The Society of Toxicology (SOT) has facilitated the building of global toxicology research capacity through the Global Senior Scholar Exchange Program (GSSEP) since 2012. Twelve Scholars from eight countries and their hosts have been funded in that time.
Ansam Sawalha, 2017 Scholar from An-Najah National University in Palestine, participated in activities at Wayne State University in addition to her time with hosts at the University of Washington.
Mohamed Abou-Donia and Wafa Hassen were presented their recognition by SOT Councilor Aaron Barchowsky
The next deadline for Scholars to apply is June 15, 2017. SOT seeks applications from mid-career to senior toxicologists in Developing Countries. Two Scholars will be selected to attend the SOT Annual Meeting and spend about four consecutive weeks with a Host in an established toxicology laboratory. After the Scholars are selected and announced this summer, the Education Committee welcomes applications from Hosts with similar interests and the appropriate institutional capacity. The Host application deadline is September 15, 2017. The program provides $15,000 travel support for each pair, with up to $10,000 for the Scholar and up to $5,000 for the Host to travel to the Scholar’s institution. Funds are not provided for equipment, laboratory supplies, or renovations.
The Hispanic Organization of Toxicologists produced an informative video about the GSSEP. As coordinator for the program, I encourage you to consider applying for a Scholar or Host position and to bring this program to the attention of others for whom this opportunity may be relevant.
Wafa Hassen, from the High Institute of Biotechnology of Monastir, Tunisia, was the 2016 Scholar hosted by Dr. Mohamed Abou-Donia at Duke University. She said, “The opportunities that have been made available to me in the US have exceeded my dreams and I am so grateful to SOT for opening so many doors for me....My experiences and the international network I have formed have empowered me and are preparing me for a leadership role either in academia or in government. I have exceeded my expectations and the expectations of my mentors in Tunisia, and they are counting on me to come back home and put my many experiences into practice for the benefit of my colleagues and students. In fact, I see the GSSEP as one of the most important professional development experiences I have had and the one most responsible for bridging the gap between the scientific communities in the USA and Tunisia.”
More information and application forms are found at Global Senior Scholar Exchange Program.