UNU-BIOLAC accepts course proposals twice a year (generally between April and September) for courses to be held in any country in the Latin America and the Caribbean region. Courses must aim to promote the use of biotechnology tools to resolve regional development problems, while fostering collaboration networks among participants.

Please note that for an application to be considered it MUST be oriented towards UNU-BIOLAC priority areas. Any application that does not meet this requirement will need to be accompanied by a justification. Special considerations will be made for subjects that are relevant to the region.

To apply for a course you must apply to be to be part of our Academic Membership Program :

• complete the Course Proposal Form (Guideline for the Preparation of Training Proposals)
• prepare the course coordinators’ and collaborators’ resumes and invited speakers and, lectures CVs
• Cover letter
• Academic Resumé
• Institutional vendor form a. Vendor Form ICA

Send all documentation by email to: applications.biolac@unu.edu 

Email Subject: Academic Membership Application (Year of the Application): “Name of the applicant””

Email Text:

1. Name of the applicant and proposed academic activity
2. Priority research area
3. Intended dates for the academic activity

Please note that for an application to be considered it MUST be oriented towards our priority areas. Any application that does not meet this requirement ​needs an explanation and special considerations will be made upon subjects that are relevant to the region.

Also note that all documents MUST be in English

UNU-BIOLAC priority areas:

UNU-BIOLAC is seeking to empower young scientists to use Big Data as a knowledge-enabling strategy that traverses across the following priority areas:

•  Emerging and neglected human, animal and plant diseases.
• Metagenomics as a tool for environmental microbiology.
• Sustainable bioenergy
• Innovative biotechnological processes

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• Where can short courses be organised and held?
  Courses funded by UNU-BIOLAC can only be carried out at institutes, universities, and academic research organisations in the Latin American and Caribbean region.
• When is the course application period?
  UNU-BIOLAC generally announces open calls for course applications from April to September each year.
• What is the maximum amount of funding provided for an academic activity sponsored by UNU-BIOLAC?
  The maximum amount of funding provided for an academic activity sponsored by UNU-BIOLAC is USD 15,000.
• If I have already submitted a proposal for an academic activity and it has been approved, can I submit a new proposal for another activity?
  Yes. You can apply in the next application period if your new proposal is for an activity that is different from your previous proposal.
• Who manages scholarships for international students/participants?
  The host institution and coordinator manage scholarships for international students/participants.
• Should the proposed budget for activities include line items for airline tickets, lodging, etc. for international participants?
  Yes. The budget must have a line item for all airline tickets, lodging, and course fees for international participants.
• Is it possible to bring collaborators from other regions?
  Yes. Participation of collaborators from abroad is highly encouraged.
• Can courses and activities be taught/held in English?
  It is highly encouraged, but not mandatory, that courses and activities be taught/held in English.
• Can courses and activities be related to other research fields besides those framed in UNU-BIOLAC priority areas?
  Yes. But you must argue the motives for other research fields and regional needs must be considered in the reflected area on the application form.
• What is a vendor form?
  This is a UNU administrative form to provide the host institution's banking information. You must fill out all of the document’s sections, and make sure that the document is officially signed and stamped by the host institution´s finance department.