Partners Program

Nonproliferation Through Science Cooperation

The Science Centers Partners Program

Welcome to the Department of State's home page for the Science Centers Partners Program.

For U.S. private industry, scientific institutions and other governmental or non-governmental organizations interested in funding research at institutes in the former Soviet Union, the Partners Program provides a protective infrastructure that reduces or eliminates many of the associated risks. U.S. companies or other organizations wishing to fund projects may do so by “partnering” with the International Science and Technology Center (ISTC) or the Science and Technology Center in Ukraine (STCU).

The Partner application process is simple and costs nothing, and becoming a Partner opens the door to a world of research opportunities. Scientists and institutes working in the program are engaged in R&D projects involving chemistry, material science, telecommunications, transportation, biotechnology, environmental science and more. Depending on its own R&D objectives, a Partner may fund a project that has already been registered at one of the Centers, or work with an appropriate FSU institute to custom-design a project. Many well-known U.S. businesses recognize the depth of scientific talent in the FSU and have chosen to participate in the Partners Program, including Boeing, General Electric, 3M, Procter & Gamble, Dow, Dupont, General Atomics, and Air Products and Chemicals.

 Why Become a Partner?

• Tax Exemptions
  Funds received from the Centers for research projects are not considered taxable personal income.

• Customs Duties Exemptions
  Equipment imported for projects is exempt from customs duties, tariffs and import taxes.
  
  
• Host Government Concurrence
  All Science Center projects receive host government approval.
  
  
• Direct Payments to Scientists
  Payments are made directly to an account in the scientist's name.
  
  
• Procurement Assistance
  Science Centers provide assistance to Partners in the procurement of equipment and services.
  
  
• Project Monitoring
  Science Centers provide a well-established in-country project administration infrastructure, including on-site visits and financial accountability.

Who We Are
We are the office within the U.S. Department of State which provides administrative and policy support to:

• The Science Centers in Moscow, Russia and Kiev, Ukraine; and

• The Partners and Collaborators Program.

We are located in the Harry S Truman Building (the main State Department location), 2201 C Street, NW, Washington, DC 20520.

Our official designation is the Office of Proliferation Threat Reduction (NP/PTR) and our phone number is (202) 736-7694.