Wednesday, May 25, 2016

PhD in Machine Learning, Centrer for Computational Biology, Mines Paris Tech, France

Title:
Detection of epistasis in genome-wide association studies with machine learning methods for therapeutic target identification.

Duration:
36 months

Starting:
03/10/2016

Application deadline: 
13/06/2016

Location:
Paris / Chilly-Mazarin

Laboratory:
Centre for Computational Biology, Mines Paris Tech — Institut Curie — INSERM / In silico biology, Translational Science Unit, Sanofi

Contacts:
* Chloe-Agathe.Azencott@mines-paristech.fr
* Jean-Philippe.Vert@mines-paristech.fr
* Clement.Chatelain@sanofi.com

The Centre for Computational Biology of Mines Paris Tech and the Translational Science Unit of Sanofi are looking for a PhD candidate interested in a joint PhD project between a pharma industry and academic lab to work at the cutting edge of machine learning and genomics in a stimulating interdisciplinary research environment.

The Centre for Computational Biology is a joint laboratory between Mines ParisTech and ARMINES. It is also one of the teams of the U900 joint laboratory between Mines ParisTech, Institut Curie and INSERM dedicated to epidemiology, bioinformatics and systems biology of cancer.

The Translational Sciences Unit has a strategic position in Sanofi to implement translational research approaches throughout the drug value chain to understand the molecular mechanisms responsible for pathologies and to identify targets and biomarkers.

Context:

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have generated huge data sets in the past 10 years in order to find association between genetic polymorphisms and phenotypes. Until recently, most GWASs have focused on individual single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) markers, effectively looking at the contribution to disease of variants tagged by them in isolation. Thousands of SNPs have been associated with complex diseases by univariate analysis, but in most cases those variants independently explain only a small fraction of the estimated disease heritability (“missing heritability”). Strong evidence indicates today that genetic variants underlying most complex diseases are non-mendelian. These variants are typically not rare in the population. Independently, they show very little effect with low penetrance, but they may interact with each other in complex non-linear ways. This joint behavior of genetic variants is often referred to as epistasis or multilocus interaction. It has been speculated that epistasis ubiquitously contributes to complex diseases, partly because of the sophisticated regulatory mechanisms encoded in the human genome, and thus explains part of the missing heritability .

A vast number of methods for the detection of epistasis have been developed in recent years. However these methods still faces 3 major challenges: 1) statistical methods traditionally used in univariate SNP-phenotype associations are not adequate to find epistasis; 2) the number of combinations to be tested is tremendous, even for pairwise analyses (billions to trillions). This creates statistical power issues, and reaches the limitation of our actual computational capabilities; 3) the interpretation of the analytical results at a biological level is not straightforward.

Objective:

The objective of this PhD thesis will be (i) to develop new approaches for identifying complex multi-locus interactions in GWAS using machine learning methods, such as random forests or deep neural networks, focusing in particular on models stability and results interpretability, (ii) to implement these methods on GPU or in parallel when possible, in order to efficiently process large datasets and to integrate the solutions in the current GWAS analysis pipeline at Sanofi, and (iii) to apply these methods to selected datasets for complex diseases with an important estimated heritability.

Qualifications:

We are looking for a student with strong theoretical and practical knowledge in machine learning, statistics and optimization methods, highly motivated by an interdisciplinary research project that will take place both in an academic and industry environment. The candidate should have good programming skills (Python, R, C) and a strong interest for biology, in particular genetics and systems biology. Experience in Cuda programming or software development is a plus. The position will be open to candidates of any nationality with a master or equivalent degree (computer science, applied mathematics, statistics, data science, bioinformatics or related area). Good communication skills in French and English is required.

The PhD student will be co-supervised by Chloe-Agathe Azencott, Jean-Philippe Vert (Paris / Mines ParisTech) and Clément Chatelain (Chilly-Mazarin / Sanofi) and will be expected to spend time both at Mines and Sanofi laboratories.  During the PhD, the student will be employed by Sanofi, with competitive salary and benefits.

Application/How to Apply

Interested candidates should contact:
* Chloe-Agathe.Azencott@mines-paristech.fr
* Jean-Philippe.Vert@mines-paristech.fr
* Clement.Chatelain@sanofi.com

Applications must contain a curriculum vitae, a publication list (if applicable), a letter of motivation and a list of two contact references.

Interview
  • Selected candidates will be interviewed during June 2016.
For more details, 
For original information
 http://cbio.ensmp.fr/index.php?wikipage=CbgPositions

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Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Sri Lanka Commonwealth Postgraduate Scholarships for Foreign Master Students, 2016-2017



Sri Lanka Commonwealth Postgraduate Scholarships for Foreign Master Students, 2016-2017
Applications are invited from eligible foreign candidates for the award of Commonwealth Scholarships offered by Ministry of Higher Education & Highways Sri Lanka for the academic year 2016/17. Scholarships are available for pursuing a master degree program. Ministry of Higher Education & Highways Sri Lanka is committed to providing educational and professional opportunities for Foreign Students to undertake study, research or professional development overseas. Applicants must hold a first degree of upper second class standard (or above) in a discipline relevant to that in which study is proposed.
Application Deadline: 30 June 2016

Programmes Offered:
  • Scholarships are awarded in any subject

Course Level:
 Scholarships are available for pursuing a master degree program at Postgraduate Institute of Management, University of Sri Jayewardenepura and Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, University of Colombo.

Eligibility:
  • Applicants must hold a first degree of upper second class standard (or above) in a discipline relevant to that in which study is proposed.
  • English Language Requirements: Applicants from outside the home country will often need to meet specific English language/other language requirements in order to be able to study there.

Benefit:
The scholarships provide:
  • Return economy airfare from the scholar’s home country to the host country
  • An arrival allowance of USD 500 to cover removal costs
  • Full tuition fees
  • A monthly/quarterly stipend intended to cover living costs, sustenance and local transport. Scholars will need to cover accommodation costs from their stipend.

Number of Awards:
Not mentioned

Tenure:
Not mentioned
How to apply:
By post
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Tuesday, May 17, 2016

PHD positions (Italy) on science and technology for electronic and telecommunication engineering, in the "computational vision, automatic recognition and learning”,

PhD call - 2016 PhD Course on SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY FOR ELECTRONIC AND TELECOMMUNICATION ENGINEERING, in the "COMPUTATIONAL VISION, AUTOMATIC RECOGNITION AND LEARNING (CODE 6213)" curriculum.

Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT - www.iit.it) together with the University of Genova opened the call for the 2016 Doctoral Course on Sciences & Technologies For Electronics & Telecommunication - Curriculum in Computer Vision, Pattern Recognition and Machine Learning.

In this context, Ph.D. positions are available at the Pattern Analysis and Computer Vision (PAVIS) Dept. and at the Visual Geometry and Modeling Lab (VGM Lab) to work in Computer Vision, Pattern Recognition and Machine Learning, and more specifically on the following themes:

Theme A - Computer vision for behavioral analysis and activity recognition
Theme B - Computer vision for the prediction of human intentions
Theme C - Part-based human body modeling for Socially-Aware Computer Vision
Theme D - Crowd behavioral analysis and event recognition
Theme E - Re-identification
Theme F - Time-lapse Computer Vision for long-term learning
Theme G - Semantic 3D scene reconstruction and modelling
Theme H - Sensing humans: enhancing social abilities of the iCub platform
Theme I - Biomedical imaging
Theme L - Connectomics
Theme M - Animal behavior analysis


More info on the above research topics can be found at: https://pavisdata.iit.it/data/phd2016/ResearchThemes_IIT-PAVIS.pdf or directly asked to Prof. V. Murino (vittori...@iit.it) or any other tutor indicated for each theme.

The PhD program on the listed themes will take place at the PAVIS department of Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT) located in Genova (www.iit.it). The department focuses on activities related to the analysis and understanding of images and patterns in

general, thus representing a reference for the other IIT Departments and labs which have to deal with such kind of data. The PAVIS and VGM Lab staff has a wide expertise on image processing, computer vision and pattern recognition, machine learning, and related applications (mainly surveillance/security and biomedical).

For more information, you can also browse the PAVIS and VGM Lab webpages to see our activities and research at: http://old.iit.it/en/research/departments/pattern-analysis-and-computer-vision.html and www.iit.it/lines/visual-geometry-and-
modelling


To apply, follow the instructions indicated in this link: http://www.studenti.unige.it/postlaurea/dottorati/XXXII/ in short: a detailed CV, a research proposal under one or more themes chosen among those above indicated, reference letters, and any
other formal document concerning the degrees earned.

Notice that these documents are mandatory in order to consider valid the application.

IMPORTANT: In order to apply, candidates must prepare a research proposal based on the research topics above mentioned. Please follow these indications to prepare it: https://pavisdata.iit.it/data/phd2016/ResearchProjectTemplate.pdf

ONLINE APPLICATION DEADLINE is June 10th, 2016 at 12:00 p.m. (noon – Italian time/CET) Strict deadline, no extension.

APPLICATIONS are possible through University of Genoa ONLINE PROCEDURE ONLY - http://www.studenti.unige.it/postlaurea/dottorati/XXXII/

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Sunday, May 15, 2016

Shanghai Government Scholarships for all fields including Medicine and Nursing



Shanghai Government Scholarships for International Students

Introduction to Shanghai Government Scholarships for International Students:

 
In order to further the development of international student education and attract more outstanding international students to study in Shanghai, the Shanghai Municipal Education Commission established the Shanghai Government Scholarships (SGS) for International Students in 2005. It offers funds to prospective international students to pursue a bachelor’s degree or higher at institutions of higher education in Shanghai.

The scholarship is divided into three categories: Class A, Class B and Class C.  
  • Class A (Full Scholarship) offers funds to prospective students applying for graduate programs in Shanghai. It includes tuition, living expenses and Comprehensive Medical Insurance for International Students in China.  
  • Class B (Partial Scholarship) funds prospective students applying to pursue a bachelor’s degree or higher in Shanghai. The scholarship covers tuition.  
  • Class C (Excellent Student Award) aims to offer support to excellent international students currently pursuing studies at institutions of higher education in Shanghai. Recipients receive a one-off payment during the academic year.
Types of Scholarships

Pilot Scheme of Shanghai Government Scholarships for International Students Click To Download
Application Rules for SGS Category A (Full Scholarship) Click To Download

Application Rules for SGS Category B (Partial Scholarship) Click To Download
Application Rules for SGS Category C (Excellent Student Scholarship) Click To Download

Universities to Apply for:


Introduction to Application Process


For Application Details of the Class A Shanghai Government Scholarships for International Students (Full Scholarship) follow the link below.


    • Application Approach and Period
    • Eligibility
    • Coverage and Standards 
    • Application Materials
    • HEIs and Specialties
    • Admission and Notification
For original information


  • http://www.study-shanghai.org/Scholarship_en.asp

Saturday, May 14, 2016

Engineering Scholarships for Student of Developing Countries, at University of Pavia, Italy



Fund for Cooperation and Knowledge

Fund for Cooperation and Knowledge - VII edition - academic year 2016-2017
The new call in online!

The Fund is intended to provide scholarships to students from Developing Countries, who wish to study one year at the University of Pavia, and to UNIPV students who would like to spend some months in a Developing Country for studying, researching and/or training. The Fund and the selection of the students are managed by a Committee composed by students, professors and officers of the University of Pavia.
The Committee will select - among the applicants – the students who will receive a scholarship for the Academic Year 2016-2017. There is a call for applications currently opened to candidates from Developing Countries.

The new call for application is for one scholarship in the field of Engineering.

Click here to dwonload the call for applications

Click here to dwonload the application form


The deadline is 12.00 pm (Italian time) of the 27 May 2016.


Work schedule:
- April/May 2016: opening of the call for applications;
- May 2016: collection of the applications;
- June 2016: selection of the winning student;
- June 2016: defining the program of the selected student;
- September 2016: the Program starts;
- A.Y. 2016-2017: carrying out of the Program;
- July 2017: the first part of the Program ends. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

For further information, read the FAQ or ask by email to fund.cooperation@unipv.it (due to the high number of questions received everyday by email, only those which cannot be answered by reading very carefully the call for applications and the FAQs will get a reply).


FAQ
- I have written to fund.cooperation@unipv.it but I didn’t get an answer. Why?
Only questions which cannot be answered by reading very carefully the Call for Applications, the Application Form and the FAQs section will receive an answer by email.

- Who can apply?
Candidates who are citizens of one of the Developing Countries reported in the World Bank list and classified as a low-income economy or as a lower-middle-income economy by the World Bank (see http://data.worldbank.org/about/country-classifications/country-and-lending-groups#Low_income).

You can apply also if you're living in a country other than your Country of origin: for example, if you're living in Italy.
In fact, you have to be citizen of one of the above mentioned Developing Countries.

- Where can I find the application form?
In this page and by following this link.

- Are the scholarships meant for researches?
No.

- Do I need to indicate a particular area of studies on my application form?
Yes. Interested candidates have to fill the application form and they have to indicate the Master Degree they wish to attend selecting it among those ones in the field of engineering indicated in the application form.

- Can I apply for just one semester, or for three months, or for less than one academic year?
No. You might apply for one academic year (about 10 months). Moreover, if you win the scholarship, you should arrive in Pavia in September/October 2015 to complete your first year that ends, approximately, in July 2016.

- Are the courses given in Italian or in English?
You can apply only for one of the Course Degree in Engineering listed in the call for application and on the application form. Lessons of those courses are given in English. you can select on the application form
The courses are generally taught in Italian at Pavia University.

- Which are the Course Degrees I can apply for?
One of the three courses in Enginerring indicated in the call for applications

- Do I need to prove a good command of Italian?
No.

- I'm interested in learning Italian: will there a preliminary Italian language course before starting classes?
The University of Pavia offers intensive Italian courses to foreign students at the beginning of each semester and you might attend them.

- I was not able to find any details of applicants' requirements (such as age, academic profile or area, citizenship restriction, etc.). Is there a document where these requirements are indicated?
An essential applicant requirement is to be a citizen from a Developing Country classified as a low-income economy or as a lower-middle-income economy by the World Bank (see http://data.worldbank.org/about/country-classifications/country-and-lending-groups#Low_income). You have to be born on/after the 1 January 1981. Restrictions related to the academic area: you can aplly only for one of the above mentioned course degrees.

- Can students with the double-nationality apply?
Yes, provided that you’re from a Developing Country classified as a low-income economy or as a lower-middle-income economy by the World Bank.

- If I am selected and win the scholarships, will my home University recognize my studies at the University of Pavia?
You cannot apply for a scholarship as an exchange student.

- My previous University doesn’t have an agreement of cooperation with the University of Pavia. Can I apply?
Yes. You cannot apply for a scholarship as an exchange student.

- The university I attended does not have a form of cooperation with the University of Pavia. Would that fact decrease my chances of acquiring the Scholarship? In other words, would students from universities that cooperate with the University of Pavia have a better chance of being accepted for a Scholarship?
No.

- I'm currently working and not enrolled in any university, can I apply? In this case, how should I fill the point 5 of the application form? Does my employer need to sign my application?
Yes, you can apply. Insert the University where you studied and graduated. No: your employer doesn't have to sign your application.

- I am working in a public university of my country from where I will get the leave and attend the program at UNIPV. Will I need to submit any additional document?
No.

- I graduated from university some years ago, can I participate in this Program? Or only students who currently study at the universities can participate?
Yes: you can participate. Insert the University where you studied to point 5 of the application form. Attach as well the transcript of records of the degree you obtained.

- My University doesn't give official transcript to students: can i send only my official transcript through post? Can my University send my transcript straight to the University of Pavia?
No.

- I've just finished High School, can I apply?
No.

- I completed my Ph.D in the past and presently working as Research Fellow. I would like to apply for this scholarship Program. Are working people eligible for the application or it is only for the student?
Working people are eligible. However, keep in mind that scholarships are intended for studying one of the course degrees listed above and in the call for applications. To enroll to a PhD or to apply as a Research Fellow is not possible.

- Provided that the scholarship is for one Academic Year, if I win it, can the scholarship be extended for another year?
The scholarship is intended to cover only two semesters (one Academic year) and, so far, it may not be extended.
Then, if you win the scholarship, you are selected for a course which lasts more than one year (a Master usually lasts two years), possibly, you might have to pay the expenses for the following years with your own resources. However, if you complete successfully the first year of your Master Degree you can apply again for a scholarship offered through the Found and there are very good chances to get it.

Besides, consider that to be admitted to certain course-degrees, one may have to satisfy specific requirements to be enrolled and, sometimes, one may have to pass a competitive examination (or an interview) to be admitted. Then, if selected, you'll have to meet those requirements and/or to pass that examination and, if you don't, you'll loose the scholarship.

- Can I request the scholarship in order to attend a Master course or a PhD?
You can request a scholarship to attend only one of the Master courses listed in the application form and in the call for applications. You cannot request a scholarship to attend a PhD.

- I could not get exactly if PhD applicants are eligible to apply. I would like to apply for a Doctorate offered by the University of Pavia: am I eligible for a funding?
No.

- I would like to know whether the scholarship will also cover the tuition fee / cost of study for the whole duration of the programme?
Yes, tuition fees will be waived.

- Does the scholarship include the fee for the course I would like to attend?
Tuition fees will be waived.

- I wish to know if it is a full scholarship that does cover the living expenses and accommodation fees.
The scholarship provides selected students with 8.000 Euros. Students may use this money to pay their board and lodging.

- Does the scholarship cover living cost within 10 months or 12 months?
The scholarship is intended to cover one Academic year and will be paid as monthly installments of 1.000 Euros each. Selected students will receive 8.000 Euros, paid as monthly installments of 1.000 Euros each. They will decide how to spend them, mainly for living.

- I am single parent, can I bring my son/daughter with me to Pavia? Is there any child care in residence hall or I have to find another flat alone?
If selected, you can bring him/her. Selected students usually find an accommodation in one of the residence halls of Pavia, which accept only students, not children. Then, you’ll have to find by yourself either an accommodation in a private flat and a child care for your child. University doesn’t provide such a service.

- I am married. Can I bring my husband/wife with me to Pavia?
If selected, you can bring him/her. Selected students usually find an accommodation in one of the residence halls of Pavia, which accept only students without families. Then, you’ll have to find by yourself an accommodation in a private flat.

- Can I work part time in Pavia to fulfill my financial needs ?
You’ll enter Italy with a student VISA which allows you to work at most 20 hours per week. You better check this information on the website of the Italian Embassy in your Country.

- I am an international student and would like to apply for this scholarship Program to pursue my master degree in your Institution. Would I need to first apply to the University or just apply straight for the scholarship?
Those are two different things. Applying for this scholarship Program (FC&K) doesn't mean to apply also for a Master offered by the University of Pavia. The FC&K is a scholarship Program: applying to it you require a scholarship. If you win the scholarship, you have to be admitted to the course degree you wrote in the application form by doing what the Secretary of that course requires. If you fail and are not admitted, you'll not receive the scholarship. Then, check the admission requirements of the Master you wish to attend by visiting its website. However, candidates might not contact the coordinators of these courses during the application process to ask them to check their CVs.

- Documentation requirements for the scholarship in the Call of applications and in the Master Course specific site are not matching exactly. For example: income statement is not required by the Call for applications but it is required on the Master Course site. Which checklist do I have to follow?
Those are two different things. Applying for this scholarship Program (FC&K) doesn't mean to apply also for the Master you're mentioning. To apply for the scholraship you have to do only and exactly what the Call for Applications of the FC&K requires.

- The information talks about monthly installments and period of one year. The Master Course Degree I wish to attend lasts 2 years. Does it mean I could not finish the degree? Is not going to be monthly allowance during the time of the course?
Scholarships will finance one year. You might have to pay the expenses for the following years with your own resources. However, if you complete successfully the first year of your Master Degree you can apply again for a scholarship offered through the Found and there are very good chances to get it

- In which language should I fill the application form? And what about the attachments?
The Application form must be filled in English. All the attachments must be in English. Only the transcript of records and the medical certificate can be in Italian, provided that they’re translated into Italian by a competent Italian authority in your country.

- What should I write in question number 3 of the application form "proposed arrival date at uni of pavia"? If I win the scholraship, do I have to arrive exactly on that day or I can change it?
The day you would like to arrive to Pavia in order to commence your studies if you win the scholraship. You can change it.

- Should I write specific motivation letter or general one?
Specific.


- I want to apply to a certain Master, let’s say, for example, the International Master Program in Cooperation and Development (Master CD): is that a must to apply to the Institute for Advanced Study (IUSS) for admission before applying to your scholarship or shall I apply directly for the scholarship only?
Those are two different things. Applying to the FC&K doesn't mean to apply for the Master too. The FC&K is a scholarship Program: applying to it you require a scholarship. If you win the scholarship, you have to be admitted to the course degree you wrote in the application form by doing what the Secretary of that course requires. If you fail and are not admitted, you'll not receive the scholarship.

- I want to enroll to one of the listed Master Degrees, e.g. the Master in Computer Engineering, only if I get the scholarship. What should I do?
Apply only for the scholarship without asking to the Secretary of the Master to check and evaluate your documents, transcript and CV. In case you’re selected and awarded with the scholarship, then you’ll approach the Secretary of the Master and you’ll receive all the instructions to apply.

-Which step do I have to do first? Applying for the scholarship first? Or applying fir the English taught Master Program first?
Those are two different things. Applying to the FC&K doesn't mean to apply for the Master too. The FC&K is a scholarship Program: applying to it you require a scholarship. If you win the scholarship, you have to be admitted to the course degree you wrote in the application form by doing what the Secretary of that course requires. If you fail and are not admitted, you'll not receive the scholarship.

- I am an undergraduate student and I will graduate this year (June 2016), can I apply for the scholarship? And for the Master?
You could apply for the scholarship and, if selected, you'll have to proceed with the enrolment to the Master. Then, if you fail to meet the entry requirements and are not admitted, you'll loose the scholarship.

- I am a Master Degree holder, but still want to enrich myself by applying to a Master at UNIPV. Am I still eligible to apply for the scholarship?
Yes.

- I am interested in a certain course degree offered by the University of Pavia and I’d like to receive a scholarship financed through this Program in order to attendi t. I wrote to fund.cooperation@unipv.it to require further information about that course and application process for it but I haven’t received any reply. Why?
It is care of the student to find and collect all the relevant information about the course s/he would like to enroll. You'll not get any answer.

- Is the letter of reference the same as the traditional letter of recommendation from a university professor? Is there anything in particular it has to include? Does it have to include my skills and attributes? Is it fine if the letter is written from a dean of a faculty, the rector of a university or a lecturer? Can the letter be written from a person other than a university professor, for example an employer (from my work place)?
Yes, it is a common letter of reference that doesn’t have to include anything in particular. It should refer to your skills, above all academic ones. There's not a standard format for this letter. It must be written by a university professor: it is fine if the letter is written by a dean or a rector or a lecturer (they are regarded as professors as well). Letters written by persons other than university professors will not be considered. The letter must be hand signed and dated (after 27 April 2016).

- Any university professor or lecturer is permitted to write the reference letter or it must be one from the university the applicant graduated from?
Any university professor/lecturer is fine.

- How many letters of reference do I need to sumbit?
One.

- The professor who wrote my letter of reference doesn’t want to give it to me and wants to send it directly. Is it possible?
No. Please, ask you professor to read the call for applications where it is clearly stated that the letter of reference must to be attached to the application form and sent by the applicant.

- Regarding the Medical/Health Certificate. Should it also be certified by the goverment officials in my country (i.e. Ministry of Health and Ministry of Foreign Affairs)? Or could a certificate issued from an M.D. and signed by this M.D. be sufficient?
Yes, an MD’s recent certificate is sufficient.

- I am trying to get the medical certification. However, the doctor got confused when I asked it. Do you have a form that the doctor may fill out? Is my report of a general check up using blood test good enough to use as the certification? If I already have my physical certification, do you want me also to check my mental (psychology) condition? What kind of mental check test do you want?
There’s not a form that the doctor may fill. A general medical certificate is fine and it should states that the candidates doesn’t suffer from mental/physical illnesses. A general check up is fine. You don’t need to consult a psychiatrist and/or a psychologist in order to pass a mental check.

- I fulfill all you requirements, but I am physically disable. If I apply for this scholarship will the Committee consider me?
Yes.

- I have a TOEFL/IELTS test result, can I submit that certificate?
No. It is not a required document.

- Should the transcript be made official by the local government (local authorities)? Or could it be sent as an official document of the university I attended?
It has to be an official document of your university. It is not necessary to involve local government/authorities. However, the transcript of records has to be in English or translated into Italian by a competent Italian authority in your country.

- One of the required documents is a curriculum vitae in the European format. Where can I find this format?
Here: http://europass.cedefop.europa.eu/img/dynamic/c1344/type.FileContent.file/CVTemplate_en_GB.doc

- Some of the documents required must be recent. How recent should they be?
As indicated in the call for applications.


- Application should be sent by email in one PDF file. Regarding the transcript, if I send the official transcript issued from the university, it may not be possible to scan it, since it would be sealed in an envelope and stamped on the seal by the university. Is it possible in this case to scan an unofficial copy of the transcript (student's copy) and send it by email along with the application?
Yes. Selected candidates will be asked to provided original and authentic copies of the documents they attached by email in order to receive the scholarship.

- Where should I send the application form? Can I send it only by email?
Yes: you have to send it only by email. Send it by email to fund.cooperation@unipv.it : application and all the scanned attachments in one PDF file large at most 5MB. Documents have to be attached in the exact order described in the call for applications, otherwise application will not be considered.

- Can I send the original copy (paper/hard copy) of my application by courier?
No. Applications must be sent only by email

- I should send the original copies of the documents and the signed application to the University of Pavia by email, and not through the Embassy. Is that correct?
Yes. You don’t have to send your documents through the Italian Embassy.

- I have sent many emails for requiring more information, but I haven’t received any answer. I wonder why.
Due to the high number of questions received everyday by email, only those which cannot be answered by reading very carefully the call for applications, the application form and the FAQs will get a reply. Then, please, read the call for applications , the application form and the FAQs very carefully before sending an email to request more information.

- Can I send only the application form by email and all the other documents plus the signed application form by post?
No. You have to send the application form and all the required documents only by email. You have also to sign the application form, scan it and send it by email together with all the attachments.

- How should I submit my application?
Fill the application form, print it, sign it, scan it and send it and all the attachments by email to fund.cooperation@unipv.it in one PDF file larger no more than 5MB.

Deadline is 12.00 pm (Italian time) of the 27 May 2016.
 

FUND FOR COOPERATION & KNOWLEDGE

In 2009, the University of Pavia and its students created the ‘Fund for Cooperation and Knowledge’. The Fund is intended to finance scholarships for students of developing countries who wish to study in Pavia and for students of UNIPV who want to spend some time in a developing country to study, to carrying on researches, or to do an internship.

The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs contributed to the first cohort of the Fund (A.Y. 2010 -2011). On that occasion, 7 foreign students and 13 students of UNIPV received a scholarship.

The Fund and the selection of the students are managed by a Committee composed of seven students, seven members of UNIPV staff; and, for the first cohort only, there was also a member representing the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Within the sisth cohort of the Fund (A.Y. 2015-2016), 4 foreign students and 15 UNIPV students were awarded with a scholarships.

For further information, read the FAQ or ask via email to fund.cooperation@unipv.it (due to the volume of questions received everyday by email, only those which cannot be answered by carefully reading the call for applications and the FAQs will get a reply.

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The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program (US) - A program for young and mid-career professionals sponsored by the U.S. Department of State



Humphrey Fellowship Program
  • The Humphrey Fellowship Program is for experienced professionals interested in strengthening their leadership skills through a mutual exchange of knowledge and understanding about issues of common concern in the U.S. and Fellows’ home countries. As a non-degree program, the Fellowship offers valuable opportunities for professional development through selected university courses, attending conferences, networking, and practical work experiences. During the year, Fellows pursue both their individual program goals and work closely with their Humphrey colleagues in workshops and seminars. Unlike a typical graduate school experience, the Program encourages Fellows to travel away from their host campus to learn more about American culture and to network with their American peers. If you are interested in broadening your perspectives and becoming a global leader, the Humphrey Fellowship is for you.
Deadline
  • Embassies and Commissions must submit their nominations to the Institute of International Education office in Washington, DC by October 1. The deadlines for applicants vary by country.
 Basic Eligibility Criteria
  • An undergraduate (first university or Bachelor's) degree
  • A minimum of five years of full-time, professional experience
  • Limited or no prior experience in the United States
  • Demonstrated leadership qualities
  • A record of public service in the community
  • English language ability
Program Offered

Sustainable Development

Agriculture logoAgricultural and Rural Development

Suitable candidates include individuals from the public sector, non-governmental organizations, and business focused on agricultural and food system development and/or rural development. The field includes, but is not limited to, the following areas of specialization: food security, sustainable farming systems, agricultural research, extension management, agricultural marketing and value-chain management, post-harvest technology and food safety, trade and food policy, and rural livelihood enhancement.

Econ & Finance logoEconomic Development

This field may be interpreted very broadly. Suitable candidates include policy makers and administrative managers focusing on contemporary development issues including population growth, agriculture and industrial development, poverty and income distribution, labor markets, and foreign trade. Individuals who are working in the fields of sustainable development and micro-finance in the public or private sector are also appropriate.

Econ & Finance logoFinance and Banking

Suitable candidates include individuals who are involved in the management of financial institutions, the regulation of depository institutions and securities, transnational lending and trade financing, or public-private partnerships. Corporate financial managers and analysts are appropriate if they are interested in and able to convey how their work will impact the development of the country. Individuals in this field are not suitable for the Humphrey Fellowship Program if they are primarily concerned with expanding a corporate entity's market share.

Natural Resources logoNatural Resources, Environmental Policy, and Climate Change

Natural resource and environmental managers are appropriate candidates for this field. Policy makers working on the protection of natural resources, water quality, pollution control, land use, conservation, and environmental impact assessment are also suitable. Climate change is a critical emerging field open to professionals working in a range of disciplines, including policy development, clean technologies, carbon management, and response planning or adaptation to new climate patterns.

Urban and Regional Planning logoUrban and Regional Planning

Appropriate candidates for this field include architects, engineers, planners, urban designers, urban economists and sociologists, and historic preservation specialists. The field of Urban and Regional Planning should be broadly interpreted to include the following: urban infrastructure, transportation policy and planning, water and sanitation, town and rural planning, land use and urban design, housing and real estate development, international and comparative planning, environmental protection and planning, ecological land development, public policy, social policy, urban redevelopment policy, economic development and planning, regional economic integration, economic conversion, urban finance management, and urban spatial analysis using geographic information systems.

Democratic Institution Building

Journalism/Communications logoCommunications/Journalism

Appropriate candidates include those using media in all its current forms to facilitate global development for their country. Journalists in this field could work for private media outlets or state-run public broadcasters with a focus on independent reporting and transparency. Journalists can work in any platform (print, broadcast, online) using digital and social media tools to cover a wide variety of subject beats, including but not limited to public affairs, arts and features, social issues, business news and investigative topics. Other individuals might manage the public or internal communications for non-governmental organizations, for state-run media, governmental agencies and private business enterprises.

Law & Human Rights logoLaw and Human Rights

Attorneys, judges, and human rights activists are the most suitable candidates in this field. The range of law specializations is far reaching; some of the more common include: constitutional, criminal, business, civil rights, family/child, alternative dispute resolution, international humanitarian, international trade, international business, intellectual property, and telecommunications law. Individuals engaged in legal and judicial reform and the administration of justice also are appropriate candidates.

Public Policy and Public Administration logoPublic Policy Analysis and Public Administration

This field may be interpreted very broadly. Policy issues that past Fellows addressed have included: regional economic and workforce development planning; public management and leadership; financial management in public and non-profit organizations; poverty and inequality; gender; public finance and revenue administration; domestic and foreign development policies; political transition to market-based democracy; planning and the global knowledge economy; and private sector development.

Trafficking logoTrafficking in Persons Policy and Prevention

Candidates include foreign government officials, NGO activists, and media specialists who are focused on anti-trafficking issues. Humphrey Fellows can focus in areas of public administration, NGO administration, law and human rights, social work, communications and journalism, and public health as applied to anti-trafficking program management and policy-making.

Tech policy logoTechnology Policy and Management

Network administrators, engineers, and urban planners involved in formulating technology policy and planning and managing technological change and systems are suitable candidates in this field. Officials in the Ministry of Education and educators who teach technology and science in higher education institutions and can demonstrate leadership in curriculum development or administration in this field are also appropriate candidates.

Human resources logoHuman Resource Management

The most suitable candidates in this field are those individuals dealing with institutional change and setting personnel policies and procedures. These might be human resource managers or individuals from various fields who have been charged with re-organizing a department or ministry, for example.

Education

TEFL logoEducational Administration, Planning and Policy

Individuals who are contributing to national or regional education planning, policy development and implementation make good candidates. University professors with an exclusively academic focus are not suitable; however, university professors in administrative or policy-making positions are eligible. Candidate profiles also include those focused in the more technical areas of education: curriculum development, instruction and learning assessment techniques, program design and adult learning, teacher training, and the use of technology in higher education. These individuals may be teachers if they also have additional responsibilities in the areas above.
 HEA logoHigher Education Administration

This field of study is intended for individuals who devote a significant portion of their professional life to policy formation, strategic decision-making, planning and management in higher education. Individuals holding administrative or policy-making positions at institutions of higher education, non-profit organizations or government ministries are eligible. Suitable candidates also include those focused on functional areas of higher education, such as curriculum design techniques for instruction and learning assessment, vocational and life-long learning programs, and areas of higher education administration such as financial management, student affairs, academic affairs, business affairs, recruitment and admissions, development and alumni relations, and the use of technology in higher education. These individuals can be faculty at institutions of higher education if they also have significant responsibilities in the areas listed above.

TEFL logoTeaching of English as a Foreign Language

Appropriate candidates include teacher trainers and master teachers in the field of Teaching English as a Foreign Language if they are interested in teacher training, curriculum development, and methodology.

Public Health

Health Policy logoPublic Health Policy and Management

Physicians, clinicians with management responsibilities, health educators, and other practitioners with policy-making responsibilities in this field are suitable candidates. Past Fellows' interests have included: management of public health care organizations, health care delivery through community-based organizations, reproductive, adolescent and child health, and epidemiology in public health practice. Candidates who are primarily practitioners in their field are not appropriate. For example, dentists whose program goals are to be more effective dentists in a clinical setting are not appropriate candidates for the program. Instead, dentists or other practitioners who are interested in acquiring skills and knowledge to become better administrators of public health programs, which might, for example, promote health education in their community or country, would be a better fit for the program.

HIV/AIDS logoHIV/AIDS Policy and Prevention

Physicians, health educators, communication specialists, and policy analysts who are interested in HIV/AIDS policy, treatment and prevention are appropriate candidates for this field. Candidates with a primary focus on clinical treatment are not appropriate.

Substance abuse logoSubstance Abuse Education, Treatment and Prevention

Candidates in this field may be focused on problems of alcohol, drug and tobacco use as well as broader areas of public health that relate to substance abuse, such as HIV/AIDS, mental health, medicine, psychology, social work and counseling. Previous Fellows in the substance abuse field have come from schools and universities, community-based treatment and prevention programs, hospitals, criminal justice settings and local or national policy agencies. Fellows in this field will have access to strong university-based research program as well as contacts with community, state and national professionals and provider groups working in substance abuse.
  
Participating Countries
In 26 countries, the Humphrey Fellowship Program is administered by a Binational Fulbright Commission. In all other participating countries, the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy is charged with the operation of the Program.
To find out if citizens of your country/region are eligible to participate in the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program, click on your region. If your country/region appears on the list, you are eligible to apply.

Selection Process

Stage 1: National Screening

The Humphrey Program is facilitated overseas by Binational Fulbright Commissions/Foundations or the Public Affairs Sections of U.S. Embassies. Commissions and Embassies review applications submitted for the Humphrey Fellowship Program, invite selected applicants for interviews, and determine which applications are to be forwarded for further consideration to the Institute of International Education in Washington, D.C. Please contact the Embassy or Commission in your country to learn of its selection criteria.

Stage 2: Screening by the Institute of International Education

Embassies and Commissions must submit their nominations to the Institute of International Education (IIE) office in Washington, DC by October 1. The deadline for applicants to submit their applications to the Embassy or Commission varies by country. Please check with the Embassy or Fulbright Commission in your country to learn of its application deadline.
IIE reviews all submitted applications for basic eligibility and then convenes regional Candidate Review Committees (CRC) to evaluate the applications.

Stage 3: Candidate Review Committees

Candidate Review Committees convene in Washington, DC in December. Independent expert panelists with regional experience who work in academia, international organizations, or non-governmental organizations are recruited to review applications from a particular region of the world.

Stage 4: Approval by the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board

The J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board (FSB) was created by Congress to supervise the Fulbright Program and other Fulbright exchange activities, including the Humphrey Fellowship Program. The FSB sets policies and procedures for administration of the Humphrey Fellowship Program, has final authority for selection of all Fellows, and supervises the conduct of the Program both in the United States and abroad.

Stage 5: Placement of selected Humphrey Fellows

After receiving approval from the FSB, the Department of State will announce the final selection results to participating U.S. Embassies and Binational Fulbright Commissions, who will inform candidates of their status. The Institute of International Education places the approved candidates at U.S. universities that have been selected to host Humphrey Fellows. Placements are determined by candidates' fields of study and the program plan statements expressed in their applications.

Fellowship Provisions

The Fellowship provides for:
  • Payment of tuition and fees at the assigned host university;
  • Pre-academic English language training, if required;
  • A maintenance (living) allowance, including a one-time settling-in allowance;
  • Accident and sickness coverage;
  • A book allowance;
  • A one-time computer subsidy;
  • Air travel (international travel to and from the U.S. for the Program and domestic travel to required program events);
  • A Professional Development allowance for professional activities, such as field trips, professional visits and conferences.
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