The Serrapilheira/ICTP-SAIFR Training Program in Quantitative Biology and Ecology will train young Brazilian and other Latin American scientists for world-class research on biology and ecology using the quantitative methods of mathematics, physics, and computer science. It strategically makes use of the country’s well-established excellence in mathematics and physics to tap into Brazil’s tremendous potential in life sciences.
Brazil’s ecosystems are among the richest in the world, and it is becoming increasingly clear that their inherent complexity poses enormous scientific challenges to find solutions that allow them to survive and flourish. The goal is to build an interconnected network of highly skilled scientists who can make significant contributions to advance the field in Brazil and Latin America.
To reach its goal, the training program will be highly selective and involve students at the beginning of their graduate studies who have already developed quantitative skills and are interested in applying these skills in solving cutting-edge problems in biology and ecology. Lectures in all areas of biology and ecology will be presented by international experts, and no previous knowledge of biology is required.
After a one-month online version of the program in 2021, the program in 2022 will involve a five-month in-person version divided into a two-month introductory module from July 4 – Sept. 3, 2022 and a three-month advanced module from Sept. 12 – Dec. 2, 2022. Students selected to the program will receive accommodations in São Paulo and a monthly stipend of 1500 reais for food and transportation, as well as airfare from their home city.
Students with quantitative skills who will have finished their undergraduate studies by July 2022 at a Latin-American institution and have not yet begun their doctoral degree can apply to participate in the five-month training program by reading the application instructions and submitting the online application form before April 13, 2022 at 17:00 BRT.. Approximately 30 students will be accepted into the program, and priority will be given to the first 500 applications received. Confirmed lecturers in the 2022 program will be listed on this webpage, and any questions should be sent to qbioprogram@ictp-saifr.org
Who?
Who can apply: We strongly encourage all applicants to acquaint themselves with our selection process before applying.
- Applicants must have graduated or be expected to graduate by 06/30/2022 from a higher education institution in Brazil or another Latin American country. Those pursuing or having completed a master’s degree, regardless of the institution, are also eligible. Students who are pursuing or have already completed a doctoral degree are not eligible.
- Mastery of the English language is essential. Both the selection process and the classes and other course activities will be conducted entirely in English.
- Persons with an academic background in any field of knowledge are welcome. Previous research experience in the biological sciences is desirable, but not a requirement. People with a background in exact sciences or computer science with a strong interest in the life sciences are encouraged to apply even without prior experience in biological sciences or ecology.
- Familiarity with differential and integral calculus is required. The selection process will involve questions aligned with a basic calculus course; calculus tools will be used in the lectures of some mini courses.
- Candidates must be available to dedicate themselves entirely to the onsite course in the city of São Paulo for the duration of the course.
- Participants in the Program’s 2021 call who meet the eligibility criteria for the 2022 call are welcome to apply again.
Deadline: 13 April 2022.