Princeton University

Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic (ASCR): Institute of Nanobiology and Structural Biology, Department of Structure and Function of Proteins
Location: Nové Hrady, Czech Republic
The Laboratory of Structural Biology was founded in 2002 as a joint laboratory of the Institute of Systems Biology and Ecology of the Academy of Sciences and the Institute of Physical Biology of the University of South Bohemia named Laboratory of High Performance Computing.The laboratory today combines methods ranging from computational and spectroscopic to molecular biological and biochemical--and, in collaboration with the Kuta Smatanova, lab protein crystallization. With its focus on molecular systems biology, the relationship between structure and function of proteins, dynamic changes related to functional processes on the level of proteins, and the mutual interaction of co-factors and subunits in protein complexes, the laboratory is an integral part of the new research concept of the Institute. IIP interns will be introduced to the computational methods for building and investigation of biological systems and will be able to analyze dynamical changes in systems and learn how to interpret generated data. IIP interns will use special software for modeling biological systems and carrying out molecular dynamics simulations, partly using massive parallel calculations on a beowulf-computer cluster. The underlying experimental basis of all structural information comes from protein crystallography done in house. After getting intense training during the first weeks, IIP interns will each be responsible for a sub-project that leads to a clear outcome/prediction that can be experimentally verified. Possible sub-projects include a computational project and an experimental project.

• Computational Project: Modeling interactions in and between biomolecules and complex biologically relevant systems. The intern will mainly work with computational tools on data, that are produced by experimentalists in house. The IIP intern will get insight into how experimental data, such as X-ray structures, are generated and will collaborate directly with the scientists working in that area.
• Experimental Project: The experimental basis for modeling interactions in and between biomolecules and complex biologically relevant systems for the restriction modification system EcoR124I. The IIP intern will not repeat something somebody has done already, but would use a unique mutant that should alter the functionality of either the DNA translocation or the endonuclease activity. The project would involve: 1) Polymerase chain reaction using primers that would introduce the mutation, amplification of the DNA; 2) Growing of e.coli cells used later for over-expression; 3) Over-expression of protein in e.coli cells; 4) French pressing the cells to disrupt them; 5) isolation of protein from the crude extract using gel filtration and affinity and ion exchange chromatography; 6) Malachite green assay to monitor ATPase activity of your protein; 7) in vitro assay of DNA cleavage; 8) Limited proteoplysis. In nearly all steps SDS-phage electrophoresis is used to monitor either the successful amplification, the over-expression, the protein purity or the fragments after cleavage. In parallel the theoretical work would include: 1) Generation of a homology model of point mutation, 2) Docking of ATP into the system, 3) Molecular dynamics simulation of the system in simple-point water, and 4) calculation of the ATP binding energy.

Applicants should have academic interest in life sciences; an understanding of biologically relevant systems and how they can be understood by computational modeling; a good background in physics and mathematics; and a good relation to computers as a scientific tool. General UNIX knowledge is welcome, but no programming is required. Two placements have been created for International Internship Program (IIP) interns.

Archipelagos: Institute of Marine Conservation
Location: Islands of Ikaria and Samos, Greece
Archipelagos is a Greek non-profit, non-governmental organization committed to the conservation of the marine and terrestrial environments of the Greek seas and islands. Archipelagos has research bases on the islands of Ikaria and Samos in Greece and is also active in various other parts of the Aegean Sea. Conservation strategies and campaigns are based on research carried out by Archipelagos’ staff and volunteer researchers and students. Their scientific research includes projects related to the studies of the marine environment such as ecology of coastal ecosystems and productive marine habitats, fisheries, marine mammal populations, and assessments of pollution sources, as well as of the terrestrial environment such as assessing biodiversity of flora and fauna and impact factors.  Five placements have been created for International Internship Program (IIP) interns. Placements are in various fields, and students will be working on specific projects, which will be determined through pre-placement discussions (during the spring) with Archipelagos' staff and students.

• List of Archipelagos placement fields.

To apply: List Archipelagos as either your first or second choice on your IIP Placement application and then list your top two preferences for placement fields in the space on the IIP Placement application for "additional comments/information." You should explain why you are specifically interested in fields you have indicated as well as what your qualifications for the placements are in your personal statement. You may either write two personal statements or thoroughly address both field preferences in a single statement (which can be longer than one page).

A*STAR Institute of Medical Biology (IMB)
Location: Singapore, Singapore
IMB is an institute in the biomedical sciences cluster of Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). It started operating in 2007 with a coalescence of research programs from the Centre for Molecular Medicine and the laboratories of the Singapore Stem Cell Consortium. It has already been joined by groups from top institutions in Singapore and the U.S. and from the biotechnology industry. The overarching goal of the lab in which IIP interns would be placed is to develop efficient protocols that convert pluripotential HESCs into functional beta cells. If produced in bulk and in a clinically-compliant fashion, these cells could provide an inexhaustible supply of material for the treatment of type 1 diabetes.  The lab focuses on three general questions: (1) how to produce bona fide DE from HESC; (2) how to assign pancreatic fate to this progenitor population; and lastly (3) how to specifically direct the progressive specification of early pancreatic cells toward the mature beta cell fate. Manpower is apportioned equally among these aims, and successful IIP interns will be paired with a senior member of the lab to pursue one of these fast-moving projects. Applicants should have competency in basic molecular biology and a keen interest in biomedical research. One placement has been created for an International Internship Program (IIP) intern.

Bioversity International
Locations: Montpelier, France; New Delhi, India; Rome, Italy; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Bioversity International undertakes, encourages, and supports research and other activities on the use and conservation of agricultural biodiversity, especially genetic resources, to create more productive, resilient, and sustainable harvests. Its aim is to promote the greater well-being of people, particularly poor people in developing countries, by helping them to achieve food security, improve their health and nutrition, boost their incomes, and conserve the natural resources on which they depend. The organization is active in more than 100 countries worldwide, with more than 300 staff working from some 20 country offices. It is one of the 15 centers of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). Bioversity staff includes specialists in agriculture, forestry, information science and technology, socioeconomics, law and policy, finance, and administration. IIP interns will be assigned to research projects and will learn to work as part of a project team and will gain a broad understanding of issues in international agricultural research for development. IIP internship projects may include a combination of literature searching, research, compilation and analysis of information, database work, and writing reports, papers, and public awareness material. See listings in Placements by Region for specific descriptions of internships at the various locations.

Caribbean Environmental Health Institute (CEHI) 
Location: Castries, St. Lucia
CEHI is an inter-governmental agency of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is responsible for environmental management, with a specific focus on environmental health. Its mandate includes the provision of technical and advisory services to the 16 member states of CARICOM. IIP interns will work on projects related to one or more of the following areas: cleaner production and consumption, waste management, environmental impact assessments, environmental audits, sustainable development and natural resources management, and environmental health. Specific responsibilities may include website and database development, technical research, field sampling, laboratory analysis, assisting with technical presentations and workshop logistics, and writing reports. The main language in Saint Lucia is English although many St. Lucians also speak French and Spanish. Strong writing skills, website design skills, and experience in conducting surveys and laboratory analyses would be an asset. Two placements have been created for International Internship Program (IIP) interns. This internship can be used for completion of the GHP Summer Research Requirement (please check the appropriate box on your application).  View a Powerpoint presentation (.pdf) by a past intern.

École Polytechnique (Research in Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Mechanics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science, Economics)
Location: Palaiseau, France (near Paris)
École Polytechnique is a state-run institution of higher education and research, renowned for its Ingénieur Polytechnicien (polytechnic engineer) program. Established during the French Revolution in 1794, Polytechnique became a military school under Napoleon in 1804. It relinquished this status to become a public educational establishment in 1970, though it is still overseen by the Ministry of Defense. It is a founding member of the ParisTech grouping of leading Paris-area engineering schools, established in 2007. Students can apply for a research internship in any research group within one of the 22 laboratories at École Polytechnique (you may also want to peruse the internship subjects within the research groups). Two placements have been created for International Internship Program (IIP) interns. French is not required. Do not fill out the application on the École Polytechnique website. If you are applying for this placement, put École Polytechnique on the IIP Placement application as your first or second choice and then indicate your top three choices of research groups in the "additional information or comments" section of the IIP Placement application. In your personal statement, be sure to clearly indicate why you are interested in these research groups and why you are qualified to work on such projects.

Energy for Opportunity
Locations: Freetown and Makeni, Sierra Leone
Energy for Opportunity (EFO) is a not-for-profit organization working to improve livelihoods in West Africa through the provision and installation of clean, sustainable, photovoltaic, electricity-generating infrastructure. Their strategy is to develop innovative ways to promote the use of renewable energy across the region with an emphasis on both solar installations and solar training projects. EFO’s work addresses the need that comes with a large proportion of the world’s population lacking access to modern forms of electricity, a problem that is particularly acute in West Africa, home to some of the least developed regions in the world. IIP interns will be based in EFO's offices in Freetown and Makeni and will work on a wide variety of areas relevant to EFO's work, including socio-economic research, project monitoring and evaluation, community training, report and proposal composition, and solar power installations. IIP interns must be comfortable living in a rural African setting with basic amenities and must have previous research experience and strong writing skills. This placement is ideal for IIP candidates with interest in anthropology, engineering, development studies, or the social sciences. Prior travel experience in Africa is a must. Note: Placements for this internship are for a minimum of 10 weeks long. Two placements were created for International Internship Program (IIP) interns. View a Powerpoint presentation (.pdf) by a past intern.

Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations
Location: Rome, Italy
Based in Rome, Italy, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Serving both developed and developing countries, FAO acts as a neutral forum where all nations meet as equals to negotiate agreements and debate policy. FAO is also a source of knowledge and information. They help developing countries and countries in transition modernize and improve agriculture, forestry, and fisheries practices and ensure good nutrition for all. In previous years, IIP interns have interned in the Fisheries and Aquaculture section and the Economic and Social section where they have worked on projects related to post-harvest practices and trade, price domain statistics, and topics related to structural adjustment and management of fishing capacity. Placements for summer 2012 include the Statistics Division. IIP candidates with a background or interests in economics and statistics, policy, natural resource management, and sustainable development are encouraged to apply. Working knowledge of French or Spanish would be an asset as would prior experience with agricultural, environmental, or related statistics. Four placements have been created for International Internship Program (IIP) interns.

Foundation Cristosal
Location: San Salvador, El Salvador
Foundation Cristosal is a not-for-profit organization implementing a human rights approach to development assistance. This approach recognizes the poor as subjects of rights rather than beneficiaries of good will and defines the goal of poverty reduction in terms of a global obligation rather than a charitable cause. Foundation Cristosal's strategy is to combine efforts to build citizenry, defend rights, and advocate for justice with projects of brick and mortar. The goal is to work with communities to build capacities that will enable them to organize, exercise their rights as citizens, and speak out as actors in their own processes of development. IIP placements are available in small business training and development, water system management, and website and graphic design.

• Small Business Training and Development: This IIP intern will support Cristosal’s Community Development Program in developing education material and trainings in small business management and planning. He/she will work with families and small cooperatives to develop, plan, and improve their business model and profitability. The IIP Intern will also participate in their disaster recovery program to develop micro-loan management skills. Responsibilities may include planning and execution of entrepreneurship workshops; market studies of local and international markets for goods produced in and/or by the communities; and elaboration of business plans for small businesses and/or cooperatives.

• Water System Management: This IIP intern will work with Cristosal staff and coordinate with other governmental and non- government organizations in the planning of a small scale irrigation system using ram-pump technology, as well as capacity building for system installation and maintenance. Specific responsibilities may include planning and execution of water system management and sustainability workshops, studies of local water capacities and pump systems as well as regional water resource management and conservation and the elaboration of irrigation system plans for a rural community and small cooperatives.

• Website and Graphic Design: This IIP intern will be a key element in facilitating Cristosal’s communications development process. The IIP intern will contribute graphic design capabilities and help update and maintain content on the Cristosal website. He/she will work with Cristosal staff to improve the website’s overall design and functionality to better meet the communication and information needs of the organization and its supporters. Possible responsibilities include conducting an aesthetic and functional analysis/critique of Cristosal’s website, consulting both Cristosal’s Executive Associate and Business Consultant on communication system possibilities for the website and related materials, management of Cristosal’s website and print and audio/visual materials, and the presentation of website design, development, and maintenance tutorials to Cristosal staff.

Four placements have been established for International Internship Program (IIP) interns. One more posting will be added to the website soon, for the final IIP placement.

INSERM ( l'Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale)
Location: Paris, France
Created in 1964, INSERM is national research institute under the dual auspices of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Higher Education and Research. This placement is in the hospital of Kremlin-Bicetre, one of the oldest hospitals in Paris and 15-20 minutes from the heart of Paris by a direct subway line. The laboratory specializes in the field of hemostasis and thrombosis and the research focuses on hemorrhagic disorders such as hemophilia. INSERM is the only French public research body entirely dedicated to human health. Its researchers are committed to studying all diseases, whether common or rare, through their research in the fields of biology, medicine and public health. The IIP intern will first be placed under the supervision of a post-doctorate researcher who will teach him/her the techniques used in the laboratory. The IIP intern will then be entrusted with a small independent project. Examples include testing of new anti-thrombotic molecules in some in vivo murine models, setting up new assays to measure protein or activity levels of coagulation factors, and setting up a new purification techniques. The intern will be responsible for performing bibliographic search on the project that will be entrusted to him/her. He/she will also perform the experimental work with help of a senior lab member if necessary. Finally, he/she will analyze the data and draw conclusions about the subsequent experiments. This last part will be done with the intern supervisor. French language skills would be an asset but are not required. IIP candidates should have a academic background/interest in cell or molecular biology, biochemistry, and/or medical studies. One placement has been been created for an International Internship Program (IIP) intern. This internship can be used for completion of the GHP Summer Research Requirement (please check the appropriate box on your application).

Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC)
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
The IOC, established in 1960 by a UNESCO resolution, develops, promotes, and facilitates international oceanographic research programs and provides international leadership in the development of educational and training programs and technical assistance essential for marine research. Headquartered in Paris, IOC has established its regional offices in Asia-Pacific and Caribbean regions. The regional offices are devoted to the promotion, coordination, and development of regionally rooted activities on marine scientific research, observations, and capacity building. This placement will involve marine scientific research on coral reefs, remote sensing, numerical modeling on linking oceanography-coastal area management, and climate change at the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources of Thailand, Chulalongkorn University, Kasetsart University, and others. IIP interns will become familiar with the purpose, goals, and work procedures of the IOC/WESTPAC by participating in program activities, learning how projects are implemented, and assisting in the organization of  regional workshops, meetings, and conference activities. One placement has been created for an International Internship Program (IIP) intern.

International Water Association (IWA)
Location: The Hague, Netherlands
IWA is one of the largest global networks of water professionals operating internationally, spanning research and practice disciplines and covering all facets of the water cycle. IWA collaborates with a range of organizations, including, amongst others: The World Bank, the World Health Organization, and the main UN agencies (UNHABITAT, UNESCO, UNICEF), dealing with water and sanitation on projects of common interest. The selected IIP intern will work primarily in the development of the regional programs for IWA, doing a mix of strategy, research, and marketing, Additionally, he/she will assist the development director on specific projects. This placement is for eight weeks at IWA's headquarters in The Hague, Netherlands. Additional placements in other countries are currently under negotiation and may include Singapore and Peru. French or Spanish competence is an advantage (though not essential). IIP candidates will work on a range of projects related to disaster recovery, water quality monitoring, climate change, sustainable sanitation, or young water professionals. Two placements have been created for International Internship Program (IIP) interns. Click here to view an IWA brochure (.pdf).

International Water Management Institute (IWMI)
Locations: Hyderabad, India ; Pretoria, South Africa; Tashkent, Uzbekistan
IWMI is an international scientific nonprofit organization. They undertake scientific research to help improve water management in developing countries. The key purpose of this is to improve the lives of the people in developing countries and reduce poverty, while still protecting the environment. The major outputs of the organization are the results of the scientific research. How these research results are communicated and the activities undertaken to promote the results and encourage action are critical to the work being able to have positive impact. In order to meet their mission, IWMI must continually be evaluating the effectiveness of its science communications. IIP interns play a key role in this process. Each IIP intern will conduct research in the country where he/she is placed. As part of a team, the IIP intern will contribute towards defining the main products/activities, target audiences, and aims of the different products/activities; designing the survey which will be based on face to face interviews; selecting the survey sample and planning the interview schedule; undertaking the survey; collating the data, analyzing the results, developing recommendations; presenting these and making recommendations for future marketing and communications. The IIP intern must be able to work well with people of different cultures, possess some evaluation experience (conducting surveys, facilitating focus groups, interviewing, data analysis, making presentations, etc.), and be a clear, concise report writer. See the listings in Placements by Region for descriptions of the specific projects available. View a Powerpoint presentation (.pdf) by a past intern.

Middle East Scientific Institute for Security (MESIS)
Location: Amman, Jordan
An NGO based in Amman, Jordan, MESIS is a joint initiative between the Royal Scientific Society and the U.S. Department of Energy. MESIS deals with a variety of issues on the regional level relating to energy, environment, and borders. MESIS’ main role is to develop and implement regional training and engagement programs for experts and officials with a view to enhance the role of scientific and technological solutions to the region’s challenges, specifically those that are cross-border by nature. The internship is flexible in the sense that the IIP intern can be involved in a number of issues. For instance, while planning and implementing a major international conference at MESIS, the IIP intern can be involved in budgeting, logistics, protocol, outreach, and customer relations and/or the content-side of the event (such as incorporating water modeling technologies into regional track II discussions on water, developing a regional response plan for a pandemic outbreaks/biohazard outbreaks/nuclear accidents, and testing infrasound technologies to be used for the comprehensive nuclear test ban treaty verification regime). The MESIS organization is small (about seven permanent staff members) but has a wide network of supporters and deals with high level officials. The team is quite ambitious and driven. All staff members are fluent in English. However, there is still opportunity for IIP interns to improve their Arabic language skills. This placement is ideal for IIP candidates with interests in international affairs, public policy, development, Middle East studies, hard sciences, management, marketing, science, and technology. Engineering and computer skills would be an asset, but are not required. Two placements have been created for International Internship Program (IIP) interns.

National Institute of Oceanography and Experimental Geophysics
Location: Trieste, Italy
The National Institute of Oceanography and Experimental Geophysics is a public-sector scientific institution that promotes, coordinates, and carries out research at the international level in the fields of physical, chemical and biological oceanography, marine geophysics, applied and exploration geophysics, and seismology. Humankind influences its environment to a significant extent and is in turn increasingly dependent on its changes. Climate change, increasing vulnerability to natural hazards, and other critical developments have been observed for decades, and important resources, such as drinking water, fertile soils, and energy sources threaten to become scarce. Consideration of all kinds of primary energy and the broad-based exploration of innovative technologies for the efficient and effective conversion, storage and use of energy forms is absolutely essential in this respect. This is why NIOGS is engaged in foresighted, preventive research for the future. This IIP internship provides a great opportunity for IIP candidates with interests in physics, engineering, oceanography, seismology, geophysics for environmental applications, marine biology, and earth sciences. The particular project can be tailored to the student’s particular background/interest in the aforementioned areas. Basic math and physics, as well as a background in environmental sciences, are assets. Two placements have been created for International Internship Program (IIP) interns.View a Powerpoint presentation (.pdf) by a past intern.

Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)
Location: Mexico City, Mexico
PAHO is an international public health agency that works to improve health and living standards of the people of the Americas. It enjoys international recognition as part of the United Nations system, serving as the Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization and as the health organization of the Inter-American System. Improvement of drinking water supplies, adequate sanitation, and increased access to health care for the poor are top priorities. Its program efforts focus on correcting inequality, taking into account decentralization and change of state functions; showing that health has a role to play in the success of other sectors; and showing how attention to health affects other aspects of human development. Good knowledge of Spanish is highly recommended. This IIP internship is ideal for IIP candidates interested in environmental science, infectious disease, border health issues, medical anthropology/ sociology, public health, or medicine.Two placements have been created for International Internship Program (IIP) interns. This internship is offered in partnership with the Program in Global Health and Health Policy and can be used for completion of the GHP Summer Research Requirement (please check the appropriate box on your application).

Pasteur Institute, Department of Cell Biology and Infection
Location: Paris, France
Since its creation in 1887, the Institut Pasteur has become famous throughout the world as a symbol of science and French culture. For 120 years, its foundation has contributed to the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases through research, teaching, and public health initiatives. The Institute enjoys an independent status and has numerous other assets, with its research laboratories, technological platforms, teaching center, and medical center all located on one campus in the heart of Paris. The IIP intern will participate full-time in an ongoing research project in molecular genetics. The laboratory in which the intern will be placed is interested in deciphering the molecular and cellular mechanisms of bacterial invasion of host cells. Therefore, the laboratory connects the fields of cell biology, microbial pathogenesis, and immunology by developing novel, fluorescent microscopic approaches. Its aim is to establish approaches that correlate the pathogen behavior and the host responses in single experiments with cellular and subcellular resolution. Developing approaches in cell culture for single cells, the ultimate goal is to adjust them for studies of individual cells in the context within a living organ or within a living organism. French is not required but would be an asset. One placement has been been created for an International Internship Program (IIP) intern.

PROVITA
Location: Margarita Island, Venezuela
Provita has worked with threatened species and habitats for over 20 years. Margarita’s yellow-shouldered parrot and its habitat provided the initial inspiration and is an enduring successful core for work on the island. During the last five years, Provita has also developed a new research activity on Margarita Island, aimed at the ecological restoration of mangrove and dry forest. Therefore, they are now actively involved in recovering degraded areas and creating new breeding habitat for blue-headed conures and yellow-shouldered parrots in close collaboration with the National Parks Institute (mangrove forests), the Fundo San Francisco-Arenera La Chica (dry forest), and the public schools of Macanao. Interns may work on one of two projects:

• Long-term sustainability of threatened species conservation: participatory biodiversity monitoring of yellow-shouldered parrots in Venezuela: This project aims to actively involve the local communities in the conservation of their natural resources, through the creation of a participatory biodiversity monitoring plan for the Chacaracual Community Conservation Area (CCCA). Members of the local communities will join Provita and Venezuelan scientists on the selection of the biodiversity components to be assessed and will be trained to perform biodiversity monitoring and surveillance, particularly for the yellow-shouldered parrot, which is the region’s conservation symbol. Members of the communities will be organized and hired as EcoGuardians of CCCA, which includes feeding, nesting and roosting areas for the yellow-shouldered parrot. A participatory monitoring plan and the work of the EcoGuardians will be the source of baseline biodiversity data and will allow the future evaluation of the area.
• Nest monitoring, surveillance, partial captive breeding, and artificial nests: As long as poaching is kept below 60%, extinction risk  for the yellow-shouldered parrot has been estimated to remain relatively low. During the months of February and March, Provita’s permanent staff on the island begin patrolling nesting areas in La Chica and Laguna de La Restinga. Once eggs are laid, they establish contact with the biomonitors, in order to have the team in place within a week after eclosion begins. By 1 May, the biomonitors begin working, and remain guarding the nests for the following six months, day and night. The logistical set-up for the yellow-shouldered parrot is fully in place. Partial captive will be implemented if the natural breeding is believed to be at risk for survival of fledglings. This method consists in collecting all the fledglings of a nest in a wooden box after the sun has set, transporting them to a secure facility, and returning them to the nest at sunrise. This facilitates their protection at the time of highest poaching risk, but does not have the costs and complications associated to conventional captive breeding and reintroduction

Candidates must be willing to spend long periods in the field, under hot weather conditions, rustic field accommodation, and presence of biting insects (mosquitoes, chiggers, flies). Experience bird watching or using binoculars, GPS units, and other field equipment would be useful. Candidates must be able to communicate in Spanish (need not be fluent, but should be capable of reading and understanding written Spanish, as much of the historical documentation of the project is in that language). Two placements have been created for International Internship Program (IIP) interns.

Research School of Earth Sciences (RSES), The Australian National University (ANU)
Location: Canberra, Australia
ANU Geosciences has been rated as the top university program in Australia and in the top ten of its class in the world. RSES is a leader in research into the physics, chemistry, material properties, and environmental conditions of the Earth. The research of the School is directed towards understanding the nature of the Earth and its environment, and is organized through four main research areas, Earth Chemistry, Earth Environment, Earth Materials & Processes & Earth Physics. Many research themes link members of the areas, building on strong discipline strengths to provide a powerful interdisciplinary approach as indicated on the website's research pages. One of the major projects of the research center is compiling a database of zircons sampled from the world’s major rivers with the ultimate aim of understanding the style of continental growth through time. To do this, they must sample the river, use a single collector ICP-MS to date the grain by the U-Pb method, analyze the oxygen isotope composition of the grains (using SHRIMP), and then obtain its Lu-Hf isotope composition at the time of crystallization. The oxygen is used as a guide to calculations that model composition, and it is the model age that is used to decide when those atoms now in the zircon left the mantle and took up residence in the crust. Two models exist: constant growth of continental crust with time, or episodic, which is it? The IIP interns for this project will learn how to run all of these instruments, with supervision, and will be responsible for their own river, including the interpretation of the data. It is possible that Australian river or dune sand could be used for this exercise and thus some minor field work would be involved. All field work expenses would be covered. The laboratory time for one river would be approximately three work days spread out over a month. Data reduction and interpretation will take approximately a work week. Academic background or interests: intern must be lab-oriented and organized. Note taking and organizational skills are required. Technical skills in geochronology and isotope geochemistry would be an asset. Two placements have been created for International Internship Program (IIP) interns. Additional information on the specific placements can be found below:

• Ocean Modeling in Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory, Department of Earth Physics : The IIP intern will work in ocean modeling in a leading geophysical fluid dynamics laboratory, which specializes in geophysical processes, ranging from convection (and plate tectonics) in the solid mantle of the earth, through volcanic processes, to oceanographic processes and climate dynamics. The IIP intern will work with researchers on any of several current projects, which include the energetics of turbulent mixing in flows between ocean basins and dense bottom overflows from marginal seas, the dynamics of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current under the driving forces of wind stress and buoyancy fluxes, and the dynamics of the global deep overturning circulation. Involvement in either laboratory experiments or advanced computational modeling is possible. IIP applicants should have a well-developed capability in mathematics or physics and an aptitude for practical laboratory work.
• Seismology or Mathematical Geophysics, Department of Earth Physics: One placement is available in either seismology or mathematical geophysics. Depending on the interests and experience of the IIP intern, studies can be either observationally or more theoretically oriented. The former is likely to involve use of an existing large database of seismological observations for delineating subsurface structure of the Australian Continent and surrounding regions, or deeper mantle. The latter can be either in some aspect of theoretical seismology or the study of methods of solution of geophysical inverse problems. There is also a large emphasis on novel mathematical and computational technique development within the group applied to seismic imaging and methods of seismic wave propagation. Applicants should have a well-developed capability in mathematics or physics and an aptitude for computational work.
• Space Geodesy, Research School of Earth Sciences, Department of Earth Physics: One placement is available in space geodesy and the response of the Earth to climate change and surface loading. The research of the Geodynamics Group is focused on using space-based observations to study changes on Earth. With strong backgrounds in geodesy, these researchers are studying a wide range of topics, including crustal deformation (tectonic drift, earthquakes), glacial isostatic adjustment as well as climate-related topics such as sea level rise and melting of polar ice sheets. Space-geodetic missions such as satellite altimeters (Jason-2, Envisat, IceSAT), space gravity (GRACE) and positioning systems (e.g. GPS) provide the observations for these studies. The research involves generating numerical models and processing the data such that estimates of these geophysical signals can be made. We know that Antarctica and Greenland are melting because of the satellite altimetry and GRACE missions; we know the global pattern of sea level rise only because of the satellite altimetry missions. The IIP intern will work as part of a team to study some aspect of changes on Earth using space-geodetic observations. There are many possible projects from which to choose: improving the modelling of satellite orbits, estimating changes in groundwater aquifers, quantifying crustal strain across continents and/or known active fault zones, deriving estimates of regional sea level rise, measuring actual melting rates of polar regions. Strengths in maths/physics are essential for this internship. Possible projects include developing software to model satellite orbits, processing actual satellite observations to derive estimates of geophysical processes on Earth, developing and assessing different types of models for certain processes. The work is computationally intensive and the intern could be involved in writing software, processing data, deriving estimates, interpreting and evaluating the results. Previous IIP interns have worked on projects that have subsequently been submitted for publication with the intern as a co-author.

Stiftung Solarenergie Philippines
Location: Manila, Philippines
Stiftung Solarenergie (StS) Philippines is a social enterprise organization that strives to combat rural poverty by providing all off-grid villages with access to innovative technology solutions powered by solar energy. One in four Filipinos lack access to electricity. The vast majority of these 25 million individuals live in isolated coastal and mountainous regions across the country. StS Philippines is engaged in illuminating off-grid households via solar home lighting systems, installing community-level solar applications such as computer labs and water pumps, empowering beneficiaries through education and capacity building, and mobilizing citizen-sector support for efforts to eradicate energy poverty. StS catalyzes change by leveraging both market-based as well as philanthropic resources, working in tandem with social businesses and community-based organizations to ensure sustainable impact at the grassroots level. IIP interns will assume significant responsibilities and gain the opportunity to support ongoing community development work at the grassroots level. The responsibilities of the IIP intern will include working on projects related to designing, piloting, and evaluating household and community level solar energy solutions, such as the design of solar homes (lighting, radios, phone charging, TV, fan, refrigerator), solar community learning centers (computers and educational content), and solar lamp rental facilities. Also, IIP interns can contribute to the communication and publicity of advocacy campaigns that aim to mobilize resources and raise awareness on rural electrification issues. This placement is ideal for IIP candidates interested in economic and community development, the environment, technology and social enterprises. Online media, graphic design, and video editing skills would be an asset but are not required. Two placements have been created for International Internship Program (IIP) interns.

Sweet Potato Breeding, International Potato Center (known by its Spanish acronym CIP)
Location: Kumasi, Ghana
This International Internship Program (IIP) intern would do work related to the International Potato Center's Sweetpotato Action for Security and Health in Africa (SASHA) project, under the supervision of CIP's regional sweet potato breeder based at the Crops Research Institute in Ghana. Headquartered in Peru, the International Potato Center seeks to reduce poverty and achieve food security on a sustained basis in developing countries through scientific research and related activities on potato, sweet potato, other root and tuber crops, and on the improved management of natural resources in the Andes and other mountain areas. Because of its versatility and adaptability, sweet potato ranks as the world’s seventh most important food crop—after wheat, rice, maize, potato, barley, and cassava. Asia is the world’s largest sweet potato-producing region, with 125 million tons of annual production. In contrast, although African farmers produce only about 7 million tons of sweet potato annually, most of the crop is cultivated for human consumption. African yields are quite low—about a third of Asian yields—indicating huge potential for future growth. One placement was created for an International Internship Program (IIP) intern.

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Division of Ecological and Earth Sciences
Location: Paris, France
One placement is available for an International Internship Program (IIP) intern in UNESCO's Paris office in the Division of Ecological and Earth Sciences, which hosts the Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB), including a network of learning sites for sustainable development throughout the world and the International Geoscience Programme (IGCP), which supports earth science research for society. The work in the division covers a range of natural science issues for society such as geologic resources, biodiversity, conservation, carbon sequestration, education and human adaptation and mitigation to global change. The division is developing a new initiative looking at the future relationship between Biosphere Reserves in UNESCO’s World Network and extractive industries. The two month project of the IIP intern will focus on research to develop a series of detailed case studies on existing scenarios looking at the challenges and successes in certain sites and translating these experiences into an understanding of multi-use planning across landscapes. A component of this work will also consider the material needs for sustainable development and the implications of sustainability in mining for neighboring ecosystems and human communities. IIP candidates should have an academic background/interest in environmental sciences, ecology, and or geology; some GIS/mapping skills and experience in developing countries and doing field work. preferred. The IIP intern will work in Paris but be in contact with experts around the world. Basic French language skills are required; an advanced level of French would be an asset. One placement has been been created for an International Internship Program (IIP) intern. Applicants must be juniors. Note: If you are interested in this internship, please contact the IIP for information about additional application procedures. Do not fill out UNESCO's online application before contacting Princeton's International Internship Program.

University of South Bohemia, Institute of Physical Biology
Location: South Bohemia, Czech Republic
This project is part of the Biological Engineering Group in the Institute of Physical Biology. IIP interns may choose from a few existing projects. In addition, projects that align with the IIP candidates’ own interests may be arranged. Possible projects include: 1) Cell monolayer cultivation, cell time-lapse microscopy, simple data evaluation all with relation to cancer research, implantology, intestinal tract diseases, etc. 2) Software testing, participation in image analysis or chromatography data analysis software development, building of data storage systems; 3) Mathematical modeling of biological processes, fluid flow description in bioreactors by CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) codes, laboratory Couette-Taylor bioreactor testing, design of experiments in order to identify model parameters, proposal of new experimental protocols for essential biotechnology processes; 4) For a real science gourmand, a science history theme. For that, knowledge of 19th century German and schwabach alphabet is necessary. In the second half of the internship, the Institute organizes international summer schools. More than 50 students from all around the world will be working on similar projects. At the end of the summer school, the IIP interns will participate in a project presentation. IIP candidates should have academic background in experimental or theoretical physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, informatics, mechanical, or electrical engineering. Basic chemical or biological laboratory skills, teamwork skills and computer knowledge are recommended. Two placements have been created for International Internship Program (IIP) interns.

World Health Organization (WHO)
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
WHO is the United Nations specialized agency for health, based in Geneva, Switzerland. Its objective, as set out in its Constitution, is the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health, defined as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being. It supports its 193 Member States in their work with Non-Governmental and with Civil Society Organizations on global, regional and national health issues. Requirements include strong research, writing, and analytical skills; a keen interest in and an understanding of policy issues especially in the area of public health; the ability to work well in a multicultural team; proficiency in at least one of the official languages of the Organization (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish). Good computer skills (Word/Excel) are essential. Applicants are strongly encouraged to familiarize themselves with the work of the Organization before applying. Applicants must be juniors. One placement has been created for an International Internship Program (IIP) intern. Note: If you are interested in this internship, please contact the IIP for information about additional application procedures. Do not fill out the WHO online application before contacting the IIP. This internship is offered in partnership with the Program in Global Health and Health Policy and can be used for completion of the GHP Summer Research Requirement (please check the appropriate box on your application).

World Wildlife Fund Madagascar & Western Indian Ocean Program
Location: Antananarivo, Madagascar
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is a non-profit organization that has become one of the largest environmental organizations in the world. Currently there are more than 1300 WWF conservation projects underway around the world, the vast majority of which focus on local issues. WWF teams up with local non-profit agencies and other global NGOs and forms relationships with village elders, local councils, and regional government offices.The major project of the Madagascar office is the Western Indian Ocean Marine Protected Areas Network Project, a program of the Indian Ocean Commission and implemented by WWF Madagascar and West Indian Program Office. The project’s overall goal is to contribute to the maintenance of the biodiversity and marine and coastal resources of the Western Indian Ocean Marine Eco-region through a coherent regional network of effectively managed Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). To reach this goal, the project has four main components: the development of a regional strategy for biodiversity and marine resources management through an eco-regional approach; the support of existing and newly created marine protected areas (MPA); the development of a Regional Forum of MPA managers; and an awareness and communication program related to the importance of MPA.  IIP intern responsibilities will include writing stories, photojournalism, and social networking. IIP candidates should have interests in biology and journalism. Good speaking and reading ability in French would be an asset. Two placements have been established for International Internship Program (IIP) interns.