Scientists seek research grant

JAKARTA: Fifteen young scientists presented their research proposals at a competition for a grant to finance their studies at the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) yesterday.

The 15 young scientists, from a total of 16 invited by the institute to present their proposals, were winners of research contests for teenagers held during 1990-1995. They were selected from 28 who entered their proposals for the competition. The research studies were categorized into social sciences, natural sciences and technology.

"I really want to win the grant so I can open a small factory to produce paint from white clay colloid, a substance easily found in Merauke," Yati Noach, a participant from remote Merauke, Irian Jaya, told The Jakarta Post.

Competition was stiff, as those selected were already the best researchers in their fields, she said.

Yati, who won first place in the natural sciences category last year, presented her research paper entitled White Clay Colloid as a Basic Wall Paint Substance. In her paper, she proposed a Rp 9,825,000 (US$4271,7) grant to finance her study.

"I'm going to sell the paint at Rp 10,000 per can, which is Rp 2,000 lower than the current price on the market," she said.

LIPI provides a total of Rp 100 million for 10 winners and is expected to announce the contest results today.

LIPI's chairman Sofjan Tsauri said the contest was being held to motivate young scientists. The contest will be held annually during the anniversaries of the country's Independence Day and of LIPI. (31)