FOLSOM, PA. — The Geosynthetic Institute (GSI) announced a worldwide call for requests-for-proposals (RFPs) focusing on innovative geosynthetics research and development projects. There will be multiple awards made, each for $10,000 for the first year, and they are renewable for a second and third year up to a total amount of $20,000 per student. Students must have completed their candidacy examinations leading to a doctorial degree in engineering or science to be eligible.

Proposals must be submitted in the following four-page format (with no exceptions):
• Page 1 – Letter of recommendation from student’s department head or advisor
• Page 2 – Title and detailed abstract of project
• Page 3 – Student’s resume
• Page 4 – Documentation of completed candidacy examination

The RFPs for the 2011-2012 academic year must be submitted via e-mail by June 30, 2011, to both Robert M. Koerner, Ph.D., P.E., NAE, director, GSI (robert.koerner@coe.drexel.edu) and Jamie R. Koerner, special projects coordinator, GSI (jrkoerner@verizon.net), Awards will be announced on or before Aug. 1, 2011. Review of the proposals is by the nine-person board of directors of GSI.

For information on the Geosynthetic Institute and past recipients, visit www.geosynthetic-institute.org/gsifellows.htm.