Scientific Cooperation Exchange Program | Apply Online

Opportunity Summary:

The Scientific Cooperation Exchange Program (SCEP) is a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service opportunity designed to strengthen scientific ties between the United States and institutions in the People's Republic of China through short-term, targeted exchanges. Its core purpose is to support international collaboration that advances agricultural development and economic growth while also addressing animal and plant health problems that can disrupt or limit agricultural trade. In practical terms, the program is meant to help U.S. scientists and technical experts build new professional linkages in China that can develop into longer-term cooperative relationships and research connections.

A defining feature of SCEP is the structure of the exchange itself. Selected U.S. teams, with up to five members per team, participate in a two-week visit to China. These visits are not generic study tours; they are specifically tailored to each team based on its scientific objectives. The customization is enabled by a special USDA Scientific and Technological Exchange Agreement with the PRC, under which the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture develops an itinerary and technical program aligned with what the U.S. team is proposing to accomplish. The intent is to maximize direct engagement with relevant Chinese institutions across the PRC and create meaningful, mission-driven interactions rather than broad, unspecific networking.

From a funding and cost standpoint, the announcement emphasizes that U.S. teams are responsible only for paying their international airfare to and from China, implying that the in-country visit is arranged through the program framework described above. The grant listing itself is categorized as a discretionary opportunity, with the funding instrument type labeled as "Other" and the activity area identified as science and technology and other research and development. The opportunity anticipated up to 10 awards. The posted date was December 15, 2009, and the application closing date was March 26, 2010 (with the archive date listed as April 25, 2010). The listing shows $0 for estimated total funding and $0 for award floor and ceiling, which typically indicates that the primary support may be provided in the form of travel programming and exchange logistics rather than a standard cash award, and that applicants should rely on the full announcement for the precise benefit structure and covered costs.

Eligibility is broadly open, with applicants described as U.S. scientists or technical experts affiliated with colleges and universities, federal or state agencies, private nonprofit organizations, or U.S. companies. The program also explicitly encourages proposals from early-career scientists, women scientists, and scientists or institutions representing underserved and underrepresented communities. The groups highlighted include American Indian, Alaska Native, Pacific Islander, Hispanic, Asian American, and African American communities. Eligibility also extends to U.S. institutions located in U.S. territories, specifically American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. No cost sharing or matching requirement is indicated in the listing.

Administratively, the opportunity is identified by Funding Opportunity Number USDA GRANTS 122904-001 and is associated with CFDA number 10.961 (Scientific Cooperation and Research). The sponsoring agency is USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service. For applicants needing help accessing the full announcement or seeking guidance, the listed contact is Nora Banks, International Affairs Specialist, reachable by phone at 202-720-3904 or by email at nora.banks@fas.usda.gov.

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