Summer Research Program 2010

Application form 2010

SRP_2010_app_form.pdf
SRP_2010_App_FORM.doc

SCHOOL OF LIFE SCIENCES
LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND

INTERNATIONAL SUMMER RESEARCH PROGRAM 2010

from July 5^th, 2010 to August 27^th, 2010

Deadline for Applications: March 1^st, 2010

Contact Email: summer.sv@epfl.ch

The Program Announcement

The Summer Research Program in Life Sciences and Technology at the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), will offer an intensive research training opportunity to 25 undergraduate students interested in research careers in life sciences. This program will run from July 5th to August 27th 2010. (Earlier or later arrivals and departures can be arranged on a case-by-case basis between individual group leaders and participating students, however the student must be present for the core 8 weeks of the program. Any additional charges incurred by the change of dates must be covered by the student and/or lab.).

Hands-on research experience under the supervision of an EPFL Faculty
Each student will be matched with a specific laboratory based on the student's interest and background. The student will be working as a member of the research group for a period of eight weeks. Once admitted to the laboratory, the student will work under the supervision of the lab head or a member of his/her research group (graduate student or postdoctoral fellow) on a specific project related to the laboratory's research programs.

Weekly Seminars
The participants will attend a series of weekly seminars and workshops given by faculty and researchers from the EPFL. The seminars will cover a variety of topics ranging from research by EPFL faculty, scientific writing and presentation, as well as preparing for graduate school and a career in science. In addition, one session will be devoted to the participants presenting their own summer research project. The goals of these seminars are to broaden the participants' scientific knowledge, to understand and appreciate the importance and impact of basic research in their everyday life and encourage them to pursue a career in science.

Research Report and Poster Presentation
Each participant will be required to submit a formal written report and present the results of their research at a mini-symposium held at the end of the program. The mini-symposium provides an opportunity for participants to experience presenting their data to their peers and the scientific community at the EPFL.

Benefits to the Students
The participants will:

	*	Gain hands-on research experience and training with exposure to cutting-edge research.
	*	Experience what it is like to be a member of a research community working at the forefront of science, medicine and biotechnology.
	*	Have the opportunity to apply what was learned in the classroom to understanding and solving actual research problems in the laboratory.
	*	Acquire a better understanding of the scientific process and the application of the knowledge gained from basic science research and state-of-the-art techniques to solve complex problems in biology and medicine.
	*	Improve their critical thinking skills, including learning how to evaluate scientific information, design experiments, formulate ideas and test hypotheses.
	*	Explore career opportunities in academia by experiencing the excitement, frustration, and challenges of scientific research and gain an insight into what a career in the science entails.
	*	Prepare for future independent research projects and advanced research in graduate school.

General Information

	*	Up to 25 students are selected from 200 to 300 applicants per year.
	*	A financial compensation of 3000 CHF is provided for all successful candidates.
	*	The majority of travel expenses are covered by program sponsors and the School of Life Sciences.
	*	Help finding housing in Lausanne for the duration of the stay is provided for students from out-of-town.
	*	Students must ensure that they have a valid health insurance.
	*	The working language is English
	*	Some funding is available for excursions and social events.

Selection Criteria
The summer research fellowships will be awarded on a competitive basis taking into consideration several criteria including the student's academic record, personal statements and letters of recommendation.

Additional Requirements
The intensive nature of the program requires full-time commitment (~40 hours/week) from the participants. All the participants are required to attend and participate in all scheduled events and activities related to the program. Therefore, participants may not attend another summer school or commit to other activities during the duration of this program that could interfere with their work schedule.

Application Procedure
To be considered for the program, applicants...

	*	Must be enrolled in a degree program in basic, engineering, or life sciences and planning on pursuing a career in the life sciences.
	*	Must be in good standing with a GPA equivalent to a "B" grade or higher and should have completed at least 2 years of undergraduate coursework by the summer of 2010.

Applicants must submit a complete application, including the following:

	*	Completed application form including a personal statement (maximum 1000 words) describing the student's academic background, scientific interest and any previous research experience and what he/she hopes to accomplish from attending the summer research program.
	*	Official copy of the student's academic transcript.
	*	Two letters of recommendation from faculty or instructors who are familiar with the student and are in a position to assess the student's capabilities and potential for a career in science.

SRP 2010 WEBSITE: LINK

Please send complete applications (incl. the signed recommendation letters) to:

Summer Research Program
Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale (EPFL)
Alice Emery-Goodman
SV-DO
Station 19
CH-1015 Lausanne

CONTACTS

PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR

Alice Emery-Goodman
Office (FSV):SV 3813
Tel: +41 21 693 07 94
Fax: +41 21 693 18 75
alice.goodman@epfl.ch

PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Prof. Hilal A. Lashuel
Office (FSV):AI 2151
Tel: +41 21 693 96 91
hilal.lashuel@epfl.ch

PROGRAM COMMITTEE

Prof. Melanie Blokesch
Office: SV 3529
Tel: +41 21 693 06 53
melanie.blokesch@epfl.ch

Prof. Bart Deplancke
Office: AI 1147
Tel: +41 21 693 18 21
bart.deplancke@epfl.ch

Prof. Pierre Gönczy
Office : SV1526
Tel : +41 21 692 58 58
Fax : +4121 652 69 33
Pierre.Gonczy@epfl.ch

Dr. Harald Hirling
Office: SV3.809
Tel: +41 21 693 53 63
Fax: +41 21 693 95 24
harald.hirling@epfl.ch

Dr. Sacha Sidjanski
Office: SV3.814
Tel: +41 21 693 16 41
sacha.sidjanski@epfl.ch

SCHOOL OF LIFE SCIENCES LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND INTERNATIONAL SUMMER RESEARCH PROGRAM 2010

from July 5th, 2010 to August 27th, 2010

Contact Email: summer.sv@epfl.ch

SCHOOL OF LIFE SCIENCES
LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND

INTERNATIONAL SUMMER RESEARCH PROGRAM 2010

from July 5^th, 2010 to August 27^th, 2010