The Pew Latin American Fellows Program in the Biomedical Sciences provides support for young scientists from Latin America to receive post-doctoral training in the United States. The program gives these individuals an opportunity to further their scientific knowledge, promotes exchange and collaboration between investigators in the U.S. and Latin America, and advances research in Latin America.

The program provides two-fold support. First, chosen Fellows receive funding support from a grant from Pew through their U.S. host institutions for post-doctoral training in the United States. The host institutions receive $60,000 to support the Fellow's salary over two years for their research and training. To apply, potential candidates need to identify and obtain a commitment from the head of a laboratory in the United States for a post-doctoral position. Many excellent Principal Investigators in top major research institutions in the U.S. are interested in having Pew Fellows come to their labs from Latin American for post-doctoral training. For assistance in identifying possible laboratories to pursue a post-doctoral fellowship, potential applicants may email Anita Pepper, Senior Associate, Pew Biomedical Programs, at apepper@pewtrusts.org. We will gladly assist any candidates in locating possible laboratories. 

Applicants to the program are initially reviewed by regional selection committees in Latin America. Final selection is completed by a scientific advisory committee in the United States. Fellows are selected on the basis of their promise as outstanding investigators as well as the scientific merit of their research proposal, their record of training, and the match of their interests with those of their host laboratory in the United States.

Second, following completion of the post-doctoral training, Pew Fellows are encouraged to obtain positions at academic or research institutions in Latin America. If they do so four years from the start of the award, they will receive an additional amount of $35,000 to purchase equipment and supplies to establish their new laboratory in Latin America. 

The deadline for applications for the 2010 awards is October 1, 2009.  

Below you will find more information on the Program.