Dear Colleague,

As part of its mission to advance the science and practice of gastroenterology, the AGA Institute is committed to fostering international collaboration among the research community. As chair of AGA Institute’s International Committee, I would like to bring to your attention an important opportunity for a trainee in your society to obtain research training in the United States.

The Jon I. Isenberg International Research Scholar Award provides a total of $50,000 to a non-U.S. citizen young investigator for one year of study in the U.S.: $25,000 from the AGA Institute and $25,000 in matching funds from a U.S.-based laboratory or international GI society.

Eligible candidates must posses an MD, PhD or equivalent degree and be within five years of completing GI training, or if a PhD, within five years of receipt of the degree. Candidates must be nominated by professorial recommendation and must identify a sponsoring American institution and a research preceptor who agrees to supervise his or her training and research. Complete eligibility information and an application are available for download here. The application deadline is September 1, 2008 with funding commencing after January 1, 2009.

More information about this and other research awards can be found at www.fdhn.org, the Web site of the AGA Foundation for Digestive Health and Nutrition.

I thank you in advance for bringing information of this award to potentially eligible young investigators affiliated with your organization. Please do not hesitate to contact me at 1 203-785-4796 or via email (henry.binder@yale.edu) if you or potential applicants have any questions.

Sincerely,

Henry J. Binder, MD, AGAF
Chair, AGA Institute International Committee