New Initiatives from BSPP As part of a developing strategy to utilise more fully the Society's financial resources for the benefit of the membership two new initiatives have been launched. Innovation Fund In order to flourish in a rapidly changing environment BSPP needs to encourage innovation. To this end a fund has been established in order to support innovative ideas proposed by members. Proposals must be in line with the Society's objective (the advancement of education by the study of plant pathology in the UK and elsewhere). Preference will be given to proposals that will strengthen or develop the Society's programme of activities. Proposals must have clear objectives and an end-point. Achievements must be measurable. Projects must be completed within an agreed period. A report must be prepared on the work done and how well the objectives have been achieved. Reports will be presented to Council and may be published by the Society in its newsletter or by other means. Individual grants will not normally exceed half the annual amount available in the Fund (currently £5000). Recipients will be able to apply for up to 75% of the amount awarded to be paid in advance. The remaining 25% can be applied for on submission of the draft report. Proposals will be considered twice a year by a committee whose recommendations will be considered at the May and November Council meetings. The committee comprises the President, President-elect and one ordinary member of Council. Applications to the Innovation Fund should be addressed to the President. Fellowship Scheme The Society wishes to provide funds to stimulate and facilitate studies or training to the benefit of plant pathology. Funds have been made available to support a limited number of Fellowships of up to three months duration. Fellows would normally be expected to work away from their habitual base. Fellowships are open to all full members of the Society and are intended to provide funds for travel, consumables and other necessary costs. The Fund is not intended to cover salaries, but subject to approval by the Fellowship Committee, money can be used to offset additional costs arising from the proposed project. Grants will not normally exceed one quarter of the annual amount committed to the Fellowships Fund (currently £20,000). Fellows can apply for up to 75% of the award to be paid in advance, with the remaining 25% being paid on submission of the draft report. The report must be submitted within one month of completion of the assignment, stating how well the objectives have been achieved. Reports will be presented to Council and may be published in the Society's newsletter or by any other means. Applicants should submit a detailed outline of the collaboration or project for which assistance is sought. Included in the application should be the scientific background to the work, clear aims and objectives, potential and intended benefits and the period of study. Applicants should include letters of support from their employer and host institution, including costs broken down to show travel and subsistence, consumables, overheads and any other relevant costs. A full curriculum vitae of the applicant, with an outline of research interests, should also be included. The Fellowship Committee comprises the Vice-President and three members of the Society. Proposals will be considered twice a year by the Fellowship Committee, whose recommendations will be presented to Council at the February and July meetings. Applications to the Fellowship Scheme should be made to the Vice-President. Council hopes that members will feel that these two schemes provide valuable additions to the services available from the Society. They are intended to build on the successes of the Summer Studentships. The functioning of the schemes will be kept under constant review. Council would welcome views from its members on these or indeed any other activities of the Society. Nigel Hardwick
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