USAID: MERC (Middle East Regional Cooperation Program) - Pre-proposals

(Projects involving Israel and another relatively affluent MENA country (i.e., Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, or the United Arab Emirates) must include a developing country from the eligible MENA countries/territories (i.e., Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Sudan, Tunisia, and the West Bank and Gaza) in the region as a partner and/or a beneficiary of the research outcomes.)

Collaborative, scientific research projects on development topics between Israel and partners across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. MERC considers joint proposals across the natural, physical, and social sciences and engineering. Emphasis is given to research and technology subjects of regional importance.

Special Call- Proposals Supporting Negev Forum Priorities: Aims to promote partnerships between Negev Forum countries (Bahrain, Egypt, Israel, Morocco, and UAE) or other key partners (Jordan, the West Bank and Gaza, and Saudi Arabia) in regional integration. Priority topics: * Water and food security: water treatment, reuse, management, quality, and affordability; sustainable agriculture and fisheries; plant and animal protection; and food storage and supply chain continuity. * Clean energy: to accelerate the clean energy transition in the region with a specific focus on smart grids and regionally interconnectivity. * Tourism: to build tourism operator capacity and/or to support sustainable eco-tourism. * Health: prevention, treatment, and management of diabetes. * Education and coexistence: bolstering academic collaboration and/or meaningfully engaging regional populations from different backgrounds.

Applied Research Grants: up to $1,000,000 for 2-5 years.

Travel and Workshop Grants: ~ $100,000

https://www.usaid.gov/where-we-work/middle-east/merc/funding-process

https://www.ra.trdf.co.il/files/MERC_2024.pdf

Information session will be held on September 6 at 18:00 (Jerusalem time), online: Facebook