1. Embassy Science Fellows Program Program Overview Created by J. Gabb and D. Kincaid 5/31/2006

2. Background • Embassy Science Fellows was a joint effort begun by the U.S. State Dept. and the National Science Foundation in 2000. • USDA joined in 2002. • Places scientists and technical experts at U.S. Embassies overseas : • Fellows provide expertise, advice, and assistance to host countries on issues related to agricultural science and technology.

3. Current Participating USG Agencies : • National Science Foundation (NSF) • U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) • U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) • National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) • National Institute of Health (NIH) • Smithsonian Institution (SI)

4. Benefits of Program : • Enables posts to acquire high-level scientific advisory on science and tech. issues relevant to their mission. • Provides agency staff with opportunity for valuable international experience. • Provides access to platforms that influence foreign governments and public opinion on strategic topics. • Aids U.S. Embassies and foreign governments around the world in the advancement of scientific expertise in several areas.

5. Application Process : January/ February Cable to posts from State/OES calling for ESF request March / April Requests for fellows come in from post State/OES provides cables from posts to all USG participating agencies FAS/TSED provides a summary spreadsheet to all USDA science agencies' international offices

6. Application Process Cont. : Interested parties contact TSED for detailed informationand application materials Applications are submitted to TSED who in-turn, forwards them on to OES/State Selections are made by post and State/OES is notified, who then notifies participating agencies TSED notifies selected fellows and request that Fellow begin discussing details/logistics with US Missions

7. Things to remember : • Fellowships are short-term, normally lasting 3 months or less. • Fellows must attend a mandatory 2-day personal security training in DC, if the fellowship is more than 30 days.

8. Things to remember Cont. : • A medical clearance is required for all Fellows who will be in-country for 60 days or more (per calendar year). • Please allow 60 days for processing of medical clearances.

9. Logistics • Travel orders and flights will be prepared by FAS/TSED. • Official passport is required for USG employees. • Selected fellow’s agency should request his/her visa. • Country clearance cable will be prepared by FAS/TSED.

10. Funding • What USDA/FAS covers : • Roundtrip economy class airfare • Training costs • Travel within the USA • Full M&IE • Funding Source • Emerging Markets Program • Fellowships must include trade link • EMP funding decisions are made throughout the year • Fellowships must be completed in FY funding was provided—no exceptions

11. Funding Cont. : • What Post/State covers : • Housing (in-kind) • Office space and computer access (in-kind) • In-Country Transportation (in-kind) • Fellow’s agency responsibility : • Salary (in-kind)

12. Statistics

13. USDA/FAS Program Contacts : Khaliaka Meardry Tel: 202-690-1866 Fax: 202-720-8303 Khaliaka.Meardry@usda.gov Nora Banks Tel: 202-690-1866 Fax: 202-720-3904 Nora.Banks@fas.usda.gov

14. THANK YOU! ARE THERE ANY QUESTIONS?