HFSP :: New Members

Press Release

Human Frontier Science Program Organization expands membership in Asia-Oceania region

The Human Frontier Science Program Organization (HFSPO) is pleased to welcome Australia and the Republic of Korea as new contributing countries. HFSPO President, Professor Masao Ito comments "The HFSPO has always been open to applications for membership and we are very pleased that Australia and the Republic of Korea have taken the initiative to join. Both countries have a strong capacity in scientific research and education and strong government support for research in the life sciences". Professor Torsten Wiesel, Secretary General of HFSPO and Nobel Laureate adds "This step should be seen as the beginning of stronger representation of countries in the Asia-Oceania region, which are emerging as strong contenders in scientific research at an international level. The interest of Australia and the Republic of Korea in joining HFSPO provides a clear sign of the need for such global funding mechanisms to promote frontier research".

Scientists from the new member countries will be able to take part fully in the coming research grant award cycle (application deadline March 31 2005) as Principal Investigators and are encouraged to take advantage of their new status to initiate international, interdisciplinary collaborations.

The Human Frontier Science Program Organization was founded in 1989 to support international research and training at the frontier of the life sciences. Until now it has been supported by contributions from the G7 nations, Switzerland and the European Union. With its collaborative research grants and postdoctoral fellowship programs it has supported more than 4000 scientists from 64 countries over the last 15 years. The HFSPO supports research at the interface between life sciences and the physical sciences and places special emphasis on creating opportunities for young scientists.