Announcement of Opportunity

United Nations Human Space Technology Initiative (UN-HSTI)
“Zero-Gravity Instrument Project (ZGIP)”
Second Cycle January 1, 2014

1. Thematic Area: Human Space Technology Initiative (HSTI) Science Activity

2. Title: "Zero-Gravity Instrument Project (ZGIP) Second Cycle"

3. Executing Agency: Office for Outer Space Affairs (OOSA), United Nations

4. Duration and Beginning Date: 2 years, beginning 1 September 2014

5. Deadline for Applications: Completed application forms should be received by the Office for Outer Space Affairs by 30 April 2014. Successful applicants will be notified on the outcome of their applications by 1 July 2014.

6. Number of Available Instruments: One (1) unit for each successful applicant. A total of 20 units are available for distribution around the world.

7. Expected Applicant Profile: Heads of research groups, university professors with scientific orientation, or science teachers.

8. Language of the Project: English

9. Brief Project Description:
The Office for Outer Space Affairs (OOSA) is pleased to announce the opportunity for the Second Cycle of the Zero-Gravity Instrument Project (ZGIP) as part of the Human Space Technology Initiative (HSTI) under the framework of the United Nations Programme on Space Applications. The Project provides unique opportunities for students and researchers to study the gravitational effects on samples, such as plant seeds and small organisms, in conditions of simulated microgravity, with hands-on learning in classroom or research activities conducted by each institution.

In this Project, a fixed number of clinostats (microgravity simulation instruments) are distributed free of charge to qualified schools, universities and research institutes around the world. The Project is aimed at contributing to promoting space education and research under microgravity conditions, particularly for enhancing capacity-building activities in developing countries. The Project is also aimed at motivating research institutions to invest in activities in space and microgravity research as well as fostering a global network of participating institutions in this field.