Are you an early career researcher in India passionate about making a difference in air pollution and health? A unique opportunity awaits you in the heart of the Himalayas. The Health Effects Institute (HEI), the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), and the Collaborative for Air Pollution and Health Effects Research—India (CAPHER-India) are jointly organizing an intensive training program designed to elevate your research capabilities. This comprehensive program, scheduled from August 12-14, 2024, at ICIMOD, Kathmandu, Nepal, is specifically tailored for researchers like you, focusing on cutting-edge methods and approaches in air pollution and health research.
This immersive 3-day in-person workshop will bring together 15-20 promising early career researchers from across South Asia, providing a platform for intensive learning and networking with international and regional experts. The training modules are meticulously crafted to cover critical areas, including air pollution monitoring techniques, advanced exposure assessment methodologies, epidemiological study designs, comprehensive health impact assessments, and essential skills in grant and science writing, and effective science communication.
The core objectives of this Early Career Program India initiative are designed to be transformative for participating researchers:
- Enhance Research Design Expertise: Equip participants with in-depth training on diverse approaches to exposure assessment and health assessments, crucial for designing robust epidemiological studies.
- Maximize Local Data Utilization: Develop participants’ skills to efficiently leverage local air quality data for conducting impactful health impact assessments, providing locally relevant and actionable insights.
- Empower for Research Success: Provide essential training on accessing research funding, crafting compelling proposals, conducting rigorous research, and, importantly, effectively communicating research findings to diverse audiences.
- Build a South Asian Research Network: Foster the establishment of a vibrant network of early career researchers across South Asia, facilitating collaboration and knowledge sharing within the region.
The program is guided by a distinguished organizing committee comprising leading experts in the field:
- Kalpana Balakrishnan, Sri Ramachandra Institute for Higher Education and Research, India
- Ajay Pillarisetti, University of California Berkeley, USA
- Om P. Kurmi, Coventry University, UK
- Bertrand Bessagnet, ICIMOD, Nepal
- Pallavi Pant and Abinaya Sekar, Health Effects Institute, USA
Eligibility Criteria for Early Career Researchers
This prestigious early career program india is open to ambitious early career researchers based in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. To be eligible, applicants should hold a master’s degree or PhD in environmental science or a related field, possess a foundational understanding of air pollution, air quality monitoring, and epidemiology, and have a minimum of two years of research experience. A track record of at least one publication is also expected. Selected participants will be required to bring their laptops to actively participate in hands-on exercises during the training sessions. The organizing committee will undertake a thorough review of all applications, and 15-20 outstanding applicants will be invited to participate in this highly competitive program.
Funding and Support
Participants selected for this transformative early career program india will receive comprehensive financial support. The host organizations will cover all expenses, including course materials, local and international travel costs, accommodation, meals, and even visa fees. Furthermore, an exciting opportunity awaits participants post-workshop: 3-5 small research grants will be awarded through a competitive selection process, providing seed funding to further their research endeavors.
Venue: Kathmandu, Nepal
The training course will be held at the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) in Kathmandu, Nepal, or at a nearby hotel in the serene outskirts of the city, providing an inspiring environment for learning and collaboration.
Application Process: Take the Next Step in Your Research Journey
If you are an eligible and driven early career researcher from South Asia, seize this opportunity to advance your career. Interested candidates are requested to submit their applications online through the provided link and upload the following essential documents:
- Cover Letter: A concise one-page cover letter outlining your research interests and your specific expectations from this intensive training program.
- Brief CV: A summary of your professional responsibilities and activities, including current job and institutional affiliations, educational qualifications (highest degree and institution), details of one or two significant research publications (if applicable), and current teaching responsibilities (if relevant).
- Research Abstract: A 400-word research abstract detailing the project you are currently engaged in or a research topic you are keen to explore.
The application deadline is 11:59 PM IST, Friday, July 05, 2024. Submit your application via this form. For any inquiries regarding the application form or the workshop, please contact Dr. Abinaya Sekar (asekar[at]healtheffects[dot]org) and copy Ms. Deanna Sherpa (deanna[dot]sherpa[at]icimod[dot]org) for efficient assistance.
This early career program india represents a significant step towards strengthening air pollution and health research capacity in the region. Don’t miss out on this chance to accelerate your research career and contribute to a healthier future.
