We invite applications from trainees in research in aging at the Masters, Doctoral and Postdoctoral levels, and those doing post-graduate clinical training that includes a program of research in aging, to apply for the 2010 Summer Program in Aging (SPA) to be held in partnership with the Alberta Centre on Aging.

Aim

The aim of the Summer Program in Aging (SPA), offered by the CIHR Institute of Aging, is to provide a program of advanced research training that crosses disciplines, sectors, institutions, and geography.

Participants will have an opportunity to:

1. Gain an understanding of processes critical to academic success, through plenary and practical sessions.
2. Examine multidisciplinary collaboration, grant preparation, peer review, communication, knowledge transfer, professionalism and ethics in the context of research on aging.
3. Network with other emerging researchers in aging and with academic mentors from across the country.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• be enrolled full time or part time in a Master's or PhD program or hold a postdoctoral fellowship at a Canadian University; or be doing post-graduate clinical training that includes a program of research.
• be Canadian citizens or have landed immigrant status. (A few positions will be open to trainees at Canadian institutions who do not meet either criterion.);
• have research interests, a thesis subject or a post-doctoral project in the field of aging, or with an aging component;
• be committed to attending the entire 4.5 days of the Summer Program in Aging (June 13-17, 2010);
• not have attended any of the previous Summer Programs funded by CIHR or the Institute of Aging or by FormSaV. The curricula of CIHR-sponsored summer institutes vary.  If you have previously attended such a program, please contact us with program information so we can determine your eligibility for SPA;
• have a commitment from the applicant's academic supervisor to provide a $200.00 registration fee from his/her research funds if the applicant is accepted.

Application Procedure

1. Application Form
   Applicants must complete and submit the on-line application form by March 15, 2010.
   
   
2. Curriculum Vitae
   Applicants must e-mail a CV (maximum 3 pages; full CVs on CIHR, SSHRC or Common CV forms will also be accepted), by March 15, 2010, to Rowena Tate, Institute of Aging Project Manager, at rowenat@interchange.ubc.ca. Write "SPA 2010 CV", and your name in the Subject field.
   
   
3. Letter of Recommendation
   A letter of recommendation from your thesis supervisor or post-doctoral mentor/supervisor, including his/her assessment of your potential to continue with research in aging, and with a commitment to provide the $200.00 registration fee from his/her research funds if the applicant is accepted must be e-mailed from the supervisor's own Internet account, by March 15, 2010, to Rowena Tate at rowenat@interchange.ubc.ca. Supervisors may write letters of recommendation for up to two students, on the understanding that only one trainee per supervisor is likely to be selected to participate in SPA 2010.

Selection Procedure

An application review committee will select a limited number of students, based on eligibility criteria, research interests, range of disciplinary backgrounds, letters of support, and institutional distribution. All applicants will be notified of the committee's decisions by April 15, 2010.

Expenses

The Summer Program in Aging will cover the following costs:

• Travel - lowest price economy return airline ticket or bus transportation from the applicant's home town or academic institution to the SPA 2010 location, including ground transfers. Local participants who prefer to drive will be reimbursed for mileage provided the cost does not exceed that of lowest economy airfare or bus transportation.
• Accommodation - will be arranged and paid for by the organizers of the 2010 Summer Program in Aging for five nights (Sunday through Thursday, June 13-17, 2010).
• Meals - three meals per day will be provided for the full duration of the 2010 Summer Program in Aging.
• Participants will be responsible for any additional meals/transportation/hotel and incidental expenses.

Deadline for submission of applications and receipt of CVs and letters of recommendation: March 15, 2010.

For more information contact:
Rowena Tate, IA Project Manager
Email: rowenat@interchange.ubc.ca
Telephone: 604-822-5771