MERC researchers must demonstrate their work’s regional relevance and submit a coherent research plan with a link to outreach for implementing project results.
MERC research projects incorporate seminars, workshops, training and community meetings to increase the knowledge base of communities. Each project must describe a plan to achieve developmental impact.
Research projects often develop into new technologies that are implemented throughout the Middle East. (see success stories).
MERC Projects by Country
Each current MERC project includes Israel and anywhere from one to six Arab countries. Arab countries not shown among the current projects are also eligible.
Several MERC project partners exchange students for training to increase scientific capacity and idea sharing.
Due to geographical proximity, researchers develop and share solutions to problems common to several countries.
MERC Increases Cooperation and Technical Capacity through Arab-Israeli Partnerships
As the technical capacity in the Middle East has increased over the past decade, MERC grantees have become increasingly willing and able to work directly together without any outside partners.
Despite the difficulties in the region, interest in the program has grown. MERC now supports over three times as many concurrently active projects as it did in the 1990s.
To expand technical capacity, student training is a common feature of nearly every MERC project.
Equipment purchased through MERC grants is used for further research after the project ends.
Scientist networks established by earlier MERC projects in many different fields continue to function and exchange ideas and technical information.
