FELLOWSHIPS GRANT

(Application for the Research Grant is now opened till 31 March 2022)

The Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology (APLAR) invites applications from science and medical graduates from APLAR member societies for its APLAR Fellowship grant. Up to three (3) fellowship grants are available for the year 2022.

The grant is to assist graduates to undertake an intensive or advanced study in clinical aspects or research methodology of either adult or paediatric rheumatology in a rheumatic disease unit outside his own country, preferably at an APLAR Center of Excellence, or others, for a minimum period of six (6) months.

The APLAR Executive Committee will consider the option of extending the Fellowship duration to twelve (12) months if there is a clinical need. Ideally, the candidate would be able to do a research project during his training, particularly for those who apply for the 12 months grant. The successful candidate must have a long-term commitment to continue research or clinical work in his/her own country at the conclusion of the Fellowship. The grant is to cover accommodation and subsistence costs.

All successful fellows are required to submit a full report to the APLAR Executive Committee upon the completion of the Fellowship, together with a report from their supervisor. Additionally, for those who apply for the 12 months grant, they are required to submit data from the work carried out (if any) during the Fellowship for presentation at a subsequent APLAR Congress of Rheumatology, and for publication as a full scientific article in an international peer-reviewed journal, preferably the International Journal of the Rheumatic Diseases. An acknowledgment of the APLAR grant must be included in the manuscript.

Applications for the APLAR Fellowship for a period up to 12 months must be stated up front when the candidate is applying for the Fellowship. The APLAR Executive Committee will not consider extensions of the APLAR Fellowship once the initial application has been approved.

Only completed applications with the correct supporting documents will be accepted. The decision of the APLAR Executive Committee on the award of these Fellowships is final.

The offer is valid only for:

• Medical or science graduate of less than 45 years of age.
• Nationals of countries who are members of APLAR (clear of arrears for membership dues).

The following documents need to be enclosed with the application:

• Photocopy of birth certificate.
• Recommendation of the Head of Department where the applicant works at present.
• Recommendation of the Chairman or President of the national rheumatology society.
• A curriculum vitae including a recent 2 x 2 inch photograph.
• A general outline of the clinical and/or research work the applicant wishes to undertake (see below).
• A reference of good standing from the Dean of the candidate’s medical school / university.

Outline of the proposal for applying APLAR Fellowship grants.
Please study the template below for proposal development and submission along with the application form.

The amount of grant will be as follows:

• USD 2,000/month for Asia Pacific countries.
• USD 2,200/month for United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Japan.
• In addition, one (1) round trip economy class air-fare from the applicant’s home country to the host country will be reimbursed.

Disbursement of Funds

The grant will be disbursed every three (3) months. The first disbursement, for the first 3 months, will be transferred directly into the fellow’s account after his/her arrival and after a bank account has been opened in the host country. There will be a deduction of USD 1,000 in the last disbursement, which will only be transferred to the fellow’s bank account in their home country after their report and supervisor’s report have been received by the APLAR Executive Committee. For those on a 12 month Fellowship, a manuscript of the research done must be included before the final USD 1,000 is disbursed.

Applications for the extended APLAR Fellowship, for a period up to 12 months, must be stated up front when the candidate is applying for the Fellowship. The APLAR Executive Committee will not consider extensions of the APLAR Fellowship once the initial application has been approved.

Application Period

Application for grant is open from 15 January 2022 to 31 March 2022.

To download the application form, click here!

FPH-SSR-APLAR Fellowship Grant is also available to all Member National Organisations to apply. This grant is applicable for candidates who wish to apply for fellowship programme in Singapore. More information can be found at the Singapore Society of Rheumatology website.

FELLOWSHIP GRANT RECIPIENTS