Scientists working on new ISTC projects will see their grants raised by an average of 45%, starting in December 2008, ISTC’s Governing Board decided at its session held on 17 July in Moscow.

These increases reflect the realities of the developing economies of both Russia and the CIS. By raising the grants, ISTC intends on stimulating the development and submission of new quality science and technology projects and maintain the interest of its highly qualified beneficiary scientists.

Furthermore, the Governing Board approved new project funding representing over $766,000 and € 3,174,000 in new funding for activities in Russia, Tajikistan, Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan and the Kyrgyz Republic.

The Governing Board also decided to fund a new sustainability plan for the Khlopin Radium Institute in St. Petersburg, Russia, as a pilot project with a budget of 500,000 USD, available for the implementation of this plan. The goal is to help the institute become self-sustainable by adopting various business and commercial methods.