Rationale:

Non human primates will continue to play a pivotal role as models of human diseases including tropical infections.  However the use of these animals needs to be carefully applied so that proper consideration of ethical and welfare issues is incorporated in all aspects of research involving non-human primates (NHP).  This workshop, supported by TDR and IPR/NMK with coordinated assistance from SSI coordinators, is a ten-day training course with lectures, hands-on laboratory sessions and demonstrations.  Emphasis will be placed on biomedical techniques used in primates in addressing TDR diseases, including the ethical and welfare aspects of using NHP in research.

Objectives:

The objectives of the course are to train young investigators on biomedical techniques applied to NHPs and attendant animal welfare issues.  The ultimate goals of the course are

1. To inform research community on availability and the role of NHPs in tropical disease research.
2. To establish a network of scientists working on tropical diseases so as to share information, experiences and resources relevant to NHPs work.
   

Details of the course contents and tentative course schedule can be viewed at http://www.ssi-tdr.net/cbag/ipr-nmk/Final primate syllabulus 29th may2007.pdf


Eligibility:

Advanced PhD students, postdoctoral fellows and young faculty members, actively involved in TDR diseases research and those who use animal models particularly primate, are highly encouraged to apply.  A number of limited seats are also allocated for scientists from developed countries who are able to sponsor their own attendance.


Number of Participants:

Twenty participants will be selected to attend the course, i.e. 15 from disease endemic countries (DEC) and the remaining from private sectors and/or developed countries.  The participants from DEC will be selected on a competitive basis and will receive full support from TDR and IPR/NMK which includes round-trip airfare of economy class between hometowns and the workshop venue, accommodation and training materials.  Other selected participants from private sectors and/or developed countries will have to provide their own support for travel, meals and accommodation expenses.


Selection criteria:  The selection criteria to attend the course include:

Registration Fee:  There is no registration fee in this course.

Venue:  Institute of Primate Research, National Museums of Kenya IPR-NMK, Nairobi, Kenya.

Course language: English

Application Procedure:  

Applicants MUST complete the application form available in the course website at CLOSED.  All applications MUST BE submitted ON LINE (paper application will not be accepted).  The application deadline is 14^th April 2007.  Two reference letters from supervisors or senior colleagues MUST be sent electronically to primatecourse@ssi-tdr.net by the application deadline.  The letters MUST indicate the reasons why the applicant needs this training and how the institute and the applicant would benefit from attending the training workshop.

Further Information:

Course Coordinator
Mr. Mamuun Jenneby
Institute of Primate Research,
P.O. Box 24481, Karen 00502, Nairobi. Kenya
Email: jenebymm@ipr.or.ke
Tel: 254 20 88251-4

Dr. .Michael Gicheru
Chairman of the Workshop Organizing Committee
Institute of Primate Research,
P.O. Box 24481, Karen 00502, Nairobi. Kenya
Email: mgicheru@africaonline.co.ke
Tel.: 254-20-882571-4
Fax: 254-20-882546

Important Dates :
        Course announcement: 15^th March- 14^th April, 2007
        Application Deadline: 14^th April 2007.
        Notification of Participants: 30^th April 2007 Postponed to 8^th May, 2007
        Deadline for Acceptance by Participants: 5^th May 2007. Postponed to 11^th May, 2007
        Course Dates: 18^th - 27^th June 2007.