Call for applications to PAMSA Blue Sky Young Researchers and Innovation Award

The international competition aims to recognise and foster innovation

around projects focused on all aspects of the forest-products industry.

“The award is not only about research and development; it is about innovation and being inspirational, interesting and green. We need South Africa’s young wood, pulp and paper scientists to step forward. We need to tap into bright young minds to boost the relevance and sustainability of our sector and its contribution to the economy,” says Jane Molony, vice-president of ICFPA and executive director of PAMSA.

Competition details

This global biennial programme will grant up to three awards to the most attractive submissions. The overall shortlisted researchers will give presentations at the meeting of international CEOs at the ICFPA meeting in Berlin in June 2017.

Theme

An initiative of the International Council of Forests and Paper Associations (ICFPA), the award's inaugural theme is centred on ‘game changing technologies - unfolding the potential of forest, paper and wood-based products’. The theme includes two sub areas and their respective research lines:

1. Future generation forestry

• Forest tree breeding and biotechnology
  
• Precision forestry
  
• Measurements and inventory

2. Innovation in the wood-based industry

• Analysis and properties of pulp and paper
  
• Facilities, instrument and process control
  
• Bioproducts and wood chemistry
  
• Recycling, deinking and environment
  
• Timber for construction
  
• Material substitution with wood

Eligibility

Young researchers: students and other researchers under the age of 30 who are carrying out research and innovation projects relevant to forestry, forest products processing technologies and forest products in an academia, public or private research centre, company research and innovation department.

Rules

• After a transparent and objective selection process, the winning submissions will have the opportunity to present their projects in front of the CEO Roundtable.
  
• Travel expenses to Berlin and accommodation will be sponsored by the Blue Sky Award. Only three students will be selected.
  
• Each country will nominate a candidate to compete internationally after going through the national selection.
  
• Prior to the final selection, finalists will be invited to submit a short video in which they briefly describe their project.
  
• Applications shall be submitted before 31 July 2016.
  
• Submissions will be evaluated by PAMSA’s Research Committee and representatives from local universities.
  
• An award of R25,000 will be given to the winning South African researcher.

How and where to send applications

Applicants are invited to submit their application containing the following documents:

• Short CV (maximum one page)
  
• Statement of purpose, including:

  • 500 words; double spacing; font Calibri 12
    
  • Objectives
    
  • Description of the project
    
  • Summary of methodology
    
  • Expected results
    
  • Why is it relevant for the forest products industries?
    
  • What makes it innovative?

  • How is it fitting with the selected theme?

• Additional requirements: Advanced English skills (writing, listening and speaking)

Applications should be submitted by 31 July to Mike Nash az.oc.asmap@hsan.ekim and copied to Jane Molony az.oc.asmap@ynolom.enaj. Applications after the deadline will not be accepted.