Young Investigators

The exchange program for young investigators in pediatrics is funded by the International Pediatric Research Foundation (IPRF) and promotes and supports basic and clinical research directed to the causes, prevention, and treatment of disease in children. The purpose of the young investigators exchange program is to encourage young investigators in pediatric research to share a short (up to 12months) research experience (clinical and basic science) in a foreign research institution. The program is specifically aimed at giving research groups the opportunity to share expertise in methodology. The program further encourages international exchange and partnership in pediatric research.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must be already actively involved or about to be actively involved in some aspect of research related to diseases in children;

The hosting institution must be in a different country than the applicants current position and the host needs to be affiliated with either society (SPR,ESPR). Exchange can occur both in Europe and between institutions in Europe and USA.

Application Procedure

Applicants should send a letter including a brief statement explaining why and in what way the research experience in the chosen institution will complement their research activity in the home institution.

A letter of support from the Department Chair is required stating that the young investigator is supported by the home institution including comments on available funds for support and will be given the time off to complete the research experience proposed.

The host institution must provide written assurance that the candidate will have a named supervisor as long as she/he is at the host institution (use Laboratory application form).

A short summary of the research project (2-4 pages) specifying the part to be completed in the foreign institution must be submitted together with a detailed budget outlining cost for travel, housing and other expenses.

A curriculum vitae must accompany the application

A committee of 4 members will act as scientific review board to administer the program. Applications for fellowship should be sent (preferably electronically) and fellowships will be given once yearly (submission deadline October 1)
Through the exchange program fellowship up to $20’000 may be awarded.

Recipients of a fellowship should submit a written report to the Program Committee within six months after ending the stay in the host institution. The fellowship support should be acknowledged in any scientific contribution resulting from it.

Where to apply

Petra S. Hüppi M.D.
Director Child Development Unit
Dept. of Pediatrics
Children's Hospital
University Hospitals of Geneva
6, rue Willy-Donze
1211 GENEVA 14
SWTZERLAND
Phone: (+41) 22 382 43 52
Fax: (+41) 22 382 43 15
E-mail: petra.huppi@hcuge.ch

To download Laboratory Apllication Form, please click here (PDF Format)