TEND Transatlantic Exchange for Neuroscience Discovery Program

We are excited to offer this postgraduate exchange program in partnership with the College of Biomedical and Life Sciences (BLS) and associated Research Institutes at Cardiff University, Wales.

We are grateful for the support of the Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF). CFREF invests approximately $200 million per year to support Canada’s postsecondary institutions in their efforts to become global research leaders. Cardiff University is grateful for the support of Sêr Cymru in funding this program.

The TEND Program is an 8-week collaboration between eight trainees (PDFs or Senior PhD students)– four from BrainsCAN and four from Cardiff - and hosting labs at each institution. The program aims to increase understanding in neuroscience and brain disease – ultimately leading to improved understanding of the causes and progress of mental health conditions, the development of new therapeutic targets and treatments, and the training of future research leaders.

TEND is a great opportunity for host labs to establish significant links with another leading neuroscience institution, while both gaining and sharing methods and practices. Collaborative work and knowledge-sharing is vital to BrainsCAN’s success. It gives our researchers new approaches and accelerates discoveries.

Successful applicants will receive travel and accommodations (including a meal per diem) for the 8-week duration of their exchange. Furthermore, representatives from the host institution will help coordinate the travel and living arrangement details.

Prospective Applications:

Those interested in this opportunity are encouraged to discuss it with their current supervisor. If there is not an existing relationship with a Cardiff University research lab, a prospective applicant can contact Ryan Salewski (ryan.salewski@uwo.ca) for help with finding a placement.

To apply, a prospective applicant will need to provide the following items to brainscan@uwo.ca no later than August 2, 2022.

  • Research and Career Development Statement
    • This should provide details on the research goals of the exchange, as well as how this exchange will benefit their longer-term career development goals
    • Maximum: 1 page; single space; 12 font
  • Applicant’s CV
  • Joint Letter of support (LOS) from current and prospective supervisors
    • This letter should confirm the support by both labs for the applicant’s participation in the TEND program. Also, this LOS should describe how each lab benefits from this program.

Contact Information:

The competition is administered by BrainsCAN’s Support Team (brainscan@uwo.ca).