Scope of the Offer
The course on ‘Virus Detection and Biosecurity’ and ‘Science Diplomacy, is a co-organised scientific event by the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), the World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), the InterAcademy Partnership (IAP) and the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) Implementation Support Unit. The course will be held from 4 to 8 March 2024 in Trieste Italy, to promote capacity-building in medical diagnostic techniques, biosecurity topics and an introduction of the current issues of science diplomacy. The course is financially supported by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs under a project in support of Article X of the Biological Weapons Convention.
The selected participants will start their training with briefings and a tabletop exercise on science and diplomacy related topics and the BWC over a 1.5-day workshop organised by TWAS and IAP at the TWAS headquarters. The second part of the capacity building initiative is comprised of theoretical sessions, lectures by international experts in virology, diagnostic procedures, epidemiology, public health, surveillance, antiviral therapy, vaccines, and biosecurity which will be held at the ICGEB headquarters. The training at the ICGEB includes practical sessions on application of molecular assay techniques for virus detection and applicationof next-generation sequencing methods for virus detection in the field.
Course objectives:
The course will enhance participants’ technological and professional knowledge on:
- Current issues of science diplomacy including role of scientific and technological advances in the framework of multilateral disarmament.
- Theoretical knowledge on viruses with a pandemic potential.
- Application of molecular assay for virus detection in the laboratory and application of next generation sequencing method for virus detection in the field.
- Multisectoral preparedness and response mechanisms for a disease outbreak with an unknown origin.
Criteria for selection of participants:
- Early/mid-career scientist (preferably 40 years or younger);
- Female applicants are encouraged to apply and will be given priority;
- Research and wider engagement related to virology, microbiology and infectious disease;
- Demonstrated background in molecular biology is essential to get full benefit of the practical sessions;
- Only applicants from the countries in the DAC list of ODA recipients will be considered.
Funding
Selected participants will receive financial support through funding provided by Norway to cover their travel, visa expenses and accommodation costs. Travel arrangements for selected participants will be made by the BWC ISU, in accordance with the United Nations travel policies.
Registration
Applicants should provide a motivation letter outlining the specific interest to attend and a CV demonstrating the relevant background. Participants are encouraged to have a valid national passport when applying for the course and necessary authorization for participation at the course.
Timeline:
- Opening applications: 20 November 2023
- Deadline for application: 17 December 2023
- Outcome of selection: 14 January 2024
Applicants must register on the ICGEB Service Gateway (ISG) to obtain access to the online submission platform (Here).
