the key Chambers of Commerce in Sri Lanka,  covering both the corporate and SME sectors and thought leaders such as Prof. Ajantha Dharmasiri, former Director of the PIM and Mr. Deepal Sooriyaarachchi who have considerable experience in working with the private sector.