ISAC Scholars Program

The ISAC Scholars program is a new program designed to encourage & maintain membership in the organization by younger members. The program is designed to encourage leadership and participation in Society programs. By applying to become an ISAC Scholar, members will have an opportunity to continue to participate in the scientific activities of the organization during their scientifically formative years.

Benefits 

• Recipients will be named ISAC Scholar
• Students in their 3rd-6th year of graduate school will be eligible
• They will receive 5 years of full ISAC membership which should carry them through at least postdoc and first job
• No extension over 5 years allowed
• Existing postdocs can receive 3 years as an ISAC Scholar
• Young technicans & technologists may apply for Fellow status
• The Honor is received by competitive application - with full documentation
• The honor of ISAC Scholars may only be used by those receiving this award.

Who Qualifies? 

The ISAC Sholars program is designed for younger members, generally those under the age of 40 years. There are several different opportunities for students, postdocs, and new technicians in training. The program is designed to support a broad spectrum of younger members.

Funding - Why Pharmaceutical Company Support is so Important 

Funding for the ISAC Scholars program will come from supporting companies, predominantly pharmaceutical companies who guarantee $5000/annum (Platinum Sponsor), $4000/annum (Gold Sponsor) and $3000/annum (Silver Sponsor) with a consideration for a five year committment (if possible) to be used for the ISAC Scholars program. The program goals will be to start with 5-10 companies that will guarantee the first 5 year's funding. This will fund between 200-400 Fellows for a full 5 years. We anticipate adding companies after the initial effort to ensure longevity for the program. These new 200-400 ISAC Scholars will become exciting prospects for corporate and academic positions.

Why Pharma? With the impact of new advanced cellular analysis technologies and the importance of studying the impact of new pharmaceuticals in cellular systems it is vital that we increase the number of young scientists interested in these areas. As a technology Society, ISAC is the best place for raising the standards and knowledge in the cytomics arena. ISAC has been the flag-bearer for cell analysis for over 25 years and remains the established strength in cellular analytical technologies. High-content screening and high-throughput screening are advancing rapidly and ISAC is taking on these challenges. While pharmaceutical companies are pushing these fields faster, ISAC will be the organization that focuses on the technological integrity of systems, drives the creation of standards, and constantly critiques technologies. By supporting this ISAC Scholars program, Pharma will help us solidify these advancing fields in a manner that we have become comfortable with such as already achieved with flow cytometry.

The program will begin by identifying 50 Fellows in year one, 50-75 in year two and 75-125 in year three. ISAC Scholars will have the rights of full ISAC members, however as ISAC Scholars they will be identified as having training status (similar to Student/postdoctoral members). ISAC Scholars will receive all rights and privileges of full members of the Society, however they will receive student congress fees and be eligible for travel scholarships and student awards.

This program will enhance the number of young members of the Society significantly. Support for this program will ensure we provide an opportunity for all young members to be mentored in the skills of leadership. Naturally, as ISAC Scholars are recognized in the Society activities, so too will the supporters of the ISACScholars Program be recognized. In the establishment phase, those companies sponsoring initially will be known as Founding Sponsors while every they maintain a contribution to the program.

Support the Emerging Leaders of our Society! 

For a Society to grow and expand it must have a strong membership of young, emerging scientists. ISAC recognizes the importance of supporting emerging leaders. The Society is growing and expanding its interest areas. The ISAC Scholars program will create special opportunities for emerging leaders. They will be able to participate in congress planning. They will meet leaders in their field. ISAC Scholars will gain the experience of leadership by participating and observing senior leadership.

Mentoring emerging leaders is a wonderful opportunity for senior members of the Society. By working with ISAC and its senior members, supporting partners are being proactive in ensuring that the next generation of leadership is ready, willing, and most of all able to continue the traditions of the Society leadership. Scientific societies are important in the world of science because they provide the platforms for new scholarship, communication of ideas, and debate and critical evaluation of ideas. Supporting the ISAC Scholars program creates a tremendous opportunity for the next generation of leaders. Thank you for considering this challenge.

If you are interested in supporting the ISAC Scholars Program, please contact Laura Teodori (Membership Services Comittee of ISAC).