The main mission of the Unity through Knowledge Fund (UKF) is to unite the scientific and professional potential of researchers from Croatia and those living abroad (Diaspora). UKF is a component of the STP project supported by the World Bank. It is managed on daily basis by the Project Management Unit (PMU). The PMU reports to the MSES, which holds general responsibility for the implementation and coordination of the STP;

The Unity through Knowledge Fund has been created by the Croatian Ministry of Science, Education and Sports with the aim to use potential and establish
cooperation between the Croatian scientific and professional Diaspora. The Fund is financing collaborative research projects and knowledge-based business activities of expatriates and Croatian researchers, institutions and companies. Both researchers from Diaspora and Croatia may apply for financial support for projects that are to be based at Croatian organizations. The Fund supports bottom-up projects within different programmes like Homeward Grant; Crossing borders grants, Gaining experience grant, Homeland visit grant, First research topics grant, Reintegration grant. Two Committees in charge of the Fund, which include the eminent scientists and experts, decide about the allocation of the support. The process is peer reviewed by international independent experts. Total resources planned for the period 2006 – 2009 amounts to €5m including €3.7m from the World Bank credit. Individual grants
can amount up to 200.000EUR for a three-year period. The Fund supports only a part of total project costs, while the remaining part of costs must be covered from other sources. The payments are delivered from the WB loan (74%) and MSES (26%). UKF was elected by the International Labour Organization as an example of good practice.

Contact Person:
Allesia Pozzi, Programme manager
E-mail: office@ukf.hr

Further contact details are provided below.