New Training Initiatives Announced

November was an exceptionally busy month for GlycoNet’s training program – new faces, new programs, and new resources! Six trainees from across the Network travelled to Edmonton on November 11th and 12th to participate in the very first meeting of the GlycoNet Trainee Association (GTA) Executive Committee. The GTA is composed of all trainees affiliated with the Network, including students, postdoctoral fellows, technicians, and research associates. The GTA Executive Committee represents the interests of the GTA, and will be meeting regularly to discuss ways the Network can help support the next generation of Canadian glycomics scientists. If you are a GlycoNet trainee, please contact any member of the committee to share your ideas or to get involved.

Three new programs for trainees were also unveiled this month. The Research Exchange Program will provide support for trainees working on multi-investigator projects to gain new skills and experience in an academic or government lab outside of their home city. GlycoNet and Mitacs are working together to support Canadian industrial internships through the Mitacs Accelerate program. Finally, talented undergraduate students will be encouraged to pursue research in the glycomics area through the implementation of Summer Awards for Undergraduate Students.

The ubiquity of carbohydrates in the natural world allows glycomics to be an excellent gateway for high school students to explore the STEM areas. Resources created by teachers in British Columbia and Ontario are now available on the GlycoNet website, distributed freely for classroom use.

Keep an eye on the Training tab to see updates on these and other programs. Please contact Ryan Snitynsky for more information about any training initiative.