Microsoft to Offer Education Grants

Microsoft Research is coughing up $1.2 million in order to fund academic research aimed at bringing technology to the under-privileged, focusing specifically on making computing more affordable, accessible and relevant to local culture. Two separate programs were launched Thursday.

The Digital Inclusion opportunity is directed at research to aid health, education and socioeconomic conditions worldwide using technology. Microsoft is specifically pushing for research that utilizes mobile devices and phones, as well as networking to help developing countries.

Proposals for Digital Inclusion will be accepted starting November 7 until January 13, 2006. Funding recipients will be notified by February 10, 2006.

Redmond is also interested in sponsoring researchers, doctorate candidates and students through its Inspire program. Microsoft will provide volunteer lecturers to speak at universities, and a travel award for students to take part in a program of workshops, lectures and tutorials in Africa, Eastern Europe or the Middle East.

In addition, Microsoft will offer an award for final-year students who start work toward a doctorate degree regarding approaches in computing technology that positively affect developing areas of the world.

"Many significant challenges remain to be solved in the push toward digital inclusion on a global scale. We hope these programs will encourage more researchers to pursue approaches in computing technology that advance these goals — getting us one step closer to global digital inclusion," said Rick Rashid, Microsoft Research senior vice president.