International Internship Program

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INTERNSHIPInternational

CIHR STAGEStrategic Training for Advanced Genetic Epidemiology

Program

International Internship Program

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Possible Training LocationsTo help identify suitable placement locations, STAGE has established relations with multiple, highly reputable international organizations, including:• The World Health Organization

International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), Genetic Epidemiology and Nutrition and Metabolism Units

• Inserm (French National Institute of Health and Medical Research) UMRS 937 - Génomique Cardiovasculaire Unit

• The Brazilian Agency for Graduate and Post-Graduate Education (CAPES)

• The Consulate General of France

• The University of Western Australia Centre for Genetic

Epidemiology and Biostatistics

OverviewThe CIHR STAGE International Internship Program provides unique research opportunities for trainees to work on publishable research projects that complement their existing research in genetic epidemiology and statistical genetics. This program provides trainees with access to superlative international research environments and collaborative opportunities. International placements are intended to complement and enhance trainees’ abilities and development in a manner consistent with CIHR STAGE mission, values, and objectives.

Eligibility and RequirementsAll STAGE trainees are welcome to apply. With the endorsement of his/her STAGE mentors, each trainee may undertake one international placement (typically lasting two to eight months) at organizations affiliated with STAGE or its mentors (through existing partnerships or collaborations) or at other trainee-identified, mentor-approved sites. Although there is no deadline for submissions, applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible as funds are limited. Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Trainee Expectations• Be in good academic and/

or administrative standing with the STAGE program and, if applicable, with the University of Toronto.

• Commit to an internship position with a minimum of 37.5-hour-per-week (or local full-time equivalent) at the host organizations for the full duration of the placement.

• Ensure confidentiality of host organization information/data.

• Provide periodic updates on the status of the placement to STAGE as required.

• Prepare a summary report at the conclusion of the placement which details the research performed, its results, and any recommendations.

• Complete an exit survey within one month of the completion of the placement.

Travel SubsidiesSubsidies may be available to offset travel costs necessary for trainees to interact on site with host organizations. STAGE travel support is limited to• round-trip economy fare,• accommodation costs,• travel health insurance for

research personnel who do not receive any such benefits from their institution and/or other sources, and

• visa fees.Lowest rates must be used whenever possible for all costsSTAGE will not be responsible for expenses resulting from any costs paid for by the trainee that are outside the program’s eligible expenses, expenditures made without the approval of the Co-Directors of STAGE, or expenditures above the approved budget total.

International Internship Program

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Application MaterialsApplications must be submitted at least 45 days in advance of the proposed internship start date. Submit application materials electronically via email to esther.berzunza@utoronto.ca as a single PDF (preferred) or Word/Excel documents whenever possible. Applications must include:

1. Statement of PurposeTwo page-maximum, 1” margins, 12-point type size. The statement of purpose should explain:1. The need for funding and the international placement.2. The overall goal, specific aims, and rationale of the trainee’s project or research question.3. The educational purpose and expected learning outcome(s) of the placement experience, including

how the internship will• help meet the trainee’s future academic/career goals• fit the trainee’s past and intended future professional experiences, and• advance, complement, and extend the trainee’s cross-disciplinary training.

4. The trainee’s understanding of the host organization/lab infrastructure.5. The specifics of the proposed placement abroad, including the name(s) of the trainee’s supervisor(s),

the name of the host organization, the location, and the start and end dates of the internship.

2. BudgetItemized breakdown in CAD, including: 1. External sources of funding.2. Accommodations and transportation costs (airfare, train, bus, mileage).3. Travel and health insurance costs and required visa fees.It is the trainee’s responsibility to abide by University of Toronto (“UofT”) Policies and Guidelines for Travel and Other Reimbursable Expenses.

3. Letter of SupportLetter from the host organization documenting its approval/support of the applicant as an intern, including:1. Confirmation that the host organization possesses and will provide the infrastructure, resources,

guidance, and expertise necessary to support the trainee’s placement.2. The start and end dates of the internship plus the number of work/research hours per week.3. A brief description of the trainee’s responsibilities and the tasks he/she will be performing while

acknowledging an understanding of his/her research or learning goals.4. Information on whether the placement is unpaid or paid and, if paid, the stipend that the trainee will

receive.

4. Signed StatementI agree that if selected I will sign the documents “Consent Form and Release from Liability”, “Terms for Participation” and “Acknowledgment of Responsibilities.” I also agree that I will comply with any and all behavioral and/or travel requirements set forth by STAGE and the University of Toronto’s Safety Abroad Office,

Applicant’s signature: Date:

International Internship Program

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University of Toronto - Safety AbroadAll trainees participating in out-of-country CIHR STAGE-sponsored activities are required to abide by UofT’s• Safety Abroad Program

(http://www.utoronto.ca/safety.abroad/)

• Safety Abroad Guidelines (http://www.cie.utoronto.ca/safety-abroad/PDFs/SafetyAbroadGuide.html)

• Safety Abroad Manual (http://www.utoronto.ca/safety.abroad/program_sponsor.html)

EvaluationApplications will be reviewed and participants selected by CIHR STAGE Co-directors, Drs. Shelley B. Bull and France Gagnon. Applicants and their corresponding primary mentor will be notified by email of the decision. The names of successful participants will be subsequently announced to the public on the STAGE website.

Selection CriteriaParticipants will be selected using the following criteria:• Application’s relevance to

the mission, values, and objectives of CIHR STAGE (http://www.stage.utoronto.ca/about/mission).

• Internship’s potential for a stimulating collaborative,

interdisciplinary, or cross-disciplinary research experience.

• Trainee’s preparedness to undertake the proposed internship in a new field or one in which he/she has worked, based on past experiences, academic history, research, or faculty mentoring.

• Trainee’s understanding of matters involved in the proposed placement.

• Trainee’s enthusiasm to serve as a representative of CIHR STAGE.

ResourcesThe CIHR STAGE Program Coordinator will provide assistance in obtaining necessary forms and information, compile the application materials for submission, and check materials for accuracy and route them through the approval process.Proposed Internships will be reviewed to ensure that they provide a proper learning situation for the trainee, plus a reasonable return for the efforts and resources invested by the host organization and by STAGE.Prior to submitting any materials, it is strongly recommended that the applicant contact the STAGE Program Coordinator to discuss placement plans.

All internship placements must be approved prior to the start of the internship.

Intern Report Within two weeks of the completion of a CIHR STAGE International Internship, every trainee is required to submit an Intern Report. The Report is intended to provide a concise evaluation of the internship from the intern’s point of view. For reporting requirements, click here.

ContactEsther Berzunza, Program Coordinator CIHR STAGE (Strategic Training for Advanced Genetic Epidemiology) University of Toronto Dalla Lana School of Public Health Health Sciences Building 155 College Street, Suite 734 Toronto ON M5T 3M7 Tel. 416-946-7244 esther.berzunza@utoronto.ca