Eligibility Requirements:

– Nationality: Citizen of the Kyrgyz Republic

– Age: Applicants must be under 40 years old as of April 1, 2021 (date of birth must be on or after April 2, 1980)

– Employment Status: Applicants must be employed in the state or municipal service within governmental or local self-government bodies included in the target organizations of the JDS Project (excluding advisers, consultants, assistants, and political or special appointee positions)

– Work Experience: At least 2 years of full-time experience in state or municipal service as of April 1, 2021

– Educational Background: Higher education degree required (Specialist Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree)

– English Language Proficiency: Sufficient level of English required for pursuing Master’s degree studies.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSevsf8ScZSzjv6RgQxAweXj3D0ZuJ1p1HhOXpCJJ6WooR_BKg/viewform

German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) supports international academic mobility, educational exchange programmes, and research fellowships worldwide.

As the world’s largest organization promoting international academic exchange, DAAD brings together German universities and student organizations, offering scholarships for academic studies, internships, and collaborative research projects across the globe.

Target Audience:
Senior undergraduate students, postgraduate students, academic staff, and established researchers.

Eligibility Requirements:

– Outstanding academic performance and proven research achievements
– An official invitation from a host institution in Germany (for researchers and scholars)
– Proficiency in English or German, confirmed by an official language certificate
– A well-defined research proposal or study plan

Application Deadlines:

– The main application deadlines generally fall between September and November
– Short-term grant programmes may offer several application rounds throughout the year

Important Note:

Different regulations apply to applicants in the fields of Human Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, and Dentistry. Applicants are kindly advised to consult the brochure entitled “Additional Information on DAAD Research Grants for Applicants in Medical Fields” available at:

DAAD Extra Information for Medical Applicants

The Gates Cambridge Trust Scholarship is a highly competitive, fully funded award for postgraduate study at the University of Cambridge.

Overview:

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship supports outstanding international students from outside the United Kingdom to pursue full-time postgraduate degrees at the University of Cambridge, including PhD, MSc/MLitt, and one-year postgraduate courses.

Eligible programmes:

• PhD (doctoral degree)
• MSc / MLitt (research master’s degrees)
• One-year full-time postgraduate courses (with some exceptions)

Eligibility:

Applicants must:

• Be a citizen of any country outside the UK
• Apply for admission to the University of Cambridge in an eligible postgraduate programme
• Demonstrate strong academic excellence and leadership potential

Selection criteria:

Candidates are assessed based on:

• Outstanding academic ability
• Clear justification for choosing the course at Cambridge
• Commitment to improving the lives of others
• Leadership potential

Key features of the scholarship:

• Full coverage of university tuition fees
• Living stipend for the duration of study
• Travel costs (arrival and departure)
• Additional funding for academic development and research (in some cases)

Application timing:

• Applications typically align with Cambridge postgraduate admissions deadlines
• Most deadlines fall in the autumn–winter application cycle depending on nationality and course

The Joint Small Grants Programme of the Stop TB Partnership (STB) and the WHO Regional Office for Europe supports operational and implementation research aimed at ensuring continuity of essential tuberculosis (TB) services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective of the Programme:

The initiative funds high-quality operational/implementation research projects that address gaps in TB service delivery, particularly under pandemic conditions, and strengthen national TB control systems.

Key Requirements for Proposals:

• Research proposals must be developed in close collaboration with national TB programmes and/or relevant units of the Ministry of Health.
• Health personnel involved in TB prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care at the national level should be included in the research team to ensure relevance and practical application of findings.
• The study must clearly address knowledge gaps relevant to:
  • TB service delivery within national TB programmes
  • The impact of COVID-19 on TB control
  • National health system strengthening
• Proposals must demonstrate alignment with:
  • The WHO European Region TB Action Plan (2016–2020)
  • National TB control plans
  • Current WHO TB guidelines
• Research must be adapted to national and local priorities and aligned, where possible, with the Regional TB Research Agenda:
  WHO TB Research Agenda (PDF)

Ethical and Regulatory Requirements:

• Proposals must be prepared for submission to the national ethics committee and obtain all necessary approvals.

Implementation and Dissemination:

• Each proposal must include:
  • Stakeholder engagement strategy
  • Clear roles of co-investigators and partners
  • Communication and dissemination plan for research results
• Proposals endorsed by the Ministry of Health and/or national TB programme will be prioritized (support letter required).

Capacity Building and Collaboration:

• The programme aims to strengthen national research capacity and promote collaboration between research institutions and disease control programmes.

• Applicants must currently be enrolled in at least second semester of the home university program (= have completed at least one semester before they apply)

* We cannot thus accept graduate students who are enrolled in the first semester of the Master’s program at their application stage.

• Applicants must fulfill the following GPA requirement. (from Fall 2020’s admission)

• Fluent level of either English or Korean language proficiency is highly recommended, but no certification is required.

• GPA 2.5/4.0 (equivalent to 2.7/4.3) or percentile rank 83

http://oia.snu.ac.kr/page/scholarships.php

Location: Quakenbrück, Lower Saxony, Germany
Duration: 6 months
Commitment: Full-time, on-site internship

Company Overview:

BIOWEG is a German biotech company founded in 2019. It focuses on sustainable, science-driven innovation by combining biotechnology, materials science, and molecular modeling to develop advanced bio-based ingredients.

The company develops 100% animal-free and non-GMO ingredients, produced sustainably without harsh chemicals. BIOWEG works with global brands in the cosmetics, nutraceuticals, and food & beverage industries. It operates a fully equipped R&D and pilot production facility and was recognized by the European Innovation Council as one of Germany’s most innovative deep-tech startups under the EIC Accelerator programme (2022).

Role & Responsibilities:

• Work on fermentation processes using various raw materials, buffers, and media sterilization systems
• Troubleshooting process-related technical issues
• Preparation and maintenance of cell cultures, including cell counting
• Documentation of experiments in electronic lab notebooks, batch records, and protocols
• Assistance with equipment installation, commissioning, maintenance, and partner support
• Compliance with safety, regulatory, and infrastructure maintenance standards
• Participation in downstream processing tasks, including extraction and purification
• Support laboratory, production, and hygiene operations while maintaining strict cleanliness standards

Required Qualifications & Experience:

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Biology, or Microbiology
• Ability to work in a hands-on, fast-paced, interdisciplinary environment
• Experience with microorganisms and aseptic techniques
• Familiarity with laboratory equipment such as laminar flow hoods, ultracentrifuges, filter presses, membrane filtration systems, freeze dryers, etc.

Work Environment:

• On-site internship in Quakenbrück, Germany
• Erasmus+ scholarship application is possible

Compensation:

• Financial compensation provided

Experience Requirement:

• No prior professional experience required

http://Bioweg.com

The Innovation Prize is a global competition organized by the Global Shapers Community, an initiative of the World Economic Forum. It recognizes and supports innovative projects that address pressing global challenges and create meaningful impact in local communities and beyond.

Funding Amount:

• CHF 5,000 – 10,000 (Swiss francs)

Deadline:

• 16 March

Purpose of the Programme:

The Innovation Prize aims to identify and support projects that:

• Address urgent social, environmental, or technological challenges
• Demonstrate innovation and real-world impact
• Have potential for scaling and long-term sustainability

Eligible Applicants:

• Individuals or teams from any country
• Projects across all sectors, including:
  • Education
  • Healthcare
  • Environment
  • Technology
  • Social innovation

The key requirement is that the project must offer a clear solution to a defined problem and demonstrate potential for measurable impact.

Award Benefits:

Selected winners receive:

• Financial support (CHF 5,000–10,000)
• Global visibility through the Global Shapers platform
• Mentorship from experts
• Access to an international innovation network

Selection Criteria:

Applications are evaluated based on:

• Innovation of the idea
• Social impact and relevance
• Scalability of the solution
• Financial and operational sustainability

Application Process:

Applicants must submit an online application describing:

• Project idea and objectives
• Problem being addressed
• Proposed solution
• Expected impact
• Use of funding

https://www.globalshapers.org/innovation-prize

Global Greengrants Fund – Small Grants Programme (Central Asia)

The Small Grants Programme of the Global Greengrants Fund provides funding for community-based environmental initiatives in Central Asia focused on environmental justice and sustainable development.

Funding Amount:

• Grants ranging from $500 to $15,000

Deadline:

• 14 March

Programme Overview:

This programme supports local environmental organizations, NGOs, and community-based initiative groups working on concrete environmental issues and promoting environmental justice at local, national, and regional levels.

Environmental justice refers to the fair and meaningful participation of all people—regardless of gender, age, nationality, citizenship, social status, or income—in environmental decision-making processes, as well as equal protection from environmental and health risks.

Eligible Applicants:

• Community-based environmental NGOs
• Initiative groups with active participation of:
  • Women
  • Youth
  • Persons with disabilities
  • Traditional and indigenous communities

Priority Thematic Areas:

The programme supports initiatives focused on:

• Public participation in environmental decision-making and environmental justice
• Environmental safety and protection
• Climate change adaptation
• Transition to sustainable and renewable energy
• Conservation and sustainable use of natural resources
• Biodiversity protection
• Cross-border environmental issues
• Preservation of traditional lifestyles in harmony with nature
• Participation in environmental conferences and advocacy events (travel grants)

Types of Grants:

• Up to $7,000 – national-level projects
• Up to $15,000 – regional projects
• Up to $4,000 – travel/support grants

Supported Activities:

• Community environmental campaigns
• Legal environmental advocacy
• Community-based environmental monitoring
• Participation in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA/OVOS) processes
• Formation of environmental networks and coalitions
• Protection of environmental rights of traditional communities

Focus:

The programme emphasizes practical, community-driven environmental actions that strengthen local environmental governance and empower vulnerable groups in decision-making processes.

https://smallgrantca.org/

The Global Health Challenge by MIT Solve is an international innovation competition designed to support breakthrough solutions that improve global health systems.

Funding Range:

• $10,000 – $150,000

Deadline:

• 17 April

Programme Overview:

This challenge seeks innovative, scalable solutions that strengthen healthcare systems worldwide by improving access, quality, efficiency, and resilience of medical services.

The focus is on addressing key global health challenges through technology, innovation, and system-level improvements.

Priority Areas:

Projects may focus on areas such as:

• Digital health and health technologies
• Telemedicine solutions
• Disease prevention and control strategies
• Innovations in diagnosis and treatment
• Infectious disease response systems
• Strengthening public health infrastructure

Eligible Applicants:

The competition is open to:

• Startups
• Non-profit organizations
• Research groups
• Individual entrepreneurs

Projects can be at any stage:

• Early-stage ideas
• Pilot projects
• Scalable implemented solutions

Evaluation Criteria:

Applications are assessed based on:

• Innovation and originality
• Scalability and global applicability
• Sustainability and long-term impact
• Measurable improvement in health systems

Award Benefits:

Selected winners receive:

• Grant funding ($10K–$150K)
• Mentorship and expert guidance
• Access to a global innovation network
• Opportunity to present at international platforms

Application Process:

Applicants must:

• Register on the MIT Solve platform
• Complete the application form
• Submit detailed project description, objectives, and financial model
• Demonstrate expected impact and scalability

Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)

The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) is the central governmental authority responsible for science, research, and innovation policy in Germany. It funds strategic research and educational initiatives aimed at addressing global challenges, advancing technology, and strengthening international academic cooperation.

Programme Overview:

BMBF provides competitive public funding for research and education projects through thematic calls for proposals. These programmes are designed to support high-impact scientific collaboration and innovation at both national and international levels.

Target Group:

• Universities
• University professors and lecturers
• Research institutions
• Scientific researchers and project teams

Key Requirements:

• Applications must be submitted through a university or officially registered research institution
• Most programmes require an international partner institution
• Projects must strictly align with the thematic focus of the specific funding call (Call for Proposals)
• Applicants must submit a well-developed research or project proposal
• Professional proficiency in English or German is required

Application Timeline:

• Deadlines vary depending on the specific programme
• Calls for proposals are published individually and periodically
• Updated opportunities are available on official research funding platforms

Official Information Portal:

All current funding programmes, calls, and guidelines are published on the official research portal:
Research in Germany – BMBF Funding Information

German Research Foundation (DFG)

The German Research Foundation (DFG) is Germany’s central self-governing research funding organization. It supports fundamental (basic) research across all disciplines based strictly on scientific excellence.

Programme Overview:

DFG funds high-quality fundamental research projects in all fields of knowledge. Its mission is to promote scientific excellence, support early-career researchers, and strengthen international academic cooperation.

Unlike project-based governmental programmes, DFG operates as a science-driven funding body, where proposals are evaluated exclusively on academic merit.

Target Group:

• Researchers holding a doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent)
• University-based academics
• Researchers affiliated with recognized research institutions

Eligibility Requirements:

• Completed PhD (or equivalent doctoral qualification)
• Formal affiliation with a German university or research institute
• High scientific quality and originality of the proposed research project
• Compliance with ethical standards in research

Application Timeline:

• For most individual funding schemes, applications can be submitted year-round
• Special programmes and collaborative projects may have fixed deadlines announced separately
• Calls and opportunities are continuously updated on the official DFG portal

Key Features:

• Supports fundamental (non-applied) research only
• Strong emphasis on scientific excellence and peer review
• Encourages early-career researcher development
• Promotes international collaboration and mobility

Official Information:

All current funding schemes and application guidelines are available here:
DFG Official Funding Portal

Hanns Seidel Foundation Scholarships

The Hanns Seidel Foundation is a German political foundation that promotes democratic values, civic engagement, and social responsibility based on Christian-social principles. It supports highly motivated young people who combine strong academic performance with active involvement in society.

Target Group:

• University students
• Doctoral (PhD) candidates
• Young researchers with strong academic and social engagement

Applicants are expected to demonstrate both academic excellence and active participation in civic, volunteer, or political activities.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Academic performance significantly above average
• Proven involvement in social, volunteer, or political work
• Strong motivation for contributing to democratic and social development
• High proficiency in German (generally B2–C1 level required)
• Age limit: usually up to 32 years for PhD applicants

Selection Criteria:

Candidates are assessed based on:

• Academic achievement and intellectual potential
• Social responsibility and civic engagement
• Personal integrity and motivation
• Commitment to democratic values and public service

Application Deadlines:

• 15 January (annual cycle)
• 15 July (annual cycle)

Programme Focus:

The foundation aims to:

• Support talented youth with strong civic engagement
• Promote democratic culture and civil society development
• Encourage international understanding and leadership potential
• Strengthen socially responsible academic careers

Official Information:

More details and application guidelines:
Hanns Seidel Foundation Scholarships

• https://www.hss.de/en/scholarships/

Volkswagen Foundation Funding Programmes

The Volkswagen Foundation is Germany’s largest private research funding foundation. It supports innovative, interdisciplinary, and high-risk scientific projects that often go beyond traditional academic boundaries.

Programme Overview:

The foundation funds pioneering research projects that explore new scientific directions and encourage unconventional, cross-disciplinary approaches. Its focus is on enabling scientific breakthroughs in emerging and underexplored fields.

Target Group:

• Interdisciplinary research teams
• Early-career researchers (Postdoctoral level)
• Professors and senior academics
• International research collaborations

Eligibility Requirements:

• High level of originality and scientific innovation
• Clear interdisciplinary approach combining multiple fields of science
• Strong international collaboration (partners from different countries encouraged)
• Potential for significant scientific breakthrough or paradigm shift

Application Structure:

• Funding is provided through thematic Calls for Proposals
• Each programme has specific criteria and requirements
• Deadlines vary depending on the selected funding scheme
• Applicants must follow guidelines published for each call

Key Features:

• Supports high-risk, high-reward research
• Encourages unconventional scientific ideas
• Promotes international and interdisciplinary cooperation
• Strong emphasis on scientific originality rather than applied outcomes

Official Information:

Current funding opportunities and open calls:
Volkswagen Foundation Funding Portal

Salzburg Medical Seminars – Open Medical Institute

The programme is organized by the Open Medical Institute, which provides advanced international medical education and training through Salzburg Medical Seminars.

These seminars aim to improve medical knowledge and clinical practice by bringing together experienced physicians from different countries for specialized training and academic exchange.

Programme Overview:

The Salzburg Medical Seminars are intensive international training courses designed for practicing physicians. They focus on continuing medical education, specialization-based learning, and exposure to modern clinical practices.

Participants are selected competitively and trained in small, highly specialized groups.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a licensed practicing physician
• Minimum 3 years of professional clinical experience
• Must have completed specialization training (residency or internship) relevant to the seminar topic
• Excellent English proficiency (spoken and written)
• Preferred age: 30–40 years (not strictly mandatory)
• Must be a citizen and resident of the Kyrgyz Republic
• Properly completed application documents required for submission

Application Timeline:

• Applications are accepted twice per year
• Each cycle has its own separate deadline

Key Features:

• High-level international medical education
• Focus on clinical specialization and practical knowledge
• Participation with international faculty and experts
• Competitive selection process
• Strong emphasis on academic and clinical excellence

Official Information:

Full details and application information are available here:
Open Medical Institute Programs

Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program

The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program is an international initiative of the United States Government aimed at strengthening leadership capacity and promoting professional exchange. The programme offers mid-career professionals the opportunity to undertake a one-year non-degree academic and professional programme at leading universities in the United States.

The fellowship combines academic study with professional affiliation placements in relevant institutions and is designed for individuals committed to introducing innovative approaches in public administration, public health, and related sectors.

Target Group:

Mid-career professionals and emerging leaders with demonstrated leadership potential and a strong commitment to public service.

Within the medical and public health profile, the programme particularly focuses on:

• Disease prevention and control
• Public health policy and administration
• Higher education administration
• Public sector leadership

Eligibility Requirements:

Applicants must:

• Be citizens and permanent residents of the Kyrgyz Republic
• Hold a degree from an accredited higher education institution (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent)
• Have a minimum of five years of continuous professional experience
• Demonstrate excellent English language proficiency
• Provide evidence of leadership potential and commitment to public service

Applicants must also demonstrate a clear intention to return to Kyrgyzstan after completion of the programme in order to apply the acquired knowledge and experience.

Priority Fields:

The programme supports specialists working in:

• Infectious and non-communicable diseases
• Public health policy and strategic management
• HIV/AIDS prevention and policy
• Prevention and treatment of substance abuse
• Higher education planning and administration
• Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) methodology

Programme Commitment:

Participants are expected to return to the Kyrgyz Republic upon completion of the fellowship and contribute to the development of their professional field and public sector institutions.

Application Timeline:

• The main annual application cycle is typically held in May

Official Information:

Detailed programme information is available here:
Humphrey Fellowship – KGMA Official Information

Alexander von Humboldt Foundation

The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation is one of Germany’s most prestigious scientific organizations dedicated to strengthening international academic cooperation and research excellence.

The foundation supports outstanding researchers from around the world, regardless of nationality or academic discipline, by funding independent research projects conducted in collaboration with host institutions in Germany. Its programmes promote intercultural scientific exchange and foster a global network of highly qualified scholars.

Target Group:

• Postdoctoral researchers at the early stages of their academic careers
• Experienced researchers with an established international academic reputation
• Scholars demonstrating above-average scientific qualifications and research achievements

Eligibility Requirements:

The programmes are open to researchers from all scientific fields who can demonstrate:

• High scientific productivity and academic excellence
• Strong relevance and originality of the proposed research project
• A confirmed academic host or research institution in Germany willing to support the project

Applicants independently define the topic of their research and conduct the project in cooperation with their German host institution.

Main Fellowship Programmes:

Humboldt Research Fellowship

A flagship programme supporting researchers of all nationalities and disciplines. It provides:

• Individualized academic support
• Access to the foundation’s extensive sponsorship portfolio
• Integration into the international Humboldt academic network

Georg Forster Research Fellowship

A specialized programme for researchers from developing and transition countries.

The fellowship focuses on research contributing to sustainable development and the achievement of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It recognizes the essential role of researchers from these regions in addressing global challenges and offers funding conditions equivalent to the standard Humboldt Fellowship.

Application Timeline:

• Applications are accepted and reviewed throughout the entire calendar year
• Submission and evaluation are conducted online on a rolling basis

Key Features:

• Fully international and interdisciplinary
• Strong emphasis on academic independence and excellence
• Long-term integration into the Humboldt global research network
• Support for collaborative research in Germany’s leading institutions

Official Information:

Detailed programme information and application guidelines are available here:
Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Program

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)

The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) programme is one of the European Union’s principal instruments for supporting the professional development, international mobility, and interdisciplinary training of researchers.

The programme aims to strengthen research and innovation capacity through international cooperation between academic and non-academic sectors. MSCA supports knowledge exchange, career development, and the global transfer of scientific expertise across institutions and industries.

Target Group:

The programme is open to both academic and non-academic organizations, including:

• Universities
• Research institutes and scientific centers
• Non-profit research organizations
• Private companies and industrial enterprises
• Governmental and international organizations

These institutions participate in training, hosting, and supporting highly qualified researchers.

Eligibility Categories:

MSCA funding is available to researchers of all nationalities and is divided into two main categories:

Early-Stage Researchers (Beginning Researchers)

Researchers who:

• Have less than four years of research experience (full-time equivalent)
• Do not hold a doctoral degree (PhD) at the time of recruitment

This category is particularly relevant for:

• Innovative Training Networks (ITN)
• COFUND programmes

Experienced Researchers

Researchers who:

• Have at least four years of research experience, or
• Hold a PhD degree by the application deadline

Applicants in this category must comply with the MSCA mobility rule, which generally requires relocation to another country for the fellowship in order to strengthen international and interdisciplinary competencies.

Programme Objectives:

MSCA supports:

• International scientific mobility
• Interdisciplinary research collaboration
• Academic and industrial partnerships
• Career development and advanced research training
• Knowledge and innovation transfer between sectors

Application Timeline:

• Applications for Postdoctoral Fellowships are typically opened annually
• Main submission deadlines usually occur in September

Key Features:

• Open to all scientific disciplines
• Strong emphasis on mobility and international cooperation
• Supports both academic and industry-based research
• Enhances employability and research leadership skills

Official Information:

Detailed programme guidelines and funding opportunities are available here:
MSCA Fellowship Information Page

USAID Health and Development Grant Programmes

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is one of the world’s largest international development donors supporting the strengthening of national healthcare systems and sustainable public health initiatives.

USAID funding programmes focus on addressing critical healthcare challenges, including infectious disease control, maternal and child health, digital health innovation, and healthcare system resilience.

Programme Overview:

USAID supports projects aimed at:

• Combating infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS
• Strengthening maternal and child healthcare services
• Expanding digital health and medical technologies
• Improving healthcare accessibility and quality
• Enhancing preparedness for global health threats

The agency prioritizes sustainable, measurable, and community-oriented solutions that improve long-term healthcare outcomes.

Eligible Applicants:

Funding opportunities are generally open to legal entities, including:

• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
• Universities and educational institutions
• Research institutes
• Public health institutions and governmental agencies

Eligibility Requirements:

Institutional Eligibility

Applicant organizations must:

• Have official legal status as a non-profit, educational, research, or public institution
• Demonstrate transparent governance and financial management systems

Registration Requirements

Organizations are typically required to:

• Obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)
• Maintain an active registration in SAM.gov
• Submit applications through Grants.gov when specified in funding announcements

Proposal Requirements

Applications must:

• Follow USAID regulations and procedures outlined in official Requests for Applications (RFA) or Requests for Proposals (RFP)
• Present a clear implementation strategy and measurable outcomes
• Align with USAID regional and sectoral priorities

Application Timeline:

• Funding opportunities are announced periodically throughout the year
• Applications are submitted competitively following official calls for proposals

Priority Areas in Health:

USAID programmes commonly support:

• Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment
• Public health system strengthening
• Maternal and child health
• Community health services
• Digital health and innovation
• Capacity building and workforce development

Official Information:

Current funding opportunities and programme information are available here:
USAID Kyrgyz Republic Programs