APBioNet - Travel Fellowship Programme

1. INTRODUCTION

The Asia Pacific Bioinformatics Network (APBioNet) is an
international organisation that facilitates the growth and development
of Bioinformatics in the Asia Pacific region through conferences,
workshops, symposia, meetings, research projects, infrastructure 
development and other initiatives, in cooperation with appropriate
local and international partners from government, industry and academia.

APBioNet was first formed in 1998, and is now the only Bioinformatics
organisation in the Asia Pacific region with a regional scope.
It operates on a non-profit basis for the benefit of
bioinformatics development in the Asia Pacific.

Among the many projects APBioNet is involved in, there is an urgent
need to build awareness amongst our member organisations and individuals
of the latest developments in bioinformatics. To facilitate this,
the Executive Council of APBioNet, through the generous sponsorship
of industry partners such as Compaq and Entigen, and the International
Society for Computational Biology (ISCB), has created 
the APBioNet Travel Fellowship Programme.

This Programme supports attendance at APBioNet meetings and APBioNet
endorsed meetings by key participants from developing countries in the
Asia Pacific region, who may otherwise not be able to attend. 
It provides part funding for travel and registration for selected
applicants, who are encouraged and expected to participate fully in 
these meetings, workshops, tutorials and conference sessions.

This brochure provides details of the APBioNet Travel Fellowship Programme,
including application details for candidates wishing to apply for support.

2. CRITERIA FOR SELECTION

The APBioNet Travel Fellowship Committee will select fellows according
to the following criteria. The criteria are designed to provide support 
to those applicants with most potential to benefit, as well as fairness 
and transparency in the selection process.

Candidates are sought from developing countries, who play any of the
following roles in their countries:

- Bioinformatics Network builders (designers, engineers and support
  staff)
- Bioinformatics educators (teachers and lecturers at secondary and
  tertiary levels)
- Top decision makers in Government, education, NGO and commercial
  sectors

While it is expected that the majority of candidates will be selected
from the Asia Pacific region, candidates from other regions may also
apply.

The Fellowship Committee will favour candidates who demonstrate their
potential to benefit by participation in the meeting concerned, as well
as those who are able to contribute to the meeting. It is also expected
that successful candidates will contribute to APBioNet in future as
participants, presenters or trainers; and also by nominating suitable
applicants for the Fellowship Programme in future years; and through
service to the APBioNet in office or in the capacity of representing
APBioNet to make a presentations about APBioNet at meetings.


3. BENEFITS FOR FELLOWS

The Programme will provide an allowance to cover reasonable
accommodation and meal expenses during the event, partially cover
airfares and other expenses such as registration fees.  

4. RESPONSIBILITIES OF FELLOWS  

APBioNet Fellows in turn, have the following responsibilities:

- to support the aims of APBioNet including joining as a member
  and serving in volunteer capacities
- provide a written report about the conference they have attended
- not present their opinions as that of the organization itself
- acknowledge APBioNet support both on the poster and in any talks.
- actively engage in generating membership and sponsorship for APBioNet. 

5. FELLOWSHIP COMMITTEE

The Fellowship Committee includes the follow individuals, all of whom
have had a long association with APBioNet and with Bioinformatics
development
in the region:

Currently, the Fund Raising Committee consists of:

- Dr. Shoba Ranganathan (Vice President-APBioNet) - Chairperson
- Dr. Tan Tin Wee (Founding Convenor of APBioNet)
- Dr. S. Subbiah (President - APBioNet)

The role of the Committee is:

- to develop the APBioNet Travel Fellowship Programme;
- to attract funders and sponsors to support the programme;
- to determine the number of fellows and the funding allocations 
  to each;
- to form a subcommittee to select the successful candidates;
- to prepare for the next Fellowship Programme.

The Fellowship Programme and Committee are administratively
supported by the APBioNet Secretariat. All claims will
be processed on a reimbursement basis upon submission of 
original receipts and the conference report.

6. FUNDING

The APBioNet 2002 Travel Fellowship Program will be supported by
volunteer sponsors. The number of fellows will be decided by the 
Committee according to the size of the total fellowship funding. 
The Committee may try to get more sponsors for the Fellowship Program.

7. DEADLINES AND APPLICATIONS

The relevant deadlines for this programme are:

First Public announcement:             8 Nov. 2001
Application deadline:                  Quarterly Call for Applications
Selection deadline:                    Based on Call for Applications

The email address for the Committee is: 
sec@apbionet.sg

An application form is attached below.



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APPLICATION FORM OF THE APBioNet 2002 Travel Fellowship Program

(1) Name :

(2) Email :

(3) Address :

(4) Position :

(5) Details of conference :
    (Name, location, dates)

(6) Budgetary travel costs :
    and amount requested 
    from APBioNet

(7) Motivation to participate :

(8) One page A4 Biography (pl attach a text or word file)
     Please include your CV and, additionally, following items
      -  relevant experiences in IT related
      -  what you intend to contribute to further the aims of APBioNet
         and the APBioNet Fellowship Programme in future years.