TechnoSphere by Atmosfer Spring 2015 | Page 31

Volume 01 | Spring 2015 Te c h n o S p h e r e Technology Projects and Trends In the 16th meeting of Council for Science and Technology (SCST) in November 2007, the SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOpreparation of a strategy and action plan was finalized with TUBITAK’s coordination. During the GY HUMAN RESOURCES preparation stage, all stakeholders were included via 12 workshops, 2 ad hoc working committees STRATEGY AND ACTION and 5 working groups. More than 500 research personnel participated in the workshops from PLAN 2011-2016” IS THE different sectors. Ad-hoc government committees developed strategy and actions stemming from MAIN POLICY DOCUMENT the workshop results and working groups. “Science and Technology Human Resources Strategy IN THIS FIELD. and Action Plan 2011-2016” have five main strategic aims are:   Increase the number of HRST and improve the sectoral distribution of HRST  Improve the working environment of HRST  Increase mobility of researchers Develop skills and experiences of researchers  Increase the employment capacity for HRST During the preparation and implementation phase of the strategy, new amendments to the regulations were made and new programs implemented. For instance, foreign researchers gained the rights for receiving Project Incentive Bonus (PIB) from TUBITAK projects and work permit requirement was removed for those studying in universities and public research institutes for maximum 2 years, and working in projects in the frame of EU Pre-accession programs. How can Turkey Improve One of the main strategies and improvement is to make Turkey a center of attraction for both Turkish researchers living abroad and international researchers. Selected programs introduced or improved since 2010 are presented below. Name of the Program Brief Explanation 2221 - Fellowships for Visiting Scientists and Scientists on Sabbatical Leave: Given to international scientists/researchers who would like to give workshops/ conferences/lectures, or conduct R&D activities in Turkey. It is possible to apply the program for short – term (up to 1 month), long-term (up to 12 months) and for sabbatical leave (from 3 months to 12 months). Program is partially supported by the EC-FP7 Marie Curie Actions-PeopleCOFUND and coordinated by TUBITAK. The scheme offers incoming mobility of 100 Turkish and foreign experienced researchers for periods of 20-24 months (the 4th and last call will be 12 months). International Researchers 2232 - Postdoctoral Reintegration Fellowship Program Scholarship dedicated for Turkish researchers willing to pursue their careers in Turkey. Support includes 24 months of scholarship and research fund. Turkish Citizens 2213 International Graduate Scholarship: Given in priority areas, 60.000$ for the first 2 years of PhD studies, in universities among TIMES 500 ranking list. Turkish Citizens 2236 - Co-Funded Brain Circulation Scheme (Co-Circulation Scheme) Target Group Turkish Citizens and Intern