We are calling colleagues from Instruct-ERIC Centres and Instruct-ERIC Research Sites to submit proposals for courses and other training events that promote knowledge in structural biology. Instruct-ERIC will award financial support for successful applications.  

Who can apply: Events can be organised either by Instruct-ERIC Centres or Instruct-ERIC research sites. Courses may also be co-organised by other facilities as long as they are in collaboration with an Instruct-ERIC Centre or Research Site. The rationale and detail of any collaborative component of the course should be made explicit in the application. Courses co-organised with industrial partners are encouraged.  

Requirements: The courses can be organised either face-to-face or remotely and scheduled to take place in 2025. The venue for face-to-face courses can be located at different locations than the hosting organisation, provided that the location is relevant for Instruct-ERIC, and is organised, and led by Instruct.
The quality of training is the main criteria, and the Instruct-ERIC Training Committee will exercise their discretion to uphold this above all other considerations.   Courses could be either theoretical or include practical training. For courses organised remotely special care should be given on how the practical aspect can be managed. 
Applications showcasing integrative approaches to structural biology are encouraged.  

Financial support: Courses may be funded by Instruct-ERIC with up to €12000. Budget should not foresee any honorarium for speakers and be duly justified. Budgets with a strong focus on scientific aspects and participant support are favoured.

How to apply: Please submit your proposal online which includes the details reported in the guidelines. For help, please contact us directly at support@instruct-eric.org 

Deadline for proposal submission is 31 October 2024.   

Call Submission Guidelines

Guidelines for Instruct-ERIC Training Courses (Including Remote Training) 
Instruct-ERIC training courses for consideration of the Training Committee and supported by central Instruct funding should:

1. Include the word Instruct-ERIC in the title. 
2. Submitted by an Instruct Centres or Instruct Research sites.
3. Promote either an integrated approach of structural biology techniques or in-depth training of specific techniques. An emphasis should be given on cutting edge techniques that are not covered in the standard undergraduate curriculum. 
4. Courses could be either theoretical or include practical training.  
5. Requested support should be at maximum €12.000. Budget should not foresee any honorarium for speakers and be duly justified. Budgets with a strong focus on scientific aspects and participant support are favoured.  
6. Predefined set of teaching objectives leading to defined outcomes: Course content should be tailored to the academic level of applicants with realistic expected outcomes (e.g. independent implementation of software at applicant’s home lab; basic understanding of new technologies applicable to specific experimental scenarios; independent planning for an integrated approach). The objectives of the course should be clearly described in the call for applications.
7. Excellent infrastructure, expertise and leadership to support the course content. These parameters will be evaluated by the Instruct Training Committee in their evaluation of the proposal: the Committee expects these standards to be delivered. 
8. Defined admission criteria: Courses should be advertised openly on the Instruct-ERIC website and on other websites to attract a broad uptake. Where admission is limited, these limits should be made clear on or before application. Evaluation of applicants should respect the principles of offering equal opportunities with regard to gender, disability or ethnicity. 
9. Provision of updated reference material: Where appropriate, updated information following the course should be made available to course participants, either via the Instruct-ERIC website or other electronic means.  
10. Assessment of outcome and standard of training offered: A system to collect feedback from attendees should be in place and a report to the Training Committee should summarise this information and any suggestions for improvement. 
11. All courses supported with Instruct funds will have a page or a link on the Instruct website. Courses should have a webpage with the following relevant information (this can be on the Instruct website – contact support@instruct-eric.org, and/or on your institutional website. If the latter, a link for the Instruct website must be provided): 

• details of registration 
• fees (if appropriate) including bursary or other fee waiver opportunities 
• venue (including map) 
• travel and accommodation arrangements (especially local travel information; trains, buses, taxis with indication of approximate costs) 
• program 
• social events (group dinner) 
• acknowledgement of Instruct funding, including the logo (go to https://instruct-eric.org/content/welcome-to-instructs-press-office 

Proposal submission 
Proposals are submitted online via Instruct-ERIC website and requires to be registered to ARIA 
Make sure that the proposal includes also the following details:  

• Title of the course (it should include the word Instruct)  
• Venue and host Instruct Centre or Research Site  
• Aims of the course and expected impact for young researchers  
• Opportunity for participants to work (at least partly) with their own samples  
• Proposed dates (or interval during which the course may be held)  
• Lead contact  
• Outline course content (indicate lecture/practical content as applicable)  
• Number of participants anticipated  
• List of confirmed course tutors  
• Detailed budget (venue, catering, accommodation costs for participants and speakers)