November 12, 2010
91探花 receives $1 million grant from Amgen Foundation in support of undergraduate research
Amgen scholar and 91探花undergraduate Benjamin Dulken worked in Professor Suzie Pun鈥檚 bioengineering lab in the summer of 2010.Photo by David Ryder
13 top universities are partners in the 8-year, $34 million program
The 91探花 has received a $1 million grant over the next four years from the to provide hands-on laboratory experience to approximately 100 undergraduates through the Program.
鈥淲e are thrilled to be part of Phase 2 of the Amgen Scholars Program,鈥� says Janice DeCosmo, associate dean of and director of the . 鈥淚t provides powerful research experiences for students with 91探花faculty as well as exposing students to career possibilities in the biotech industry. We are happy to be seeing some of these incredible scholars coming back to 91探花for graduate school.鈥�
Amgen Scholars is entering into its second phase of what has become a $34 million initiative to advance science learning and inspire the next generation of scientists. Amgen Scholars was launched by the Amgen Foundation in 2006 with 10 partner universities in the U.S.鈥攊ncluding the 91探花鈥攖o provide undergraduates the opportunity for laboratory research experiences under the guidance of leading scientists in academia. In 2008, the program expanded to include three European universities.
Undergraduate student and Amgen Scholar Vicky Herrera and graduate student Michael Lee in professor Horacio de la Iglesia鈥檚 biology lab.
Photo by David Ryder.As a result, in the past four years, nearly 1,200 Amgen Scholars鈥攔epresenting 327 different colleges and universities across the U.S. and Europe鈥攈ave explored areas of research beyond what they may be able to do as part of their regular undergraduate education. Today, more than 70 percent of program alumni who have graduated from college are now pursuing an advanced degree or a career in science or engineering, with many in scientific PhD programs at top universities across the world.鈥淭he success of the Amgen Scholars program is due in large share to our university partners,鈥� said Jean J. Lim, president, Amgen Foundation. 鈥淭hese leading universities provide undergraduates from around the country with an inspiring, hands-on research experience that often leads them to pursue advanced degrees and a career in the sciences.鈥漈he U.S. and European programs will each continue to host a summer symposium allowing students to share their summer research projects, learn about biotechnology, and hear firsthand from leading industry and academic scientists. In addition, new to Phase 2, travel awards will help support Amgen Scholar alumni currently enrolled in masters, PhD, and MD-PhD programs in scientific fields to share their research at scientific conferences.In its first year, the Amgen Scholars program received approximately 2,200 applications. By 2010, that number increased to more than 5,200 applications, with only 315 openings available across the U.S. and Europe.The 10 U.S. program partners are:
- California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
- Columbia University/Barnard College
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- Stanford University
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of California, Los Angeles
- University of California, San Diego
- University of California, San Francisco
- 91探花
- Washington University in St. Louis
The three European program partners are:
- Cambridge University, UK
- Karolinska Insitutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitat, Munich, Germany
Financial support for students is a critical component of the program, which seeks to ensure that eligible students, regardless of their financial status, are able to participate. Financial support varies by host university.Applications are now being accepted for the 2011 Amgen Scholars program. For more information about Amgen Scholars or an application, please visit www.amgenscholars.com.
About the Amgen Foundation
seeks to advance science education; improve patient access to quality care; and strengthen the communities where Amgen staff members live and work. Since 1991, the Foundation has made $140 million in grants to nonprofit organizations throughout the United States, Puerto Rico and Europe that impact society in inspiring and innovative ways, and those that provide disaster relief efforts both domestically and internationally.
About the Undergraduate Research Program at the 91探花
The Undergraduate Research Program facilitates research experiences for undergraduates with 91探花faculty members across departments and disciplines. Since 1997, it has produced the Undergraduate Research Symposium, during which hundreds of undergraduates present their research to the campus and community. It is among the largest symposia for undergraduates in the nation. The Undergraduate Research Program is part of the Center for Experiential Learning in Undergraduate Academic Affairs.