Graduate program in molecular life sciences

Yesterday we saw a new program established at the University of Iceland. Scientists working on biological, biochemical and medical research have joined forces, as a grassroot organization, to found a new program aimed at recruiting and training graduate students, foster collaborations, and enrich the academic environment as a whole.

The program is outlined on the website http://www.gpmls.hi.is/ and is summarized as:

"The international Graduate Program in Molecular Life Sciences, GPMLS, is a joint effort of biomedical research groups in the different faculties and research organisations of the University of Iceland to create a dynamic interdisciplinary education program in molecular life sciences. The main objective of the Graduate Program in Molecular Life Sciences is to advance education and research in this field. The program enhances cooperation of scientists and students in the field of molecular life sciences. "

Currently the main obstacle to the success of the program is funding. Though the University of Iceland has celebrated the program, and supported its initial phase with 1 million kr, no further funds have been provided by that source. Which does not reflect well on the stated objectives of the University of Iceland to boost basic research.

Athugasemdir

[Luca Aceto, 5.9.2008 kl. 16:17]

This is really a sorry state of affairs. IMHO this would be an excellent way of spending some of the 3 billion ISK that HÍ is receiving from the government. Obviously the policy makers at HÍ disagree with me and you. Only time will tell who is right. For the moment, I wish the best of luck to the colleagues behind this initiative, some of whom are contributors to this blog. It is via initiatives like this one that Iceland will be able to attract talented researchers from all over the world.