On 10 October 2023, the Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research (APN) was kindly invited to present the APN Call for Proposals to support the Sustainable Mekong Research Network’s (SUMERNET) 4 ALL Training Workshop virtually. The training workshop was held from 10-12 October 2023 in Vientiane, Lao PDR, and was attended by 13 onsite Lao researchers from mixed career levels.
On behalf of the APN Secretariat, Dr Virasith Phomsouvanh (APN Scientific Planning Group member for Lao PDR) introduced APN and its Call for Proposals, with specific emphasis on the high-priority sub-regional topics for 2023 in the Southeast Asian region, eligibility requirements, and the timeline for submissions. The session also welcomed open questions from the in-person participants, as an opportunity to facilitate direct engagement with Dr Phomsouvanh and the APN Secretariat Scientific Affairs team.
The session also highlighted the special consideration of early career professionals submitting proposals under its Call for Proposals. This initiative and special consideration recognises the pivotal role of early career professionals in sharing scientific advancements for a sustainable future and nurturing their capacity through opportunities with APN. Aligned with APN’s Fifth Strategic Plan, which focuses on enhancing capabilities and supporting science-based decision-making, this open seminar opportunity in the Asia-Pacific region aims to encourage collaborative research and capacity development activities led by global change practioners, researchers, and early career professionals. For detailed eligibility requirements for ‘Early Career Professionals,’ please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for the APN Call for Proposals.
The participants reflected positively on the inputs from donor and funder introduction sessions, such as APN, UNDP GEF, and SUMERNET, to provide tangible examples of opportunities and requirements for successful proposal submissions and funding. The opportunity to directly connect with the funders, both during and after the event, also provided a strong opportunity for networking and capacity development amongst the Lao researchers.
About SUMERNET and SEI
The Sustainable Mekong Research Network (SUMERNET) was launched in 2005, supported by over 70 member organisations and the Swedish International Development Agency (Sida). SUMERNET supports policy-relevant research and outreach activities to inform and engage decision-makers, planners and stakeholders bringing together research partners engaged in sustainable development in the six countries of the Mekong Region: Cambodia, China (specifically Yunnan Province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region), Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. Within this context, it pursues an evolving agenda in response to questions and policy issues that arise in the region.
SUMERNET is hosted by the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), an international non-profit research and policy organisation that tackles environmental and development challenges. SEI’s work and activities spans climate, water, air and land-use issues, governance, the economy, gender and health, with over 600 active projects in over 50 countries globally.
The APN Secretariat gratefully acknowledges and gives thanks to the invitation and facilitation of the APN outreach seminar at the SUMERNET 4 ALL Training Workshop, by Dr Ridhi Saluja and Mr Agus Nugroho from the SUMERNET Secretariat.
