The committee discussed the overall need to have a stronger international presence of APS, particularly throughout Latin America (LA). Among the possibilities discussed the development of joint symposium or congresses sponsored by APS sections at the 2006 Latin American Physiology Society Meeting in Buenos Aires was thought to be a mechanism to enhance APS visibility in LA and increase awareness of the goals of this committee. 

Six applications were received this year for the Latin American initiative. Based on committee member review and ranking, the following four applications were considered of interest. We recommend funding be approved for these four symposia:

Applicant: James W. Hicks

Title: Cardiopulmonary adaptations of vertebrates (didactic).

Location: Rio Claro, Brazil

 

Applicant: Hugo Gonzalez-Serratos

Title: Fourth symposium on biochemical and physiological aspects of muscle research. (didactic).

Location: Mexico City, UNAM

 

Applicant: Diego Colombek

Title: Physiology of circadian rhythms (didactic/research)

Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina

 

Applicant: Ana M. Cardenas

Title: Thirteenth international  symposium on chromaffin cell biology

Location: Pucon, Chile

Latin America Initiative Application: Based on what appears to be a lack of knowledge on how funds should be utilized and what are the strong aspects of the applications that are received, we have decided to revise the description of the application process for funding through the Latin American Initiative.  In addition, in response to several requests, we request approval for extending the deadline for receipt of applications to March 15.

Funding eligibility: Symposium, seminar, conference, workshop or other organized, formal meeting where persons assemble to coordinate, exchange, and disseminate information or to explore or clarify a defined subject, problem, or area of knowledge will be held in any of the Latin American countries.  These conferences should provide a forum targeted towards development of collaborative efforts, educational opportunities and growth of Physiology as a discipline in Latin American Universities or Centers for Investigation.  Applicants must be APS members or must have an APS member as a co-applicant for course funding.  Strong participation of APS members is encouraged. 

Please include the following pertinent information:

Title of the Course/Symposium

Rationale for the Course/Symposium.  Briefly describe the objectives of the Course/Symposium, including who will be the primary beneficiaries. What will be achieved by having this particular workshop as designed?

Names, academic titles and affiliations of all participants.  It is important that participants be identified and contacted prior to submission of the application and that their willingness to participate be documented in the application.

Titles of the presentations.  A clear program with length of presentations, format of presentations and their content should be submitted. The total length of the course/symposia as well as the structure of presentations should be clearly stated.

Number of students, trainees, Latin American scientists expected to participate.  Information on how the conference will be advertised and what the targeted audience will be needs to be included. Inclusion of regional participants is strongly encouraged.  If the organizers have held similar courses, registration information and attendance should be included as historical evidence of previous success.

Description of how the economic support will be used.  Cost analysis of travel, lodging, meals should be clearly identified and presented along with a short justification.  Identification of who will be supported (speakers, organizers, students, etc.) should be included. Support for Latin American students, postdoctoral fellows and young scientists is strongly encouraged.  Strategies to enhance participation of Latin American scientists are desired.

Identification of other sources of economic support that will be available.  Institutional or organizational support for the conference is strongly desirable.  Audiovisual, lodging, personnel time and effort, matching travel support are among mechanisms that need to be identified in the application.  Letters of support from officials representing the additional sources of support need to be included in the application packet.

Receipt dates and funding timeline. Deadline for the receipt of applications at the APS office is March 15 for funding of the course in the following calendar year. Applications undergo an initial review by members of the International Committee at Experimental Biology. Additional information or documentation may be requested following the initial review procedure prior to making final funding decision. Availability of funding will be announced following APS Council meeting during the month of July or August.

Format of applications.  Applications must submit all required documentations along with the description of the course/symposia as an Adobe Acrobat file. 

Expense reimbursement.  At completion of the course, a full report must be submitted to the APS office describing how the course/symposia development fulfilled the proposed goals. Any specific changes from the originally proposed schedule/focus should be clearly outlined.  The report must include information of participants registered (name, academic affiliation and rank).  A copy of the final program should also be included in this final report.

Patricia E. Molina, Chair

Council Actions

• Council accepted the report of the International Physiology Committee.

• Council approved the necessary funding to support the four Committee-approved applications for the "Latin American Initiative" for 2006.

• Council approved the revised guidelines for Latin American Initiative applications.