Sandpit 2: Novel approaches to addressing genetic and environmental factors associated with diabetes and obesity

FRENZ is pleased to announce the launch of the second of three ‘Sandpit’ calls. Our Sandpit methodology aims to bring together diverse groups of researchers from both Europe and New Zealand for intensive, 4-day workshops to explore novel research solutions to real life problems. In each case, we seek to engage researchers from a broad range of disciplines, to work outside their normal comfort zone, and approach problem solving in a deliberately creative way to identify project ideas that have the potential to answer multi-faceted research questions.

In our second Sandpit, offered in conjunction with the Health Research Council of New Zealand , we aim to bring together researchers from across the social, economic, natural, medical and physical sciences, as well as others who feel they might have an interesting perspective in approaching the issue of “Novel approaches to addressing genetic and environmental factors associated with diabetes and obesity”.

If you think that you have the enthusiasm, skills or knowledge that could contribute toward new research activities in this field, we want to hear from you!

Check out our Call Text, and complete the Expression of Interest (Application) form. The closing date for applications is 9 May 2011 (5pm in the applicant's country).

The Call Text
The Expression of Interest (Application) form
Standard CV template
 

There are two ways to submit your application:

Download the form, complete it offline, and upload the document using our web interface
Download the form, complete it offline, and e-mail it to sandpits@frenz.org.nz
 

Some key facts about this Sandpit:

• The novel approaches to addressing genetic and environmental factors associated with diabetes and obesity Sandpit is offered by FRENZ, in conjunction with the Health Research Council of New Zealand (HRC).
   
• The Sandpit will be held in Rotorua, New Zealand, from 5 to 8 July 2011 (arrival by 4pm on 4 July).
   
• The aim of the Sandpit is to develop paradigm-shifting, innovative ways to address the growing public health challenge presented by diabetes and obesity.
   
• HRC seeks to offer mobility funding to New Zealand based researchers to continue to develop research collaborations post-Sandpit. Proposals may be submitted to HRC’s annual funding round and the European Commission’s Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7) Cooperation Work Programme (Health).
   
• A representative of the European Commission’s DG Research and Innovation (Health) will be invited to attend the Sandpit, with a view toward developing formal mechanisms (e.g., twinning, IRSES) to strengthen EU-New Zealand collaborative research partnerships in this area in the future.
   
• This Sandpit will involve up to sixteen from Europe and New Zealand, with the research proposal outcomes being fed into the relevant policy making processes, and a view toward establishing closer EU-New Zealand collaborative research relationships in the future.