FELLOWSHIP PUTS STEM CELLS AT WRITERS FINGERTIPS

Over the past five years, many thousands of words have been written about the vast potential—as well as the controversy and politics—associated with human embryonic stem (ES) cells. Chances are, however, that many of the science writers chronicling the fortunes of the all-purpose cell have never set eyes on one.

Now, through a new fellowship program offered by the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the WiCell Research Institute, science writers of all stripes can gain an intimate familiarity with embryonic stem cells. The three-day fellowship includes an intensive two-day, hands-on ES cell culture methods course at the WiCell Research Institute with scientists from around the country and world learning how to use stem cells in their own laboratories. An additional day of support for customized exploration of a subset of the more than two dozen laboratories on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus completes the fellowship.

Four fellowships will be offered annually. Applications are invited from working science writers in print, broadcast, and electronic media. Successful applicants will receive travel, course, and living expenses. As the ES cell culture methods course is ongoing, successful applicants will have some flexibility in choosing a date for the fellowship experience. The recurring nature of the training sessions also means that applications can be submitted any time.

To apply, send a brief letter of application and a current resume to Sharon Dunwoody, The Graduate School, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 500 Lincoln Drive, Madison, WI 53706, or by e-mail to dunwoody@wisc.edu.

#