Sawiris Scholarships - Science & Technology for the South

In 2008, the Sawiris Foundation for Social Development has donated CHF 1.5 million to ETH Zurich for the programme “Sawiris Scholarships – Science & Technology for the South”. This programme is a grant scheme providing ten doctoral scholarships of CHF 150’000 each.

Over a period of five years, each year two scholarships will be granted. A grants committee will select the candidates according to specific selection criteria. 

The goal of the programme is to promote the development of products or methods, which are directly relevant for improving the livelihoods of poor people in developing countries. The topics have to be of high scientific standards and at the same time aim at direct implementation of the results.

Professors of ETH Zurich can apply for the scholarships. The candidates who will receive the scholarship must fulfil the requirements for a doctoral position at ETH Zurich. In addition, they must have the potential for a career in research and technology development.

Current research fellows

• Shanker Raj Barsila: Improving grazing systems with Nepalese yak crossbreds to foster the livelihood of mountain farmers in the Taplejung district of Nepal »»
• Andrea Gerlinde Hagn: What makes some urban poor communities more successful than others in accessing governmental support to upgrade their informal neighbourhoods? »»
• Abera Melesse Ayalneh: Efficient energy conversion of coffee husk: Fluidisation dynamics and reaction engineering »»
• Ima Mulyama Zainuddin: Investigating molecular determinants for abiotic stress resistance in cassava – a focus on post-harvest physiological deterioration »»
• João Mimoso: Improvement of gravity-driven ultrafiltration membranes for application in developing countries »»
• Samuel Mathu: Multi-purpose cowpea inoculation for improved yields in smallholder farms in Kenya »»
• Abdullah Alhussainy: Bringing internet access to disconnected populations of developing countries with smartphones and opportunistic communications »»

On 29 May 2013, ETH Global organised a short lab tour at ETH Zurich where Samih Sawiris hat the opportunity to meet some of the fellows. More in ETH Life (in German)...

On 30 May 2011, Samih Sawiris met the three Sawiris scholarship fellows at ETH Zurich. More in ETH Life ...

Call for concept notes and project proposals

Until further notice, there are no open calls for the "Sawiris Scholarships" programme.