A variable sum of money is available each year (usually between £20,000 - 40,000) for schemes which promote links with developing countries. The main points of the scheme are set out below.

1. The main basic aim of the scheme is to establish links with developing centres abroad, chiefly aiming at specific research projects. The links will be associated with education and training of staff, medical and/or non-medical.   

2. Sponsorship of postgraduate teaching/symposia could be an alternative method of establishing links with centres abroad at the same time as providing important postgraduate education.   

3. Whenever possible, it would be valuable if a visit could be made to coincide with a local medical meeting or symposium which would increase the impact of such a visit and simplify publicity for it.   

4. In general, exchanges should be in two parts - the first being from the centre in the UK to a centre abroad, during which the appropriate person to travel to the UK would be identified. The second would be for the identified visitor to come to the UK.   

5. Suitable visitors should, in general, be younger active research workers and selection should normally be made by personal knowledge of members of the Association.   

6. Liaison with the British Council can be invaluable in planning the exchanges.   

7. Links with any developing country are appropriate; Eastern European links are also encouraged.   

8. The Tropical Health and Education Trust, London, Registration No: 800567 will offer advice regarding specific needs abroad.   

9. A report will be expected on completion of the exchange.   

10. The maximum amount of any one award will be £10,000     The amount of money available for the scheme is proposed each year at the Executive Committee meeting, and agreed at the Annual General Meeting which is usually held in March or April. 

The scheme is only open to members of the Association, who each year are mailed with details of the scheme and the amount of money available.   There is no specific application form but applications should include   

1. An outline of the proposal with details of how this will benefit the partner institution.

2. Details of the expenditure.

3. Justification for the expenditure including detail of other sources of funding that are used to support the scheme or that are awaiting a decision. The entire application should be no more than 4 x A4 sheets.   Applications are judged by a sub-committee of the Executive Committee which will examine all applications and, if necessary, request further details before a final decision is made. Awards are sometimes made in part. At the end of the project a report is required, which should be sent to the Treasurer.

Contact

Honorary Treasurer

Professor John Iredale 
Professor of Medicine 
Centre for Inflamation Research
Queen's Medical Research Institute
47 Little France Crescent
Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ
Email: carolynn.walthew@ed.ac.uk
Tel: +44 131 242 6687
Fax: +44 131 242 6682