The five 1999-2000 UNU-Kirin Fellows, from India (2), Indonesia, Mongolia and Viet Nam, will present brief summaries of their research. Each will then be receive a certificate and commemorative gift from Prof. Hans van Ginkel, UNU Rector, and Mr. Yasuhiro Satoh, President of Kirin Brewery Company.

The ceremony will conclude with introductions of the five 2000-2001 UNU-Kirin Fellows and their advisers. An orientation session for the new fellows will follow the ceremony.

The UNU-Kirin Fellowship Programme began in April 1993 with an annual contribution of 34 million Japanese yen (US$320,000) from Japan's Kirin Brewery Company. Kirin has since extended its initial five-year commitment for an additional five years. These funds enable five top scientists from developing countries in Asia to come Japan each year for a full year of research and training in the latest techniques of food science and technology at NFRI.

An effective and innovative feature of the Kirin sponsorship is that it also provides financial support to the home institutions of the UNU-Kirin Fellows, thereby enabling them to continue their research and teach their fellow countrymen when they return home. The goal of the UNU-Kirin Fellowship Programme is to build up the capacity of food research institutions throughout Asia.

Media representatives are cordially invited to attend the 4 April award ceremony. A copy of the programme is attached.

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