The Burroughs Wellcome Fund is an independent private foundation established to advance the medical sciences by supporting research and other scientific and educational activities. Its emphasis is on the career development of outstanding scientists and on advancing areas in the basic medical sciences that are underfunded or that have a shortage of qualified researchers. The Fund, which is governed by a 12-member Board of Directors composed of distinguished scientists and business leaders, is not affiliated with any corporation. The Fund channels its financial support primarily through competitive award programs, which are directed by advisory committees composed of leading scientists and educators. The majority of awards are made to degree-granting institutions on behalf of individual researchers, who must be nominated by their institution. Awards are open to U.S. and Canadian scientists (except as noted in descriptions of the individual programs) and are made through a peer-review process. The Shodor Education Foundation, Inc. partners with the Fund as an 1997 and 2000 awardee of its Student Science Enrichment Program (SSEP). The Fund has provided significant financial support for Project SUCCEED: Stimulating Understanding of Computational Science through Collaboration, Exploration, Experiment, and Discovery. This year-round program will enable 330 middle school and high school students to collaborate with scientists in inquiry-based, experiential science research and exploration. While the program is open to students across the state, particular efforts will be made to bring together a diverse group comprising students from the Durham public schools, students from the Durham-based North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, and Triangle-area students who are being taught at home. The program has three main components. The Internet Explorers Club introduces students to basic computing and communications technologies in science by teaching them how to survey, retrieve, and evaluate information available on the World Wide Web. Explorations in Computational Science is a series of short programs on research methodology, mathematical modeling, scientific computing, data visualization, and other topics that support new ways of scientific inquiry. Research Apprenticeships enable highly motivated and well-qualified students to bring their new knowledge and skills to life by working side by side with the foundation's scientists on research in computational science and education. The Shodor Education Foundation has also helped to build the SSEP Web site for the Student Science Enrichment Program. This is a science content-rich Web site that allows students, parents, and educators to explore online, and exchange ideas with one another by using the various discussion boards on the site. Visit the Burroughs Wellcome Fund home page. |