The 2024 Programme is now closed.
Look out for news of the next scheme and contact Ilaria Guerini (CTLS Training Working Group Lead for the Shadowing and Staff Exchange Focus Group) at shadowing@ctls-org.eu if you have any questions, thank you.
For reference purposes only, please see below for information about the 2024 scheme (now closed):
The Programme provides successful Applicants with a CTLS Award to fund a visit to a different core facility with priority given to mobility between countries. Through this framework CTLS wishes to foster scientific exchange, collaboration, and networking among the core facility international community.
INTRODUCTION
CTLS welcomes its members to spend time at a different core facility learning new management skills, developing professional networks and learn/teach cutting-edge methods and technologies. Through this framework CTLS wishes to foster scientific exchange, collaboration, and networking among the core facility international community.
The Programme provides successful Applicants with a CTLS Award to fund a visit to a different core facility with priority given to mobility between countries. Applicants must be CTLS Members, but Hosts do not need to.
This programme has 2 options:
Shadowing involves an individual visiting a core facility and spending time with another individual or team.
Staff Exchange entails a two-way process with two individuals visiting each other’s core facilities.
The application process is the same for both Shadowing and Staff Exchange except that Staff Exchange requires two applications to be made (one for each potential Visitor).
We envisage that support for individuals (Visitors) will be for visits that are 2 – 5 working days within 2024 and that funding to cover all permitted expenses incurred will typically be up to 1,000 EUR. Co-funding from other sources of funding is positively considered.
Please contact Ilaria Guerini (CTLS Training Working Group Lead for the Shadowing and Staff Exchange Focus Group) at shadowing@ctls-org.eu if you have any questions or wish to discuss your plans.
The application process
There is a two-step application process for a CTLS Award.
STEP 1) Expression of Interest by a potential Visitor for a CTLS Award
Please click here to complete the Google Form.
Expressions of Interest can be submitted at any time with a response within 2 weeks of submission.
Feedback on every Expression of Interest will be given by the Focus Group Chair (Ilaria Guerini) or another Focus Group Member via email and online meetings. Feedback will particularly involve identifying/finalising the Host, refining plans for the Applicant’s personal development and ensuring wider knowledge exchange.
STEP 2) Application by a potential Visitor for a CTLS Award
Following the Expression of Interest step a potential Visitor may be invited to complete a full application that includes:
- a CV
- a motivational statement (highlighting the benefits of the proposed visit) and a detailed work plan (we will provide you with a template).
- Letter of support from the Applicant’s Line Manager
- Letter of support from the potential Host.
Full applications with a PDF copy of all documents above should be submitted to shadowing@ctls-org.eu.
Full applications can be submitted at any time until 31st August 2024 and will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Incomplete applications will not be assessed and will be returned to the Applicant for amendment and resubmission. Full applications will be reviewed by a Panel that comprises two members of the Shadowing and Staff Exchange Focus Group. CTLS ensures a transparent and impartial review process that is gender balanced and excludes any conflicts of interest (such as personally knowing an Applicant). Unsuccessful Applicants may receive feedback and scope for resubmission of a modified application if the Panel decides that this is appropriate. The outcome of all applications will be ratified by the CTLS Training Working Group Chair, CTLS President and CTLS Treasurer.
Expression of Interest Form for potential Hosts
An Expression of Interest Form for potential Hosts is also encouraged if they wish to welcome a Visitor but they have not been approached. Please complete the Google Form here.
There is no need for the potential Host to complete an Expression of Interest Form when they have already been approached by a potential Visitor. No financial support will be directly offered to Hosts and Hosts do not need to be CTLS Members.
Funding and duration
This Programme is open for Expressions of Interest until 30th June 2024 and for full applications until 31stAugust 2024. Expressions of Interest can be submitted at any time with a response within 2 weeks of submission. Full applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis following submission.
The financial support on offer is a contribution to the overall expenses incurred during the visit and may not necessarily cover all the associated costs. Financial support is limited to cover travel, accommodation and meal expenses and is paid to the Visitor. The cost of research materials or equipment fees is not eligible for consideration as part of the proposal. The Award is for a maximum of one week (5 working days).
Visits should be completed by 1st December 2024. In general, Awards will represent a maximum contribution of about 1,000 EUR from CTLS to the Visitor (CTLS Member). In exceptional circumstances, for example where long-haul travel is needed, the Award might be up to 2,000 EUR (if funding is available). The grant will be paid to the successful Applicant on completion of the stay and after evaluation of the Award Final Report.
Successful applications
CTLS Award recipients will be advised of the requirements for spending the money and evidencing this. The Award is a maximum and not a target spend, economy travel is required, hotels should be 3 stars or less and daily food expenses are permitted within the overall Award allocation.
CTLS Awardees will need to write an Award Final Report to summarise the benefits of the visit undertaken. Hosts will also be asked to provide feedback. There will also be a requirement for Visitors to write a short piece for the CTLS newsletter and website.
The information above is all also available as a PDF document. Please click here to download.
LOOKING FOR AN AVAILABLE HOST?
If you wish to apply to the Shadowing Programme but you don’t have a host in mind, please find below a list of available hosts with very different backgrounds. Contact the focus group on shadowing@ctls-org.eu to find out more.
- TRACEY DAVEY, Manager – Electron Microscopy Core Facility, Newcastle University, UK. “As a core facility we can offer an insight on Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and sample preparation, including using the Pelco Microwave for resin processing. We can teach ultramicrotomy and allow the visitor a few days on ultramicrotomes to get to grips with the technique. Other techniques are: (i) Negative staining on TEM (ii) Sample preparation for Scanning electron Microscopy (SEM) and use of SEM (iii) Serial Block face ‘mega metal’ sample prep and how to prep samples for the Gatan 3view, including some basic image reconstruction. We use PPMS for booking and billing so we can share our knowledge on this.”
- JAMES MARVIN, Director Flow Cytometry Core Facility, University of Utah, US. “We are a large core facility that does everything from sample prep of drop off services, 30 color immunophenotying, as well as provide training and services on 20 different instruments from a variety of vendors”.
- ANA MARGARIDA BISCAIA SANTOS, Comparative Pathology Unit Area Manager and Histotech Specialist, Insituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Portugal. “We have experience on Histology, Immunohistochemistry/ Immunofluorescence, RNAscope, Stereology and Management”.
- ALEXANDRE JESUS, Head of Purchasing and Procurement, Insituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Portugal. “We are responsible for accounting, project management, purchases and budget for the whole institute, including facilities”.