The basic philosophy of the International Road Federation (IRF) since itsfounding in 1948 has been that road infrastructure development is the true key to economic and social progress in any country in the world. Since its inception, the IRF has been promoting technology transfer to developingcountries through its unique university scholarship program (IRF Fellowship Program), Road Congresses, the creation of training materials, and through the leadership and technological expertise of its Members. The IRF Fellowship Program, which started in 1949, has provided 1157 individuals from114 countries with the opportunity to be educated in some of the finest institutions of higher learning in the world, and to be mentored by some ofthe true experts and leaders in the road industry. These Fellows have returned to their home countries to accept positions of great responsibility including, ministers, deputy ministers, senators, company presidents, managing directors, cabinet ministers, university professors and researchers. They have exerted a strong influence on the orderly development of worldwide transportation systems. The IRF Fellowship Program has evolved over thepast fifty nine years. This presentation will describe the different aspects of today's IRF Fellowship Program, including the Traditional Program, the Executive Program, and the Study Abroad Program. Since 1948, the credoof the IRF has been "Better Roads Mean Better Living." This presentation will explain how the IRF Fellowship Program is helping to make the roads better around the world through technology transfer. For the covering abstract see ITRD E139491.
Abstract