In recognition of the role that research plays in sustaining economic growth and societal well-being in the region, many ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Member States have made significant investments to enhance their science and technological capacity. A nation’s research progress is often determined through quantifiable metrics such as the size of the tech talent pool, number of research institutions, publications and patents.
Young researchers play an important role in the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) landscape in ASEAN. Besides possessing expertise and experience, they are flexible to adapt to the rapid changing nature of STI and are at their most productive career stage. Young scientists are also future leaders who can influence relevant policies and the implementation of STI to effectively address societal needs. As future leaders, being well-rounded and well-trained is encouraged.
Despite the significant STI progress that has been made by many ASEAN countries in the past decades, the region continues to play ‘catch-up’ to more established R&D-intensive nations; especially in the context of research translation into wealth creation. Unfortunately, many young researchers have limited knowledge on the fundamentals of intellectual property and many institutions in the region are ill-equipped with the ability to train these researchers. These challenges result in poor conceptualization and utilization of their research endeavours.
In recognition of the need to harness the talent and drive of young ASEAN researchers to better understand intellectual property in the context of their research, the Pioneering IP Programme for ASEAN Young Scientists has been established. This is a flagship programme of the ASEAN Young Scientists Network in collaboration with the Licensing Executives Society International (LESI), in particular the Industry-University-Government Transactions (IUGT) Committee. Through this initiative, we hope to create a pool of IP-competent ASEAN researchers who will champion the realisation of the STI potential in the region.
The objectives of the PIP Programme for ASEAN Young Researchers include to:
- provide opportunity for young researchers in ASEAN to get trained in the fundamentals of IP knowledge;
- provide a platform where young researchers can engage with IP experts, convene and network with professionals beyond their fields of expertise;
- stimulate a shift towards an academic culture that promotes interactions between scientists, industry, and business/investors.
Format of the Training
The PIP for ASEAN Young Researchers will be conducted via an online platform. This is a certified training that involves robust participation in a total of eight 2-hour workshops over an approximate period of 3 months. Each workshop will be run by professional members from LESI societies from 7:00 – 9:00 pm (GMT +7). We are expected to commence classes in November (exact dates: TBC) To be eligible to receive the certificate, a minimum requirement of 80% class attendance is required including successful completion of relevant assignments.
Selection Criteria: PIP ASEAN Young Researchers Fellow
The Selection Committee seek to identify, select, and recognise young ASEAN researchers in all disciplines of sciences including engineering, natural sciences, medicine, social sciences, arts and the humanities as PIP Programme for ASEAN Young Researchers Fellows. To promote transparency and equality, a maximum of four fellowships will be available for each ASEAN member states.
As of the 31st of October 2020, the applicant must:
- be an ASEAN national; i.e. holding citizenship in one of the ASEAN member state
- be ≤ 45 years old
- be an individual who has demonstrated excellent research track and interest in IP knowledge
- possess expertise in any field of sciences
- currently residing in one of the ASEAN Members States
Beyond research excellence, candidates should also be able to show an on-going commitment to service or delivering practical benefit from their work. Successful applicants are expected to demonstrate one or more of the following:
- A continuing research/academic position at a research institute, institution of higher learning, or industry;
- A sustained record of outstanding scientific output;
- Interest in translating and communicating the results of their work to impact in society;
- Demonstrate leadership ability in research and beyond;
- Interest in collaborations across disciplines and sectors (e.g. industry, government, etc.);
- Commitment towards engaging in the activities of the fellowship; and
- Intent to share what is learned in the programme with their broader networks.
Selection criteria and application process
Applicants will need to display compelling evidence of their potential and interest in the program. This potential can be demonstrated in areas such as research excellence, project management, technology/invention awards, technology commercialization, consultancy, science advice, outreach etc. The selection process will not only consider these individual qualities but also focus on the possibility to further promote IP awareness (at national and/or regional), use of IPRs, and opportunity to engage business partners. The final selection will be done by the LESI IUGT Committee.
All applicants have to provide two recommendation letters from their proposed referees (details are provided in the PIP Programme for ASEAN Young Researchers Fellowship Application Form). Please ensure that the support letters are sent from an accredited institutional email address. The referee should express their willingness towards supporting the fellow’s professional development and their emerging role in promoting IP knowledge awareness.
Deadline of applications is on the 31st of October 2020.
Please contact: Email: [email protected] for further enquiries.
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