The UNESCO is reportedly expanding a scheme that aims to slow the brain drain of African and Arab researchers by giving them access to global scientific networks and computing power. The 'Brain Gain Initiative', set up in partnership with computer firm Hewlett-Packard (HP), allows researchers to collaborate with experts worldwide through grid and cloud computing. The move is expected to boost researchers’ loyalty to the local science and technology effort.
While grid computing combines the processing power of several computers across a network to work on a single scientific problem, cloud computing allows researchers to access the latest web applications and databases.
The scheme builds on a successful pilot in five universities from 2006-09. It will now involve 15 more universities in Africa and the Middle East. Training for participants on how to use and maintain the equipment took place in South Africa earlier this month. According to a UNESCO spokesperson, partnership agreements were being prepared, with schedules to be signed at the end of January 2010. With help from additional partners, UNESCO and HP plan to include 100 more universities in the scheme by the end of 2011.
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