Science 4 Cambodia
This retreat was held, in purpose, to discuss the current status of scientific research, scientists’ profile, motivation, research activity, career development, support structure, role of mentorship and mentorship program, how to promotion of STEM programme and the future collaboration among all participants in STEM. The structure of the discussion is divided into three main level – national (policy makers), organizational (academic leaders) and individual (researchers, students...).
The objectives |
The expected outcomes from the retreat are that a draft report of the discussion is made; a draft plan of actions of how all relevant partners can contribute to STEM programme has been designed; a preliminary mentorship plan for senior hard scientists to aspire and assist youths and younger researchers to pursue STEM research career and major have been formed, and a network of and venue for scientists to continue dialogue on STEM has been created.
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Conclusion |
The first Science4Cambodia Retreat was a successful initiative taken by CDRI Executive Director Dr Chhem with a funding from Sida. Frank and honest discussion about science as institution, science in academia and science as individual endeavor, was conducted. The opportunities and challenges for building a research tradition in natural sciences were identified. It was acknowledged that, while Cambodian natural scientific research is still in its infancy, social sciences research is now relatively well established with CDRI being acknowledged as a center of excellence for policy research. It is expected that group will continue to cooperate in the future to advance natural scientific research in Cambodia focusing on science fir development.
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