SCIENTIFIC LABORATORY TRAINING WORKSHOP
(for Africa-based Agricultural Research Scientists and University-Level Teachers)

Venue: Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, UK
Date: 27th March to 5th April, 2017


We are excited to invite you to apply for JR Biotek Foundation’s Scientific Laboratory Training Workshop 2017 to be held in partnership with the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, UK from 27th March to 5th April, 2017.

The University of Cambridge has been central to innovation and teaching in the field of Plant Science for centuries. It is the scientific home of famous botanists including Stephen Hales in the 18th century, Darwin’s mentor JS Henslow in the 19th century, and Blackman, Tansley and Godwin in the 20th century. The Department has three strategic targets for its research: global food security, ecology and synthetic biology, climate science and ecosystem conservation. Lecturers, postdoctoral researchers and graduate students from the Department of Plant Sciences will deliver the upcoming Scientific Laboratory Training Workshop.


Course Agenda
The Scientific Laboratory Training Workshop is designed for agricultural research scientists and university-level teachers from universities and research institutes in Africa. Ideal candidates will be PhD-level students, scientists and lecturers who are currently involved in agricultural research and/or teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate level. Candidates must demonstrate a clear need to acquire new knowledge and practical experience in molecular techniques utilized in the field of agricultural research.

Program Highlights
The Scientific Laboratory Training Workshop is an 8-day event involving lectures, workshops (e.g. bioinformatics, plant breeding and professional development workshops) and hands-on laboratory practical sessions in plant molecular virology, beneficial plant-microbe interactions and molecular plant breeding. The training workshop will begin with a keynote lecture by Professor Sir David Baulcombe, Head of the Department of Plant Sciences (University of Cambridge), an important figure in the path to discovering the underlying mechanisms of RNA function and epigenetics. His keynote lecture will address “The role of agricultural research in enhancing food security in sub-Saharan Africa between now and 2050.” As a workshop participant, you will have the opportunity to participate in a round-table discussion session focusing on ‘the key role of research and innovation in developing Africa’s agricultural sector’. The round-table discussion session, which is supported by the Gates Cambridge Trust and the Scholars’ Council Support Fund will welcome students, world-leading research scientists and industry experts from the University of Cambridge and other universities and research institutions in the United Kingdom. Confirmed speakers for the round-table discussion session are:

Professor Mark Tester, Head of Research, Center for Desert Agriculture, KAUST, Saudi Arabia
Professor Sir Brian Heap, CBE FRS, President, European Academies Science Advisory Council, UK
Professor Dale Sanders, Director and Chief Executive, John Innes Centre, Norwich, UKM
Professor John Pickett, CBE, DSc, FRS, National Academy of Sciences (US) Foreign Associate, Michael Elliott Distinguished Research Fellow, Rothamsted Research, UK
Professor Adam Price, Director and Research Head, University of Aberdeen
Overall, the Scientific Laboratory Training Workshop will present you with an excellent and unique opportunity to connect, learn from, and exchange ideas with world-renowned agricultural research experts.

Dates for your Diary
2nd May, 2016: Applications open
16th September, 2016: Applications close
30th September, 2016: Successful applications announced
30th November, 2016: Payment deadline (to confirm your place)
Workshop Cost
The total cost for the workshop is £1000 per person, and this includes accommodation (with breakfast and Wi-Fi) for nine nights; coffee/tea and lunch, trip to the NIAB Innovation Farm, training materials and other training-related costs.

NOTE:
The workshop cost does NOT, however cover your flight tickets, visa application fee (if applicable) and local transport from London (Heathrow) airport to Cambridge.

UK Visa Requirement
Please be aware that depending on your nationality, you may require a visa to enter the UK. We therefore strongly advise you to prepare your visa application as soon as you are offered a place for the training workshop. If you have any questions regarding the UK visa process, please consult your local British Consulate. Successful candidates will be given an offer letter which they can use to apply for their visa.

Refund:
In the unfortunate circumstance that your visa application is unsuccessful, refunds will be made based on the following terms. Full refund will be received if your offer is canceled on or before 13th February, 2017; 75% refund if canceled on or before 27th February, 2017; 50% refund if canceled on or before 6th March, and NO REFUND if canceled after 6th March, 2017 . All cancellation requests must be received by email to c.ibe@jrbiotekfoundation.org. Please note that administrative costs incurred during the refund process will be deducted before refunds are made.
Details Here