Science truly has no borders and numerous international collaborations such as Human Genome Project prove that common effort harvests great results. To promote cross-institutional exchange, universities and organizations provide funds for short-term programs and science internships. In this article, we will cover some of the funding opportunities both for students and scholars.
Scientific exchange programs allow researchers from diverse backgrounds to complement each other’s understanding of the problem at hand. Interdisciplinary approach to research provides new ideas and angles at which new solutions emerge. The ability to work in an environment with diverse scientific expertise is becoming a marketable skill enabling further professional opportunities.
Here are several programs that provide funding to either conduct research, take part in semester exchange programs or participate in short terms internship programs.
The University of Tokyo Research Internship Program
The University of Tokyo Research Internship Program (UTRIP) is a summer internship program for students majoring in natural science and other relevant fields. Participating students will closely work with leading researchers of the Graduate School of Science (GSS) at UTokyo. The program includes off-campus activities such as field-trips to a historical or natural site in Japan, and social and cultural events to promote a better understanding of Japanese culture.
UTRIP participants will be granted financial support to cover their costs and expenses in two forms: The Graduate School of Science Scholarship for UTRIP-Related Expenses, and the Friends of UTokyo, Inc (FUTI) Award. The GSS-UTRIP Scholarship provides researchers with a one-time allowance of 140,000-170,000 JPY depending on the country of origin. Free housing will be provided for the duration of the stay (43 nights). FUTI Summer Internship Award offers several awards of up to $ 4,000 to outstanding students.
Applicants must have completed at least one full year in a Bachelor’s degree program at the time of application. Candidates should be enrolled in natural science or related field. Test scores of TOEFL or an equivalent English proficiency test (such as IELTS) are required if English is not your first language.
Another internship program specifically invites students who work in the field of toxicology and are interested in industry experience in the US.
Graduate Intern Fellowship in Toxicology
Society of Toxicology, professional and scholarly organization of scientists who practice toxicology in the US and abroad, will offer graduate students funding to engage in internships within industry, government, and nonprofit organizations through the Graduate Intern Fellowship in Toxicology (GIFT). This program will enable outstanding doctoral students to pursue an internship in toxicology that advances their professional and scientific development. The deadline is on 8 November 2020.
Applications require the proposal of an internship outside the trainee’s academic institution. Two awards of up to $3,000 each will be given for summer internships to support travel to the internship site, local housing, and/or stipend. All internships should last at least six consecutive weeks between May and August.
Korean Government provides funding for longer exchange programs in the sciences and other fields of study for current university students.
Global Korea Scholarship for Exchange Students
Incoming exchange student from developing countries are invited to participate in the Korean Government Support Program for Foreign Exchange Students-Seoul National University. Students will receive a stipend to cover their living expenses and one round trip airfare cost, a settlement aid, and medical insurance.
Seoul National University presents a unique opportunity for students to experience academic life at Korea’s most prestigious university and one of the leading universities in the world. To qualify for GKS Scholarship, candidate must currently be enrolled in at least second semester of the home university program. The program is taught in English and is open to students from all world countries.
Experienced scholars and postdoctoral students will benefit from numerous awards provided by the European Molecular Biology Organization. Their funding opportunities include fellowships, travel grants and awards.
EMBO Awards and Financial Support For Scientists
European Molecular Biology Organization is an organization of more than 1800 leading researchers that promotes excellence in the life sciences in Europe and beyond. The major goals of the organization are to support talented researchers at all stages of their careers and stimulate the exchange of scientific information. EMBO offers awards and financial support for scientists at all stages of their careers that help to create an environment where researchers can achieve their best work.
EMBO Fellowships support postdoctoral and predoctoral research experience in laboratories in Europe and around the world. Postdoctoral Fellowships are awarded for a period of up to two years and support excellent postdoctoral researchers in laboratories throughout Europe and the world. Short-Term Fellowships fund research exchanges of up to three months between laboratories in eligible countries.
Through the Courses & Workshops Programme, EMBO supports and encourages the sharing of scientific knowledge and skills across all disciplines in the life sciences. EMBO funds over 90 events attracting more than 11,000 participants every year, making it the largest funder of scientific meetings in Europe.
The Women in Science Award highlights major contributions by female scientists to life sciences research. The award is a joint initiative of EMBO and the Federation of European Biochemical Societies (FEBS). Each year the exceptional achievements of one woman working in the life sciences in Europe will will receive 10,000 euro, a bronze statue and the opportunity to give a plenary lecture at the FEBS Congress.
University teachers can also make the most of governmental exchange programs like the one provided by German government to conduct short-term collaborative projects of up to three months long.
Research Stays in Germany for University Academics and Scientists
The aim of this program is to support short-term research stays and thus promote the exchange of experience and networking amongst colleagues. University teachers and established academics and scientists who have usually completed a doctoral degree and work at a university or research institute in their home country are eligible to apply.
Applicants can expect to receive funding for research stays at state or state-recognised institutions of higher education or non-university research institutes in Germany. A research stay can also take place at several host institutions. Funding is intended to cover projects that last one to three months. Monthly payments include 2,000 euros for assistant teachers, assistant professors and lecturers and 2,150 euros for professors as well as travel allowance, unless these expenses are covered by the home country or another source of funding.
Selection criteria include strong academic achievements and recent publications which must be documented in the curriculum vitae and a list of publications.
In addition to outside funding, many universities provide stipends to study or work at partner universities abroad as part of the degree program. Additional information can be found on Erasmus website or at an international department at your university.
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