Office of International Programs

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. The IIP interns may also have the opportunity to participate in a symposium on Structure Systems Biology in Bratislava, Slovakia, and/or the opportunity to visit biomedical institutes of the Academy of Sciences in Prague. Each IIP intern will be assigned to one of the following two projects:

• 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 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. Click here to see a 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." In your personal statement, you should explain why you are specifically interested in fields you have indicated as well as what your qualifications for the placements are. 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. This internship is offered in partnership with the Program in Global Health and Health Policy and can be used by GHP juniors for completion of the GHP Summer Research Requirement (please check the appropriate box on your application).

Bioversity International
Locations: Turrialba, Costa Rica; 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, 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: watershed and coastal water and pollution management, coastal ecology, waste management, chemicals management, indoor air quality assessments and environmental impact assessments. Specific responsibilities may include literature reviews, website design and database development, surveys, field sampling, engineering design, laboratory analyses, 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 is offered in partnership with the Program in Global Health and Health Policy and can be used by GHP juniors 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.

Center for Structural Biochemistry, University of Montpellier
Location: Montpelier, France
The general objective of the Center for Structural Biochemistry (CBS) is to carry out research at the forefront of structural biology and biophysics as a means to reveal the fundamental physical mechanisms underlying biological activity and its regulation and, where possible, to exploit this knowledge in the conception of new therapeutic strategies in human health and disease. The selected IIP intern will be involved in one of the various research themes developed in the lab. One placement has been created for an International Internship Program (IIP) 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.

Give and Surf
Location: Bocas del Toro, Panama
Give & Surf is a non-profit organization based in Bocas del Toro, Panama whose mission is to empower the indigenous people of Bahia Honda through education and community development. They operate a Monso Chi Escuelita (a preschool of 20 3-5 year olds), adult ESL classes, summer camp, after school program, sustainable chicken egg project, baseball team, and many community development and construction projects. IIP interns with Give & Surf will work on any of the following projects:

• Music and Arts Program: In 2013 Give & Surf will be introducing a music and arts program to Bahia Honda for grades 3-6. They will need a trained musician to teach music and develop a music curriculum for Bahia Honda’s elementary aged students. This project will consist of instructing music classes and individual instrument lessons. IIP candidates with a background in music are encouraged to apply.
• Community Garden: As part of the Bahia Honda community development program Give & Surf wants to create a shared community garden and needs someone to oversee and supervise its development. IIP candidates with a background in agriculture, gardening, or sustainable farming are encouraged to apply.
• Comprehensive After-school Tutoring Program: The existing afer-school program is looking to add a tutoring program to its current curriculum. Give & Surf needs someone to implement a new academic based tutoring program with the help of other volunteers. The focus will be on math, science, and English. IIP candidates with a background in education and tutoring are encouraged to apply.
• Children’s English Classes: Give & Surf needs someone with teaching experience to initiate a new English program for the Bahia Honda Elementary School. Give & Surf currently offers adult English classes and hopes to expand  to the younger generation. IIP candidates with a background in education are encouraged to apply.
• Recycling Program: With the help of other volunteers Give & Surf needs an intern to take over their recycling program and continue the recycling education. IIP candidates with a background in sustainable practices, environmental studies, and education are encouraged to apply.
• Surf Outreach Program: Give & Surf needs an experienced surfer to initiate a new surf outreach program for the children of Bahia Honda.

International Water Management Institute (IWMI)
Locations: Hyderabad and New Delhi, India; Pretoria, South Africa; Accra, Ghana; Kathmandu, Nepal; Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
IWMI is an international scientific non-profit organization that undertakes world class research to help improve water management in developing countries. IWMI’s major outputs are the results of the scientific research. How this science is communicated is critical to overcome the looming global water crisis. IWMI must continually be evaluating the effectiveness of its science communications. The interns will be place in pairs. Each intern pair will conduct research that will include: defining the main products/activities, target audiences and aims of the different products/activities; setting up the methodology, based on face-to-face interviews, for assessing these; undertaking this analysis (travel in the allocated country may be required), analyzing the results, and participating in a workshop, presenting these results and making recommendations for future marketing and communications. IIP candidates with interests in communications, science, agriculture, environmental studies, or development are encouraged to apply. Experience conducting surveys, interviews, and data analysis would be an asset. Two placements have been created for International Internship Program (IIP) interns. See the listings in Placements by Region for descriptions of the specific projects available. View a Powerpoint presentation (.pdf) by a past intern.

Joint US-China Collaboration on Clean Energy (JUCCCE)
Location: Shanghai, China
JUCCCE is a non-profit organization accelerating the greening of China by catalyzing systemic change in key drivers of energy use by focusing on sustainable urbanization, sustainable industry, and sustainable consumption by convening cross-sector, cross-border influencers to push tipping points. During its first four years, JUCCCE completed a series of mayors’ training courses with the National Academy for Mayors of China, training over 200 mayors and vice mayors from across China, representing over 450 million Chinese citizens. JUCCCE is best known for catalyzing Smart Grid in China to reduce energy use and emissions nationwide. Three placements have been created for International Internship Program (IIP) interns. This year IIP interns will work on the China Dream project.  This project seeks to reimagine prosperity and reshape consumerism in China. The goal is to catalyze a new aspirational lifestyle that is innately sustainable for the emergent middle class in China. For the consuming class in China that is growing from 300 million today to 800 million in 2025, the "China Dream" (和悦梦想: 新生活规范行动) provides an alternative to the unsustainable American Dream, and celebrates personal health and respectful relationships rather than conspicuous consumption. It is about "living more, not just having more." The emphasis is not on “sustainability” but rather “harmony” as defined by “balance,” “flow,” and “respect”--all traditional Chinese values. IIP candidates with research and communication skills are encouraged to apply. IIP interns will contribute to one of the following two initiatives of the project:

1. Soft Power Creative: The soft power side of the China Dream is key to shaping consumer behavior--using Western marketing techniques together with traditional Chinese values to influence social norms. The intern will be working with partners such as Ogilvy and Saatchi & Saatchi as well as other stakeholders to help curate and finalize the visuals and branding of the China Dream within the categories of “Our City," “Health and Wellbeing," and “Culture and Style.”  Experience in marketing, design and Adobe PhotoShop would be an asset
    
2. Research Analyst: The IIP intern will work on research within a specific consumer industry sector to determine best practices for sustainable production and consumption that can be used in China. Research goals would be:

• To analyze Chinese consumer demographics and trends for the products/services
• To examine the competitive landscape of the industry in China
• To understand the communication channels for the target consumers
• To create a set of bespoke corporate policy recommendations

Karolinska Institute, Division of Molecular Structural Biology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
The IIP intern will participate in an ongoing project in the lab, working alongside a graduate student or researchers. It is highly likely that the project will be working towards structural studies of proteins from the Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of the human cell, but the exact target will be decided later. This group uses a wide range of techniques including cloning, recombinant protein expression and purification, crystallization and X-ray structure determination. The lab will try to ensure that the IIP intern experiences as much of this process as possible, but it is almost certain that the project will include purification of protein from recombinant E. coli cells and screening for crystallization conditions, as well as other techniques. This IIP placement is ideal for IIP candidates with a background in biological sciences and an interest in biophysics or in the structure and function of proteins. Experience in the basic lab techniques of biochemistry/molecular biology, such as the use of pipettes, electrophoresis, preparation of buffers etc., would be an asset. One placement has been created for an International Internship Program (IIP) intern.

Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization
Location: Goettingen, Germany
The Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization is a research institute for investigations of complex non-equilibrium systems, particularly in physics and biology. Its founding history goes back to Ludwig Prandtl who in 1911 requested a Kaiser Wilhelm Institute to be founded for the investigation of aerodynamics and hydrodynamics. As a first step, the Aeronautische Versuchsanstalt (now the DLR) was established in 1915 and then finally the Kaiser Wilhelm Institute for Flow Research was established in 1924. In 1948 it became part of the Max Planck Society. In 2003 it was renamed to Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-organisation. It is one of 80 institutes in the Max Planck Society (Max Planck Gesellschaft). The institute has four departments conducting research in the following areas: nonlinear dynamics, fluid dynamics, pattern formation, biocomplexity, and dynamics of complex fluids. IIP interns will work on tasks related to the experimental and theoretical projects of the Institute. IIP candidates with interests in physics, biology, math, and natural sciences are encouraged to apply. Four placements have been established for International Internship Program (IIP) interns.

Middle East Scientific Institute for Security (MESIS)
Location: Amman, Jordan
MESIS is a joint initiative between the Royal Scientific Society and the U.S. Department of Energy and Sandia National Laboratories. 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. MESIS works on exciting and cutting edge issues that lie at the nexus of science and security issues.  Examples include the development of a regional response plan for pandemic outbreaks/biohazard, outbreaks/radiological accidents, the localization of best practices on nuclear security and the testing of infrasound technologies to be used for the comprehensive nuclear test ban treaty verification regime.  This IIP internship is flexible in the sense that the IIP interns can be involved in a number of issues. Two previous IIP interns helped implement major international conferences at MESIS.  This included working on the logistics-side of the event (budgeting, logistics, protocol, outreach, and customer relations) and the content-side of the event (working to develop language of a code of conduct for a specific scientific discipline in the Middle East, helping to shape the U.S. Federation of Scientists' engagement in the region and interfacing with high level diplomats from Jordan, the U.S. and elsewhere). 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.

The Nature Conservancy
Location: Beijing, China
The Nature Conservancy is one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, working in over 35 countries to protect the lands and waters upon which life depends. For over 14 years, the Nature Conservancy has been working in China with communities, governments, academia, and the private sector in designing conservation strategies that benefit nature and people. They provide training, scientific expertise,and leadership on a broad range of strategies throughout the country. This IIP placement is with the Conservation Beyond Borders initiative that works to implement strategies that strengthen the environmental performance of Chinese investments in key geographies (Latin America and Africa) and in key sectors (infrastructure and natural resources). IIP interns will participate in the creation of research reports and assist in various aspects of conservation project management, including meeting with internal and external partners (established organizations, start-ups, and entrepreneurs), policy analysis, developing work plans, and evaluating project outcomes. IIP candidates with interests in environmental studies, economics, political science, East Asian studies, ecology, and international relations are encouraged to apply. Skills in research, multitasking, meeting deadlines, and data analysis would be an asset. Mandarin proficiency is recommended and Spanish or Portuguese would also be an asset. Two placements have been created for International Internship Program (IIP) interns.

Newcastle University, Institute of Neuroscience
Location: Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England
The Institute of Neuroscience at the University of Newcastle works in the novel field of connectomics and authored the first review in this area (Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 2004). Interns will be involved in pilot studies or ongoing studies in the field of Neuroinformatics. The Institute is interested in using computational tools to understand mechanisms leading to brain diseases, diagnose brain diseases, and predict what intervention would be most beneficial for an individual patient. Topics include the analysis of neuroimaging or electrophysiology data, developing tools for network analysis, and simulating brain activity and development. Interns will be involved in ongoing research and might become co-authorson journal manuscripts. Even though programming and statistics skills are highly beneficial for such projects, a keen interest in understanding how the brain works as a network is the key component of a successful intern. Projects are available in the following areas for IIP interns: (1) Simulation of dynamics and development of large-scale human neural networks involving high-performance computing, cloud computing, and grid computing; (2) Analysis of structural and functional brain connectivity in human subjects; in particular of patients with developmental disorders leading to schizophrenia and (childhood-onset) epilepsy; and (3) Development of novel tools for neuroimaging and connectome analysis. Visit http://www.biological-networks.org/ to learn more about the School of Computing Science’s research. Three placements have been created for the International Internship Program.  This internship is offered in partnership with the Program in Global Health and Health Policy and can be used by GHP juniors 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 host laboratory has developed several novel approaches to investigate the intimate interactions between the host and invading pathogens in single cells in space and in real time developing novel microscopic techniques. We will employ our innovative, single-cell based, microscopic approaches to elucidate the apparent contradictory effects of multiple secreted effector proteins processes. French is not required but would be an asset. One placement has been been created for an International Internship Program (IIP) intern.

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.

Royal Scientific Society
Location: Amman, Jordan
The Royal Scientific Society is a one of a kind organization in the Arab region. It was established in the early 1970s with a view to build on Jordan’s human resources. Today the RSS has over 25 specialized laboratories in the areas of water, environment, energy, and all major engineering sciences. On the whole it has the largest number of internationally accredited laboratories in the Arab world. It is a relatively large organization with around 600 employees across the Kingdom. IIP interns with the Royal Scientific Society will be working as research assistants in the laboratories. During this experience, the IIP interns will be exposed to high levels of engagement with the senior management of the organization. Specific responsibilities may include participating in laboratory activities in the areas of testing and conformity, supporting and participating in research activities, and participating in environmental monitoring activities. IIP candidates with interests in energy, water, environment, nanomaterial, and/or biotechnology are encouraged to apply. Three placements have been created for International Internship Program (IIP) interns.

Seeds to Sew
Location: Enoosaen and Nyeri, Kenya
Seeds to Sew is a non-profit organization with the mission of improving the lives of women and girls in disadvantaged communities through education and job skills training. Their goal is for the women and girls in their program to use these job skills to make money and support themselves and their communities. Three placements have been created for International Internship Program (IIP) interns. IIP interns will work on one of the following two projects:

• Impact Analysis on the Individual and Communities of Skills Training and Income Development Programs: IIP candidates with interests in International Health and Human Services, Psychology, Anthropology, Sociology, Advocacy, and Human Rights issues are needed for summer internship to conduct surveys, assessments, and home visits to continue a longitudinal study on the impact of programs on Seeds to Sew participants, their family members, and their broader community. Basic knowledge of statistics, testing methodologies and analysis would be helpful, willingness to document results not only on paper, but also via photographs and video is a must. This IIP Intern will also help improve Seeds to Sew program operations.
• Socio-economic and Environmental Impact of Foreign Corporate Agriculture on Under-educated, Subsistence Farming Villages in Rural Kenya: This placement is for IIP candidates who are interested nresearch and reporting on both the societal, economic and/or environmental impacts resulting from a foreign-owned sugar-cane factory that began operation in a subsistence farming village in 2011. Taking advantage of an uneducated, impoverished community, the factory leased the land from the villagers at low rates. Given the slow turn-over of sugar cane as a crop, there is limited land to graze cows and grow other vegetables which are important to sustaining families and their livestock. Hence, women are having increasing difficulty in feeding their cows and feeding their families (as there are lower milk & crop yields). IIP candidates with backgrounds in water and soil science, environmental testing methodologies, public environmental policy, global economics, etc are encouraged to apply. The selected IIP candidate must be interested in writing up results for either press or research publication.

Semmelweis University Medical School
Location: Budapest, Hungary
Founded in 1769 as the Medical Faculty of what was then the University of Nagyszombat, Semmelweis University is the oldest medical school in Hungary. The Faculty became an independent medical school after World War II and has developed into a university that teaches medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, health sciences, health management, as well as physical education and sport sciences.  This University is widely recognized as one of Europe’s leading centers of medicine and health sciences, combining innovation and a time-tested tradition in three main areas: education, research, and health care. It is also one of the largest health care institutions in Hungary, covering approximately six percent of the nation’s health care needs.  IIP internships with Semmelweis University Medical School provide access to different laboratories at the university to learn about ongoing research, help in the experiments and carry out mini-projects, such as data collection and/or analysis, literature search, help in drafting scientific papers. IIP interns will be matched with professors and researchers (mentors), based on their interest and availability of mentors. It is anticipated that the IIP interns can spend time in at least four different labs, if this is their preference, or they spend more time at one place. Research areas available for this IIP internship include, but not limited to biology, biophysics, chemistry, biochemistry, physiology, pathophysiology, anatomy, nanomedicine. IIP candidates with interests in biology and/or basic medical sciences are encouraged to apply.  After successful completion of the program, students will be awarded a dedicated certificate of achievement. Three 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 by GHP juniors for completion of the GHP Summer Research Requirement (please check the appropriate box on your application).

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.

University of Edinburgh, School of Chemistry
Location: Edinburgh, Scotland
The School of Chemistry (SoC) is part of EaStCHEM, the joint Chemistry Research School of Edinburgh and St. Andrews. EaStCHEM scored highest in the U.K. in the most recent Research Assessment Exercise (meaning that its research is ranked highest in the country). Within the SoC, there is research being carried out in a wide variety of areas. Their primary research area is in measuring and understanding redox potential in cells. Intern responsibilities may include designing or synthesizing a new reporter that can be used to study redox processes in cells or using systems biology and computational approaches to interpret and model redox processes in cells. This is an extremely interdisciplinary area where a keen interest in biology/medicine is required as well as an understanding of chemistry. In previous years IIP interns have been responsible for developing biological assays using fluorescence or working on solar power.  IIP candidates with interests in chemistry, biology, or electrochemistry are encouraged to apply and should be comfortable working in an organic chemistry lab.  Two placements have been created for an International Internship Program (IIP) interns.

University of Oxford, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine
Location: Oxford, England
The MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine (WIMM) at the University of Oxford is one of the world’s premier institutes where basic research in cell and molecular biology is applied to the improvement of human health. Located next to the John Radcliffe Hospital, clinician/scientists and basic researchers work hand in hand with clinicians in the hospital to tackle both rare and common diseases. The WIMM incorporates programs on blood diseases and stem cell disorders (leukemia, lymphoma, and thalassaemia); immunological disorders (HIV AIDS, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, and eczema); cancer (bowel and breast); infectious disease (malaria); and a wide range of genetic diseases, including abnormalities of facial development and disorders of the neuromuscular junction. IIP interns will join in the basic and medical research being undertaken at the WIMM providing an introduction to the new revolution in molecular medicine. Three placements have been created for the International Internship Program.  This internship is offered in partnership with the Program in Global Health and Health Policy and can be used by GHP juniors for completion of the GHP Summer Research Requirement (please check the appropriate box on your application).

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 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. There are more than 1,300 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 MPAs.  2013 is the 50th anniversary of WWF's work in Madagascar and the IIP intern's work this summer will have a specific focus on this milestone. IIP intern responsibilities may include translation, writing stories and web content, research for communication materials, video documentary development and editing, and social networking. IIP candidates should have interests in biology and journalism. Proficiency in French would be an asset, as would skills in writing, video-editing, and content management systems. One placement has been established for an International Internship Program (IIP) intern.