WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Partnerships for Enhanced Engagement in Research (PEER) program is now accepting proposals aimed at enhancing scientific capacity in the developing world.

Announced on July 7, 2011 as a partnership between the U.S. Agency for International Development and the National Science Foundation (NSF), PEER aims to build scientific collaborations between the United States and developing nations.

PEER is being implemented by the National Academies, which will manage the proposal review process and disburse and monitor grants awarded. In addition to the current program cycle, it is expected that solicitations for PEER will be issued at least annually, with details to be posted at http://www.nationalacademies.org/peer.

"PEER will help create and reinforce scientific networks that will last long after funding ends," Dr. Alex Dehgan, Science and Technology Adviser to the Administrator said. "These networks can respond to new challenges that fail to respect political boundaries and threaten the security of all nations."

PEER will allow scientists and engineers in developing countries to apply for funds to support research and capacity-building activities with their NSF-funded collaborators on topics of importance to the developing world and to the United States. The program will focus on food security, agricultural development, global health, climate change, disaster mitigation, clean water, renewable energy and other areas.