Deadline: 24 February, 2019
Applications are now open to network members to attend Virus Vector Vice Versa (V4): a fully-funded ten-day residential course at the University of Bristol, UK (10 – 21 June 2019).
The purpose of V4: The CONNECTED Development Programme for Early Career Researchers (ECRs) is to create a cohort of ECRs with a joint understanding of virology and entomology which enables them to collaborate effectively on the research challenges of plant vector borne diseases in Africa.
Venue: V4 will run from Monday 10 – Friday 21 June 2019 inclusive, at The School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, UK.
The programme will combine:
- scientific talks
- general lab training skills
- specific virology and entomology lecture and practical work
- workshops
- desk-based projects, and
- soft skills training.
Funding is available to cover travel, accommodation, subsistence and all training costs of successful applicants.
Places will be awarded by competitive application, and we are aiming to attract both virologists and entomologists.
The programme will aim to provide those who attend with:
- new scientific knowledge
- practical and technical experience
- knowledge for cross-disciplinary working
- knowledge and experience of writing collaborative funding applications to tackle important plant VBD problems, and
- a new network of fellow ECRs.
Participants will be able to make use of these new skills in their home place of work, building capacity, for example in managing existing projects, developing new projects and techniques, and applying for research funding.
Payment of Awards:
Travel, visa and immunisations:
- The awardee will be responsible for booking their flights and travel needs plus any visa, immunisations and insurance needs.
- Awardees should claim these costs back from the Network Team by completing an expense form (to be provided by the Network Team) and submitting itemised receipts.
Accommodation and meals:
- Accommodation will be arranged and paid for by CONNECTED, along with several meals throughout the programme. Participants will be able to claim additional local travel and subsistence costs from CONNECTED in arrears.
- All travel and subsistence costs claimed must be in accordance with the CONNECTED T&S Conditions.
Applicant eligibility for funding
- All Network members who are Early Career Researchers (ECRs) are eligible. ECRs are defined as those who have received their highest degree (BSc, MS or PhD) within the past 7 years. To be eligible, you must have a current contract of research employment which extends at least until the finish date of the proposed training.
- Preference will be given to applicants who are based in DAC list countries, and a minority of places are reserved for UK-based applicants.
- The development programme will comprise up to 30 participants from the fields of plant virology and entomology, most of whom will be from DAC list countries, primarily Sub-Saharan Africa. Approximately 20-30% will be from the UK. Awards will aim to achieve equal distribution between genders.
How to apply:
Please fully complete all sections of the application form, adhering to word limits where appropriate.
Please enclose your CV with the application form, this should include information on your current
employment, education, publications, conferences, training courses undertaken and any previous
awards.
Each completed application form must also be accompanied by a letter of support from your group
leader. This letter should include the following:
1. Confirmation of your contract of research employment at your institution
2. Confirmation that you are recommended to attend this programme.
Completed application forms, CVs, and letters of support must all be submitted to the Network
Team email account: ([email protected]) by midnight on the closing date.
