APPLY NOW FOR THE GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT AWARDS AND MEDALS COMPETITION 2009

The Global Development Network (GDN) is now accepting submissions for the 2009 Global Development Awards and Medals Competition. The Competition offers cash prizes and travel expenses to all finalists to attend GDN's Annual Global Development Conference, held each year in a different country, to present their research proposals/papers and showcase an interesting on-project before an eminent jury for the final round. This year the final selection will be held in Prague, Czech Republic from January 16-18, 2010. The competition is generously funded by the Ministry of Finance, Government of Japan and other donors. 

GDN’s competition is one of the biggest annual contests in the field of development research, receiving the largest number of applications globally from researchers working on development issues. Submissions for new research proposals, completed research papers and proposals for scaling-up on-going development projects are now being accepted under the categories listed below:  

Japanese Award for Outstanding Research on Development: For applicants who have outstanding new research proposals that add a unique dimension to research on any of the three themes listed below Prizes: First Prize: US $30,000; Second Prize: US $5,000  

Medals for Research on Development: For excellent completed research papers on any of the three themes listed below Prizes: First Prize: US $10,000; Second prize: US $5,000  

Japanese Award for the Most Innovative Development Project: For exceptional on-going development projects that have given the maximum benefit to the local communities and need further financial assistance for scaling-up the project Prizes: First Prize: US $30,000; Second Prize: US$ 5,000  

The 2009 Global Development Awards and Medals Competition themes are:  

Globalization, Regulation and Development 

International Migration: Crossing Borders, Changing Lives? 

Regional Integration- Convergence Big Time, or, an Opportunity Wasted?  

The competition is open to researchers and organizations from developing and transition countries. Submissions are welcome from all disciplines of social sciences.  

Deadline: August 24, 2009 for development project; September 30, 2009 for research proposals/papers.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation 2010 Access to Learning Award

Deadline: Saturday, October 31, 2009  

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is currently accepting applications to its annual Access to Learning Award, which recognises the innovative efforts of public libraries and similar institutions outside the United States to connect people to information and opportunities through free access to computers and the Internet. The award is given by Global Libraries, a special initiative of the foundation’s Global Development Programme. The recipient of the Access to Learning Award will receive US$1 million.  

Computers and the Internet are powerful tools that provide opportunities for people to improve their social and economic well-being. Worldwide, just one person in six has access to the Internet. This means that more than five billion people miss out on chances to pursue education and employment, access government services, learn about valuable health information, conduct business online, and exchange information and ideas. The Access to Learning Award encourages new, innovative ways to provide computer and Internet services to people without access, and promotes greater development of public access technology programs around the world. 

The Access to Learning Award honors innovative organisations that are opening a world of online information to people in need. The foundation’s Global Libraries initiative invites applications from libraries and similar organisations outside the United States that have created new ways to offer these key services:  

* Free public access to computers and the Internet 

* Public training to assist users in accessing online information that can help improve their lives 

* Technology training for library staff 

* Outreach to underserved communities  

Please note:  

* Applications are open to institutions outside the United States that are working with disadvantaged communities. 

* To be eligible, the applying institution must allow all members of the public to use computers and the Internet free of charge in a community space  

Applications for the 2010 Access to Learning Award must be submitted via an online submission process by October 31, 2009.  

Please visit the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to submit your application online and for additional information about the programme. The application form is available only in English and must be completed in English to be eligible for consideration. However, while applications must be submitted in English, the foundation does offer informational brochures in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish.  

http://www.gatesfoundation.org/ATLA/Pages/access-to-learning-award-...