Global Research Council

About GRC

The Global Research Council (GRC) is a virtual organization consisting of head of science and engineering funding agencies worldwide. Its primary mission is to facilitate the exchange of data and best practices, fostering high-quality collaboration among funding agencies on a global scale.

The increasing worldwide support for public research offers a unique opportunity for nations, both large and small, to unite across borders. This spirit of cooperation and collaboration not only elevates the quality of scientific endeavors but also serves to prevent redundant efforts, capitalize on economies of scale, and tackle complex challenges that demand a unified approach. Research funding agencies bear the crucial responsibility of championing these objectives on behalf of their respective research communities.

Annually, GRC participants convene in a dedicated Annual Meeting, the date and location of which are determined by the GRC Governing Board. In addition to these pivotal gatherings, GRC participants engage in regional meetings held in five distinct regions: the Americas, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Middle East and North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa.

INSF and Its Involvement with GRC

The Iran National Science Foundation (INSF) has actively participated in the GRC since 2015. Representing the Asia-Pacific region, INSF has taken part in numerous regional and annual GRC Meetings. Notably, INSF played the role of host for the 2018 Asia-Pacific Regional Meeting in Tehran and joined forces with the New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) to co-host the 2020 Asia-Pacific Regional Meeting virtually. Moreover, the Head of the Office of Science Diplomacy at INSF served as a member of the GRE Executive Support Group (ESG) from 2018 to 2022.