Call overview

Applications for Phase 1 are NOW Closed

Quick navigation: [Phase 1] [Phase 2]

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Call 01 of the PiTCH Fellowship Program is a global opportunity focused on skills development and knowledge exchange for scientists and researchers in microscopy and microscopy related disciplines. It aims to connect researchers from different parts of the world to share their expertise and gain mentorship in developing and organising impactful microscopy workshops in Africa.

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The program is designed as a tripartite model that connects an African researcher with a global researcher, both of whom will be mentored by a global microscopy expert. Together, this trio will collaborate to deliver a workshop at the African researcher’s home institution.

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At the core of the PiTCH Fellowship Program is a mentorship group consisting of three key members: the African partner, the global partner, and the mentor.

• African partner: Researchers in Africa aiming to apply microscopy in their research and strengthen local capacity through teaching and workshops.

• Global partner: Early-career researchers from anywhere in the world with microscopy experience, seeking teaching and workshop experience. 

• Mentor: A global microscopy training and education expert who will guide and support the teaching pair throughout the program.

 

In addition to the primary goal of developing and planning a microscopy workshop in Africa, the teaching pair will benefit from peer support, bilateral transfer of knowledge and skills, and the establishment of long-term relationships. This collaboration ultimately contributes to the development of sustainable microscopy communities and capacity building in Africa.

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The PiTCH Fellowship Program will be implemented in two phases: Phase 1 and Phase 2.

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Phase 1: Train-the-Trainer Mentorship Program

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The Africa Microscopy Initiative (AMI) will select research scientists in Africa who are interested in pursuing microscopy-related research and developing local microscopy communities. These scientists will be paired with selected early-career global microscopy scientists to form "teaching pairs."

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The pairs will receive up to a year of structured, online mentorship and training in organizing and delivering microscopy workshops tailored to the African context. This mentorship will be conducted remotely, allowing fellows to participate from their current locations.

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The program is designed to be flexible, enabling fellows to continue with their primary work and responsibilities while engaging in the training. Four teaching pairs will be selected (eight total fellows), and the key content covered during the mentorship will include:

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• Workshop curriculum and concept development

• Workshop planning and organizational skills

• Knowledge sharing between partners

• Workshop sponsors and strategic partners

 

Throughout the mentorship, each teaching pair will progressively develop their workshop plan. This will culminate in a completed workshop proposal and strategy, which can be used to secure funding from various sources, including Phase 2 of the PiTCH Fellowship Program.

By the end of Phase 1, all pairings should be adequately prepared to pursue a workshop in Africa.

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Applications for Phase 1 are NOW CLOSED: [Read more and apply HERE!]

Phase 2: Potential workshop execution in Africa

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Participants who successfully complete Phase 1 may have the opportunity to advance, through a selection process, to Phase 2. In this next stage, selected fellows will apply the knowledge and skills gained in Phase 1 to co-deliver an in-person microscopy workshop at the African partner’s home institution.

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More details will be communicated!

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