[NB: the deadline is 15 January 2000.]

HANDLING AND MANAGING BIOLOGICAL MATERIALS
******************************************
A Workshop Sponsored by
Malaria Research and Reference Reagent Resource Center
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases,
National Institutes of Health, USA

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
March 2-4, 2000

Introduction.  The Malaria Research and Reference Reagent Resource Center
(MR4) is a program supported by the National Institute of Allergy and
Infectious Diseases (NIAID), U.S.A., and managed by the American Type
Culture Collection (ATCC), U.S.A.  The objective of the MR4 program is to
improve the world-wide access of parasite, vector, and human host
reagents, and to facilitate the standardization of assays using well
characterized, renewable reagents.  The MR4 program will also facilitate
technology transfer by supporting workshop and training activities.

Workshop Content.  Quality biological material is a prerequisite for
quality research, and can only be achieved through a careful preparation,
accurate data recording, and adequate preservation and management
facilities. Preparing quality materials for coordinated research projects
involving multiple users at multiple sites requires not only an efficient,
secure, and accurate management framework, but also a series of
standardized operating procedures.  Another aspect of material collection,
handling and management is the welfare of researchers and research
subjects.  This 3-day workshop, designed for African scientists whose work
involve collecting, handling, managing, and transferring laboratory
reagents and clinical specimens, will provide both discussion and hands-on
experience on following aspects:

1. Principles and practices of safe handling of biological materials;
2. Legal aspects of collection and reagent preparation-ownership of
   materials;
3. Ethical consideration of  collection, storage and use of clinical
   specimens;
4. Storage management-labeling, storage, and data management;
5. Material transfer and exchange-legal issues, regulations, shipping and
   handling.

Workshop Faculty.  Faculty will include scientists and repository
specialists from ATCC and African research institutes, in collaboration
with the National Malaria Control Program (CNLP), Burkina Faso.

Financial Support.  The workshop is sponsored by the MR4 Program of the
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in cooperation with
the MIM/TDR Taskforce.  It will be carried out in conjunction with the
MM/TDR Taskforce meeting at Ouagadougou from March 6--12, 2000.  MIM/TDR
investigators who wish to attend the workshop will receive funds to cover
accommodations during the workshop.  Additional travel and lodging support
is available on a need basis to applicants who are not attending the
MIM/TDR Taskforce meeting.

Eligibility.  African researchers and health workers whose work involves
collecting, handling, managing, and transferring laboratory reagents and
clinical specimens are encouraged to apply.  The workshop is intended for
those new to malaria research; or for those gearing up for new,
collaborative, and coordinated research projects.

Candidate Review and Selection.  The workshop is limited to 30
participants.  All eligible applicants will be considered.  Because this
workshop has been coordinated through the MIM/TDR Taskforce, priority will
be given to MIM/TDR project participants.  Recommendation from the
principal investigators of the MIM/TDR project is highly valuable.  The
applicants will be informed of their acceptance no later than February 1,
2000.

How To Apply.  Print the application form and FAX your completed form to
Dr. Yimin Wu at 1-703-365-2790 or email your completed form to:
<[log in to unmask]>

Dr. Yimin Wu
The MR4 Program, American Type Culture Collection
10801 University Boulevard
Manassas, VA 20110
USA

        The application deadline is January 15, 2000.

----------------------------------------------------------------
Application form
----------------------------------------------------------------
 HANDLING AND MANAGING BIOLOGICAL MATERIALS
A Workshop Sponsored by
The Malaria Research and Reference Reagent Resource Center
APPLICATION
Closing date:  January 15, 2000
Please print and FAX your completed application form to Yimin Wu at
703-365-2790 or send by mail to: Dr. Yimin Wu, The MR4 Program, American
Type Culture Collection,  10801 University Boulevard,  Manassas, VA 20110,
USA .

First Name:                     Last Name:                      Initial:
Title:

Institution:


Address:


City:                                    State:
Zip:

Country:                                        E-Mail:


Phone:                                           FAX:


Please attach a summary of your Curriculum Vitae (no more than 2 pages)

Current Research Projects              Your Responsibility      Principal
Investigator    Funding Agency





Are you attending the MIM/TDR Investigators meeting at Ouagadougou ?  Yes
No

You are male             female          Smoker   Non-Smoker


Special dietary requests: Vegetarian            Non-Dairy
Others

Signature of Applicant                                          Date


Recommendation / Justification
(To be filled by the principal investigator of above listed research
projects)











Name of PI                      Signature if PI                 Date

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
end