PABSELA 2008 | SCRT08 > SCRT08 > Program

Stem Cell Research Training 2008 (SCRT08) 

Purpose and Scope

PABSELA-SCRT08 is a 15-day intensive lecture and laboratory course on stem cell biology for 20-25 young investigators (graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and junior faculty/scientists) in the biomedical sciences from Latin American countries. The course is founded in direct collaboration with Harvard Medical International, the Harvard Stem Cell Institute, and Fundación Instituto Leloir. The main objective of the program is to introduce the Latin American investigators to stem cell biology through lectures, discussions of scientific papers and laboratory sessions, as well as to create new ties between Latin and North American researchers that may result in long-term research collaborations in this field.

In addition to the course, there will be a series of free Seminars open to the entire academic community at which PABSELA Faculty will present the latest results from their laboratories. For more information click here

 

Dates and places

PABSELA-SCRT08 will take place at Fundación Instituto Leloir: Avenida Patricias Argentinas 435, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, C1405BWE Argentina between 03 and 17 MAY 2008. For map and directions click here

 

Course Description

This intensive laboratory and lecture course is designed for young investigators interested in applying their expertise to the study of stem cell biology. Lectures provide the conceptual basis for contemporary research in identification, isolation, and differentiation of embryonic and adult stem cells, while the laboratories provide extensive hands-on training in up-to-date techniques essential for stem cell research. Experimental techniques covered include culture, genetic manipulation, and differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells. Click here to learn more about PABSELA 2008 Faculty.

This year's laboratory activities will include a method for in vivo transplantation of neural stem cells and for electroporation of neural progenitors on site (Molyneaux & Arlotta et al., 2005, Neuron), where students will learn to identify, isolate, and introduce neural stem cells into different areas of murine central nervous system.

The second laboratory session will focus on in vivo tracking of stem cells in rodents. Students will learn state of the art imaging methodologies that enable the analysis of stem cell migration, homing, trasvasation, proliferation, and clearance. This non-invasive technique was recently developed by Dr. Andrew Kung at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston (for bioluminescence method see Szentirmai et al, 2006, Neurosurgery).

The laboratory activities include techniques of histology, immunostaining, tissue culture, molecular biology, stereotaxis, surgery and in vivo imaging.

DOWNLOAD SCRT08 SCHEDULE HERE

English language capability

The course is taught in English with no translators available. Applicants should have the equivalent of a 550 TOEFL score. Although we do not require participants to submit proof of TOEFL, applicants should feel comfortable speaking and hearing Standard English.

 

Eligibility

Students in PABSELA-SCRT08 must be citizens of a Latin American and Caribbean country, hold a MD, PhD, MD/PhD or a related degree in the biomedical sciences field, and conduct research in a Latin American or Caribbean country. PhD students with experience in molecular biology and tissue culture techniques are also eligible for the course. Investigators with no biomedical background (i.e. physics, engineering, computer sciences), who have an interest in stem cell research, and experience in molecular biology and/or tissue culture are encouraged to apply. Applicants from other countries or citizenships may be accepted under exceptional circumstances.

Fees

The high costs of this leading-edge course are mostly covered by the generous contributions of public and private supporters. However there is a fee for all applicants in order to make the program self-sustainable.

Applicants from Academia and not-for-profit sector: US$ 1,200

Applicants from for profit organizations: US$ 2,400

There are a restricted number of scholarships for outstanding students that will cover the academic fees. Applicants from for profit organizations are not eligible for financial aid. Applicants from academia and not-for-profit sector applying for financial aid must complete the scholarship request portion of the application form. Low-income students are encouraged to apply and PABSELA organizers will cover the living expenses and travel costs through the generous contributions of our partners.

Important: Since the resources for scholarships are limited, the PABSELA team recommends applicants seek alternative financial support (government, applicant's institution, foundations, international organizations, etc).

 

Application Process

All applications are subject to academic review and the final approval is determined by the Harvard Medical International-Fundación Instituto Leloir PABSELA Academic Committee. The Committee evaluates the qualifications, experience, and productivity of the applicant, as well as her/his commitment to develop a career in the field of stem cell biology. A phone interview may be conducted to selected candidates.

  • All applicants must complete the application form and submit it along with the supporting information which are included in the application package to scrt08@fundacioncrimson.org
  • Print your name in the header of the application package
  • To select an option, double click the checkbox field. A dialog box will appear. You will see the options "checked" and "Not checked". Select the "checked" box. Click OK button.
  • Applications must be clear, readily legible, and in English; the type size must be 10 point or greater with no more than six lines of type per vertical inch. If the typeface is reduced in size, the application will not be considered for review.
  • Margins, in all directions, must be at least ½ inch (12 mm).
  • The applicant must include a complete mailing, phone, fax, and e-mail address.
  • All required information must be submitted online. Failure to submit ALL required documents online will result in administrative triage of your application.
  • Applicants requesting a scholarship must indicate that in the application form and must submit a justification for the request.

All applicants must submit the following information:

  1. Completed application form
  2. Applicant's Biosketch.
  3. Statement of career goals and an explanation of how the applicant will benefit from the course
  4. One letter of recommendation from her/his mentor or supervisor.
  5. Scholarship request justification (if applicable) including your current financial status
 

Deadlines

All applications must be submitted online by Monday 24 March 2008, 11:59:59 PM (Buenos Aires Time) to scrt08@fundacioncrimson.org

IMPORTANT: EXTENDED DEADLINE UNTIL MONDAY 31 MARCH 2008, 11:59:59 PM

Applicants who are accepted for PABSELA SCRT08 course will be notified no later than Monday 07 April 2008. Applicants will receive the acceptance to attend the course along with the instructions for payment methods (if applicable) to the email address provided in the application form. Payments must be received no later than Monday 21 April 2008.

 

Housing

Students will receive information about hotels in Buenos Aires with the notification of acceptance to SCRT08 course.

FAQs

Please read the FAQs if you have doubts about the SCRT08. For further assistance please contact us at scrt08@fundacioncrimson.org