WCMM Lund is taking a significant step forward in training the new generation of young international, highly qualified postdoc candidates within the field of regenerative medicine with the launch of its IGNITE Postdoc Fellow Program - Interdisciplinary Grants for Novel Innovation and Trainee Education. This initiative, financed by the Wallenberg Foundation, aims to support postdoctoral researchers in advancing innovative projects in regenerative medicine, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations across basic, translational, and clinical research.
Mentorship and Training: A Core Component
Beyond funding, the IGNITE Postdoc Fellow Program underscores the importance of mentorship and training. Each application has been requested to include a comprehensive mentorship and training plan tailored to the growth and development of the recruited postdoctoral fellow. This focus on professional growth ensures that the program not only advances cutting-edge science but also invests in building the careers of emerging scientists, equipping them with the skills and networks necessary for long-term success in academia and industry.
-The IGNITE Program is not just about funding research; it's about creating an environment where early-career researchers can thrive. We want to ensure that these postdocs are supported with strong mentorship and are given the tools they need to become leaders in their fields, says Gunilla Westergren Thorsson, Director WCMM Lund.
Application and Review Process
With a planned start date of January 2025, the IGNITE Postdoc Fellow Program will award ten project grants, each designed to recruit postdoctoral researchers into the WCMM Lund community. The program emphasizes projects that prioritize new interdisciplinary collaborations, especially with researchers outside WCMM or with co-applicants from different research groups within the centre. In addition to funding, the IGNITE Program requires applicants to include a mentorship and training plan for the recruited postdocs, focusing on their professional growth.
Applications for the IGNITE Postdoc Fellow Program was due by the end of August, 2024, with a review process commencing in September 2024. Independent external referees will evaluate the applications based on the quality of the project, added value of the collaboration, and the contribution of the project to the WCMM profile. The results from the evaluation will be communicated during the fall to allow for the funds to become available Jan 1st 2025.
The following postdoctoral recruitment process will be managed by the funded projects, with the WCMM Lund management facilitating the advertising of funded projects and coordinating interviews with shortlisted candidates. This integrated approach ensures a streamlined and efficient recruitment process, allowing successful candidates to start their projects promptly in the coming year.