Empowering early-career scientists in developing countries through targeted grants and capacity building
In the early 1970s, a concerning trend threatened the scientific future of many developing nations: the best and brightest scientists, often trained abroad, were not returning home. This "brain drain" risked crippling fragile scientific communities and their ability to address local challenges. In response, a group of visionary scientists founded the International Foundation for Science (IFS) in 1972, based on a powerful strategy: providing small, targeted research grants to help promising young scientists stay in their home countries and conduct meaningful research 2 .
For over five decades, IFS served as a critical catalyst, empowering early-career researchers across the Global South to explore the sustainable management of biological and water resources. Though IFS has now concluded its operations, its legacy endures through the thousands of scientists it supported, the international networks it built, and the enduring impact of their work on local and global challenges 1 2 .
IFS dedicated itself to building the scientific capacity of low- and lower-middle-income countries (LLMICs) in sciences related to the sustainable management of biological and water resources 6 .
IFS provided comprehensive support addressing unique challenges faced by researchers in developing countries, including financial assistance, combating scientific isolation, and practical help with equipment procurement 2 .
Up to $15,000 for early-career researchers to undertake innovative projects relevant to local or national development needs 4 .
For small teams working on shared objectives, fostering interdisciplinary cooperation 6 .
For previous grantees demonstrating progress and potential for further development 7 .
The path to securing an IFS grant was highly competitive, ensuring that funds supported the most promising scientists and feasible projects. The selection criteria required that research be:
A global network of nearly 800 scientific advisors volunteered their expertise to evaluate proposals each year, keeping selection costs minimal while maintaining rigorous standards 2 .
One exemplary IFS-supported research project was led by Dr. Alberto Nieto from Uruguay, who received several IFS grants over six years to study the immunology of Echinococcus granulosus 2 . This intestinal parasite in dogs uses animals like sheep and cattle—and humans—as intermediate hosts, creating significant economic and public health challenges.
The research generated knowledge crucial for developing control strategies for this parasitic disease. Perhaps more importantly, it demonstrated IFS's multiplier effect—by supporting one researcher, IFS helped create what scientific advisors considered "among the top groups in the world" working on these parasites 2 .
Characteristic Research Focus: Animal health and disease prevention
Notable Projects: Immunology of Echinococcus granulosus (Uruguay)
Characteristic Research Focus: Improving productivity of indigenous animal breeds
Notable Projects: Research on various sheep breeds
Characteristic Research Focus: Diverse priorities from animal health to genetic conservation
Notable Projects: Elephant reproduction (Myanmar), Camels and Yaks (Mongolia)
Characteristic Research Focus: Sustainable use of local resources, climate resilience
Notable Projects: Timber elephant studies, aquatic resources management
Source: Compiled from IFS project descriptions 2
IFS grants provided researchers with fundamental tools needed to conduct quality research in resource-limited settings.
Water testing kits, soil samplers, GPS devices, animal tagging systems
Sample collection, geographic mapping, ecological monitoringMicroscopes, centrifuges, spectrophotometers, DNA analysis equipment
Sample processing, data generation, molecular analysisChemical reagents, petri dishes, test tubes, gloves, culture media
Experimental procedures, sterile technique, sample storageJournal subscriptions, textbooks, laboratory manuals
Knowledge building, methodology guidance, literature reviewThroughout its operational history, IFS made remarkable contributions to global scientific capacity:
The foundation's targeted approach created a ripple effect, with individual grantees often evolving into mentors who guided subsequent generations of scientists in their home countries.
IFS demonstrated remarkable adaptability to regional needs. In Sub-Saharan Africa, where scientific infrastructure often faced the greatest challenges, IFS extended eligibility to researchers up to age 45, recognizing that career pathways might follow different timelines 7 . Meanwhile, as countries like Argentina, Chile, Mexico, and Uruguay experienced economic growth, IFS strategically phased them out of eligibility, focusing resources on regions with greatest need 7 .
The International Foundation for Science concluded its operations in 2025, transferring its archival materials to the Swedish National Archives—a testament to its historical significance 1 . Though the organization has closed, its concluding message celebrated an enduring legacy: "Though IFS has reached its conclusion, its impact endures through the scientists and networks we've empowered" 1 .
The IFS story demonstrates that strategic, thoughtful investment in individual scientists can generate disproportionate returns for global scientific progress. By recognizing that talent is everywhere though opportunity is not, IFS nurtured generations of researchers who continue to address both local challenges and global problems.
As we face increasingly complex issues like climate change, food security, and biodiversity loss, the IFS model of targeted capacity-building offers valuable lessons for future scientific collaboration across borders and disciplines. The seeds planted over five decades continue to bear fruit, reminding us that supporting a single scientist can ultimately strengthen entire scientific ecosystems.