IFS, Int Foundation for Science 2022-2024

IFS have supported early career researchers in low- and lower-middle income countries by giving out research grants and conducting capacity enhancing activities for almost 50 years. The overall goal for IFS (from IFS Strategy 2021-2030) is 'Enhance capacity of early career scientists in LLMICs to conduct relevant research, influence research agendas at local, regional and global levels, and increase science literacy'. This is also the overall purpose of the contribution. The three thematic areas covered by IFS are very relevant for poverty reduction and sustainable development: 1) Biological resources in terrestrial systems. This includes research on biodiversity, forestry, animal production, crop production, underutilized species, natural products, renewable energy and climate change. 2) Water and water resources. This includes research on the availability of water resources and their conservation and use; freshwater, brackish and marine aquatic organisms and their environments. 3) Food security, varied diet and healthy livelihoods. The support for IFS is relevant within the framework of Sweden's current strategy for research collaboration (2015-2021) and is expected to be relevant in the coming strategy. An event is planned for November 2022 when IFS will celebrate what they have achieved over 50 years of support for early career researchers. In 2019 it was decided that Sida should either commit long-term funding to support the implementation of IFS's new strategy, or provide phase-out support, depending on how successful IFS is in attracting funding. Extensive discussions were held internally at Sida during 2020 and 2021 and the matter was discussed at the Sida Scientific Advisory Board (SSAB) in October and December 2020. After these discussions Sida decided that phase-out support for IFS should be prepared. The low cost efficiency achieved by IFS and the lack of other funders were deciding factors. During the phase-out IFS will fulfill commitments to previous and current grantees and close their operations in Stockholm in a controlled and responsible way.