About the Program

Funded by the US. State Department, the goal of the Lower Mekong Initiative (LMI) Young Scientist Program is to foster collaboration, knowledge sharing and the creation of a network of young scientists in the LMI countries: Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.

As implementing partners of this program, Arizona State University (ASU) will leverage its decades of experience in sponsored project implementation in Southeast Asia through the Higher Engineering Education Alliance Program (HEEAP); the Building University-Industry Learning and Development through Innovation and Technology (BUILD-IT) and the Young Southeast Asia Leaders Initiative (YSEALI).

The program supports youth and young professionals by creating opportunities for collaboration. Joint research, workshops and symposiums encourage the sharing of scientific knowledge, ideas and experience, including authorship of peer reviewed research papers. The program has two objectives: to foster and promote scientific collaboration within the region, and to promote knowledge sharing on science and technology best practices and research ideas.

Program Activities

The program will support the goals of creating a scientific research community of young scholars in the LMI member countries with the following activities:

  4-Week Thematic Exchange Program

ASU will host the 4-week summer exchange program during the second quarter of the year at a partner institution in a different LMI country. The program will deliver skill-building workshops, allowing participants to apply skills learned toward research initiatives and new technology development. The LMI Young Scientist Exchange Program is the first step in the LMI Young Scientist journey.

Participants are encouraged to apply for the program before the application deadline of June 1st, 2018

  Annual Scientific Symposium

During the third quarter of each year, the LMI young scientists will be invited to participate in a two-day symposium that will include guest speakers and networking opportunities. A poster session will be held, allowing the country teams to showcase their projects and collect additional feedback from guests of academia, industry, government and non-profit organizations; research policy recommendations will be developed from this input. Each year the symposium will be hosted in a different LMI country.

  Competition for Seed Funds

During the fourth quarter, the program will organize an annual competition where participants will be invited to submit their project proposals before a reviewing committee for a chance to receive up to $3,000 in seed funding to implement their projects. Proposals will be selected for funding based on feasibility, innovation, impact and replicability. 

Application Information

Who is eligible to apply?

Young scientists from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam who are enrolled in, or recently completed a graduate program (Master’s or PhD) in the fields of Water, Energy or Environmental Sustainability. 

Eligibility Requirements

• Between the ages of 21- 35 at the time of application, although exceptional applicants under the age of 21 or over the age of 35 can be considered if they meet all other eligibility requirements;
• A citizen of one of the following countries: Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam.
• Must be enrolled in a graduate program or hold a Master’s or PhD degree
• Proficient in spoken and written English
• Eligible to travel within LMI region.

Selection Criteria

• Demonstrate strong leadership qualities and track record in their university, place of work, and/or community;
• Demonstrate knowledge, or professional experience in one of the themes: Water, Energy or Environmental Sustainability.
• Be willing to actively participate in an intensive academic program, community service, and study tour;
• Have a commitment to return to their home country to apply research skills and training to benefit their community, country, or the LMI region. 

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