Providing scientists and engineers with opportunities to gain work experience in advance laboratories in the territory of other Member States.
This programme provides scientists and engineers, primarily from developing countries, with funding to work for fixed periods at research institutions in industrialised countries.
In addition to receiving valuable experience, the programme facilitates the exchange of scientific and technical information, strengthening cooperation between institutions.
Objectives
The Fellowship Programme is designed to implement Article XI of the Chemical Weapons Convention, and will take place over the course of three to six months.
Article XI promotes the fullest possible exchange of scientific and technical information between Member States for the development and application of chemistry for industrial, agricultural, research, medical, pharmaceutical and other peaceful purposes.
Fellowship Content
- Enhance understanding of technologies for the destruction of toxic chemicals in a safe and environmentally sound manner.
- Teach best practices for handling and using toxic chemicals.
- Facilitate the development of analytical methods and validation techniques for toxic chemicals.
- Explain verification techniques and methods relevant to the Convention.
- Explain medical treatment and prophylactics for exposure to toxic chemicals.
- Highlight alternatives to scheduled chemicals for purposes not prohibit under the Convention.
- Enhance understanding of risk assessment with respect to toxic chemicals.
- Go over applications of chemistry for purposes not prohibited under the Convention.
Funding
To requests financial support from the Secretariat, an applicant must provide:
- A completed application form.
- A copy of the candidate’s passport.
- A curriculum vitae.
- A statement from the host institution that the candidate has been accepted.
- A statement from the candidate’s home institution confirming he/she will be granted leave to assume the fellowship.
- An endorsement of the Member State’s National Authority or its Permanent Representation to the OPCW.
Impact
The OPCW has supported nearly 10 fellows annually from all over the world. Most of these fellows undertook on-the-job training in universities and research institutions in EU, USA and in Africa.
Since 2000 the Secretariat offered fellowships at Spiez Laboratory in Switzerland and since 2005 at VERIFIN Laboratory in Finland. In the Netherlands, TU Delft and the OPCW have also offered fellowships.
A fellowship for African scientists was offered through the OPCW by the People’s Republic of China at Beijing University of Chemical Technology.