The EpiGenChlamydia Training Challenge

Chlamydia infections are the world leading cause of blindness (trachoma) and sexually transmitted infections that may lead to infertility.
The European Framework Programme 6 (FP6) funded "EpiGenChlamydia Consortium" studies the contribution of molecular epidemiology and host-pathogen genomics to understand Chlamydia trachomatis disease, and aims to structure trans-national research to such degree that comparative genomics and genetic epidemiology on large numbers of unrelated individuals can be performed.

The EGC consortium is proud to present the EpiGenChlamydia training Challenge, to be held October 26th - 30th, in Oxford, United Kingdom.
The training challenge will challenge both the scientific and collaborative abilities of young PhD students and Master students. The winners will be awarded a one week internship at one of the EGC participating institutes (expenses covered by the EGC). To be fulfilled before December 18th, 2009.

How to participate:
Send a short research proposal (Max. 250 words) on how you would integrate a multidisciplinary approach in your own research including a genetic/genomic topic, and why you should participate in this training challenge.
Include your Curriculum Vitae, and contact details (not part of the 250 words) in the application. The eight best applications will be selected to participate in the training challenge.
Submission for participation is closed

Update:
Eight excellent students were invited to participate in the training challenge. They gathered from the UK, Belgium, France, and the Netherlands in Oxford (UK).
After an intense week of training by the tutors, Dr. Ioannis Ragoussis & Dr. Servaas Morré, both groups presented their integrated apporaches to the expert jury. Group 1 presented their approach on the identification of genome wide transcription factors involved in haematopoiesis in the context of development of leukaemia and anaemia. Group 2 aimed to identify factors influencing the transmission of Chlamydia trachomatis and the subsequent development of scarring trachoma.

The expert jury judged the proposals to be of equal merit and awarded a week visit to an EpiGenChlamydia partner of choice to each participant of the Training Challenge.