VIEWS
1. Dr. Pam McGrath, B.Soc.Wk., MA., Ph D,
NHMRC Senior Research Fellow & Director, International Program of Psycho-Social Health Research (IPP-SHR), Central Queensland University, Brisbane Qld 4702, Australia.(www.ipp-shr.cqu.edu.au)

I am honored to be the Chairperson of the IRPC Australian Chapter- an organization committed for the multidisciplinary development of third world countries. I am very much impressed on its first major project-the Austral-Asian Journal of Cancer. I am extending my service to the journal as the Editor from Australia.

"The first truly multi-disciplinary journal - it has contribution from the full range of health and allied health professionals (medicine, nursing, social work, dietitians etc). Our journal is not just sent to doctors but to a wide range of health professionals so we reach a wider audience and are instrumental in creating a shared space where we all work together. Most importantly, however, I believe the work of the journal is about the developed and the developing world holding hands and working collectively together".

2. Dr. Carina Berterö
Carina Berterö, Associate Professor, Department of Medicine and Care, Division of Nursing Science
Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE- 581 85 Linköping Sweden, Tel: + 46 13 227768
Fax: + 46 13 123285, e-mail carbe@imv.liu.se

"IRPC and its major objective of supporting research in science and medicine in the developing and under developing countries of the world has a significant importance when sharing knowledge and activities to understand each others concern in terms of cancer diseases and palliative care. IRPC could function as a key resource worldwide for health care professionals facing a challenging future. Honoring scientists internationally for their outstanding achievements could channelise their research interest and knowledge suitable for application on existing problems in the developing and under developing countries."

3. Dr. Alina Popescu, PhD
Radiation Oncology Department, University of Washington Medical Centre, Seattle, USA

"I am proud to be the chairperson of the International Research Promotion Council (IRPC) American Chapter. IRPC is one of the few organizations dedicated to recognize and award research in science and medicine in the whole world. The IRPC scientists from around the world have the opportunity to unite their efforts in raising the awareness of the health and economic problems in the third world countries. Together, we can make a difference in many people's lives. In our global family, poverty and diseases are everyone's problem. The IRPC has been constituted and promoted by enthusiastic well wishers of research from the health care and scientific community. Our organization is a non-governmental and a non-profit organization structured to provide scientific incentives for the betterment of socio-economic enhancement of the civilization of the developing and under developing countries."

4. V. N. Gopalakrishnan Nair
(Lawyer, High Court, Kerala), Chairman, IRPC Asia-Pacific Chapter, 25/3119, Court View Nagar, Vanchiyoor, Trivandrum, Kerala, INDIA - 695 035

IRPC Asia-Pacific Chapter has crucial responsibilities and major tasks to be fulfilled. Majority of the countries in these continents are developing or even underdeveloped countries. Our important responsibility is to bring in advanced technology, resources and information from the developed countries for the benefit of the third world countries. We work in close co-operation with the leading scientists of the world to fulfill our noble objectives.

5. Prof. A.D. Harries, OBE, MD, FRCP
Chairman, IRPC African Chapter, British High Commission, Malawi, Central Africa

"As a researcher in the developing world, it is an enormous boost to morale for the person and the associated research team to be honored by IRPC. In Malawi, this honor went to us in the National TB Control Programme in 2000. It was reported in the National Press and recognized by the Vice President of the country. Research in poor countries is often done under difficult circumstances and in some degree of isolation. Such recognition by the IRPC helps the researchers to work hard and to realize that their endeavors are appreciated in the wider world".

6. Dr. Linda L. Reaby, RN, PhD
Associate Professor, School of Nursing, University of Canberra, Australia

Through their noble activities, The IRPC, made up of prominent medical scientists, has validated the importance of nursing research, and its benefits to quality patient care. Nurses are in a unique position to undertake important clinical research in the developing and underdeveloped countries. They are with the patients the majority of the time in the acute care settings. They can identify areas where research is applicable, and they can contribute significantly to evidence based practice. Hopefully, health care administrators and other health professionals will begin to recognize the potential of nursing research and begin to nurture and support nurses who undertake research activities.

7. Dr. Bruce Richardson, MD PhD
Professor, Department of Medicine, Chief, Section of Rheumatology, Ann Arbor VA Hospital, USA

It is clear that majority of the people of our world have health problems which are insufficiently addressed, due in part to lack of access to high quality medical care, and in part to health problems unique to their environment and social situations. Approaches to this problem need to be multifaceted, and will encompass basic research into diseases including cancers, infectious diseases, and others, as well as developing new models of health care delivery to assure worldwide access to the best health care available. The IRPC has focused on these important issues, and their efforts will help bring attention to these problems by leaders in multiple areas.

8. Dr. J. L. Bams, MD
Intensivist-Anesthesiologist, Cardio thoracic Intensive Care Unit, Department of Cardio thoracic Surgery, University Hospital Groningen, The Netherlands

We should emphasize that one of the objectives of IRPC is also to search for and to find methods and techniques, which are applicable and affordable in the developing and underdeveloped countries. This is, for instance, particularly true for gastric intramucosal pH monitoring, by which method the virtue of its easiness is well suited for usage in the third and undeveloped countries. The awards and the honor bestowed by IRPC to leading scientists are very encouraging for those researchers who receive such awards. This noble work of IRPC has to be promoted.

9. Dr. Ronald F. Dodson, PhD, FCCP
Vice President for Research, The University of Texas Health Center at Tyler, Tyler, USA

The major objective of the International Research Promotion Council is to work towards solving vital problems facing the developing and underdeveloped countries of the world by encouraging achievements in research and medicine which will assist in offering solutions for these problems. The organization realizes a global effort is extremely important in addressing these issues and has chosen to recognize outstanding scholars and eminent scientists throughout the world whose research has made significant contributions toward addressing these issues. The organization in recognizing such individuals hopes to encourage other scientists to channel the focus of their research activities to contribute to the strategies necessary for finding management solutions to improve the quality of life of citizens in these developing nations.

10. Dr. Donald McLean, PhD
Senior Lecturer, School of Medical Radiation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Australia.

IRPC is an international organization to assist the promotion of research in developing and underdeveloped countries. On a personal note I am active in investigating radiological issues involving radiation dose and quality of radiological images for diagnosis. Particularly I am concerned with the increasing dose problems of CT dose and am working to seek methods to contain this problem in Australia. I would be happy to set up links with other workers interested in these areas (including mammography) to see if through a collaborative effort, progress can be made to reduce patient doses. Similarly I am also involved in education in these areas and regulatory aspects and would also be interested to discuss common interests here with the aim of improving health conditions in third world countries.

11. Dr. George H. Sakorafas, MD, PhD
Department of Surgery, 251 Hellenic Air Force Hospital, Athens, Greece.

To contribute into the projects and programs of IRPC, we should emphasize the need for an international co-operation between scientists/researchers in the field of clinical medicine, research and academic activities, such as education, international meetings, etc. from both developed and developing countries of the world.

12. Dr. Judith E. Karp, MD
University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.

The goals of the IRPC are an eloquent expression of the need for physician-scientists to address the challenge of ensuring optimal access to both standard and experimental medicine. This challenge is particularly great in developing and underdeveloped countries, and it is the obligation of the medical research community to focus our efforts in overcoming the obstacles to translation of basic science discovery into new and effective clinical approaches that are readily available to all who can benefit from them.

13. Dr. Richard Upton
Principal Medical Scientist/Senior Lecturer, Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Royal Adelaide Hospital/University of Adelaide, Australia

The IRPC is emerging as a vital conduit for communication between scientists and doctors in developed countries and their counterparts in developing and underdeveloped countries.

14. Prof. Jesus Prieto
Professor of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Division of Hepatology and Gene Therapy, Clinica Universitaria and Medical School, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.

I congratulate IRPC for their efforts, aims and objectives, which are very important to conduct scientific research to the real needs of developing countries, which I believe is an essential duty of human solidarity. I am proud of being part of this organization.

15. Dr. Mary J. C. Hendrix, PhD
Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, The University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa.

I applaud the efforts taken by IRPC to illuminate the genuine needs of underdeveloped countries. May I suggest that we share it with the United Nations, WHO, and other international groups.

16. Prof. Hirsch Ruchlin, PhD
Professor of Economics in Public Health and Medicine, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, USA.

As for the objectives of IRPC, focusing on research problems important to developing economies is a high global priority. Illness knows no geographic barriers. Scientists in developed countries should make every effort to generalize their work so that it benefits all mankind. Highlighting barriers to implementation in third world economies and suggesting interventions to overcome these barriers should be a part of everyone's research agenda."

17. Dr. Robert Barouki,
Director of Research, INSERM unite 490, Centre Universitaire des Saints-Peres, Universite Rene Descartes, Paris, France.

"Research in science and medicine should be considered a world-wide problem. Even if until now, a few countries have carried most of the input, the questions that research will have to answer should be relevant for everybody. I agree that significant efforts should be channeled to encourage and help biomedical research all over the world for which IRPC is devoted."

18. Dr. Margaret Fitch, RN, PhD
Toronto-Sunny brook Regional Cancer Centre, Toronto, Canada

I understand that IRPC is a global organization linking scientists internationally. In order to make good decisions about patient care or health care delivery, sound information is necessary. Research has an important role in helping us know how best to improve health care by generating sound information. Without relevant research we are at risk of making inappropriate decisions about interventions, program development, and program implementation."

19. Prof. Toru Hachisuga, MD, PhD
Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of Fukuoka, Japan

I am glad to hear that the major objective of the International Research Promotion Council is to manage or solve the vital problems existing in the field of research in science and medicine in developing and underdeveloped countries of the world. I am actively investigating the issues of gynecologic oncology and pathology, especially in surgical pathologic aspects of the uterine cancer. These issues are very popular both in the developing and underdeveloped countries. I would be happy to set up links with other workers interested in these areas. I am also involved in education of gynecologic oncology and pathology. I hope that this important work of IRPC will be promoted.

20. Dr. Linda Haramati, MD
Department of Radiology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, USA.

The problems of the developing world certainly are relevant in the United States. Our country is multicultural and is built on a foundation of immigrants from around the world. Currently, at least half of all people living in New York City are immigrants or children of immigrants. Thus, the diseased that are endemic in other areas of the world are part of the regional environment in New York City. As AIDS and tuberculosis fluctuate in the rest of the world, they do in New York. Advances in basic knowledge, diagnosis and treatment of diseases that affect developing countries will advance the health of us all. I applaud the efforts of the IRPC in its noble endeavors.

21. Prof. Neville F. Hacker, MD
Gynaecological Cancer Centre, Royal Hospital for Women, Barker Street, Randwick NSW 2031, Australia.

"The remarkable effort of IRPC is directed towards making possible the research in the developing countries. Such great objective is being actively carried out attracting people who work in the field of science and research to invest in a matter otherwise not considered. In such a way IRPC offers to those countries the means to facilitate themselves in their growth. I would like to offer my personal contribution to such a great project. I believe that IRPC will meet the target, because they are working with a global effort. My very best congratulation."

22. Prof. Hassan Amir
1105, Jalna Blvd # 902, London, Ontario N6E 2S9, Canada

Cancer in developing countries has received very little attention. Fewer facilities for Cancer diagnosing, registration and research results in under-reporting of Cancers from these areas. The majority of cancer occur in the developing world and will be increasing in the coming decades in this geographical region. Yet only a small part of the global health care resources are channeled towards these countries. Morbidity and mortality rates in most of the developing countries are high and lives are being lost for lack of basic healthcare. This burden of cancer is further compounded with the addition of HIV/AIDS associated cancers in these poor countries.

Therefore IRPC aims at creating an awareness about the dire situation in cancer care in developing world. IRPC also aims at protecting the rights of cancer patients for their treatment in developing countries by creating a "charter of rights for cancer patients".

23. Prof. Peter H. C. Lim
Advisor & Senior Consultant, Department of Urology, Changi General Hospital, 2 Simie Street 3 Singapore 529889

Researchers in developing & undeveloped countries often face insurmountable odds when doing basic scientific research due to lack of funding and adequate support facilities like laboratories, equipment, computers & trained personnel to assist. I believe that applied research may be more practical eg testing of new forms of medical equipment & their safety & efficacy. In respect of clinical research, drug trials are to be encouraged in these countries as recruitment is often easy & inexpensive to run. The frame work for developing counties to attract multinational countries to invest in research in their countries would be to have in place a sound background of knowledge of GCP Guidelines for Research which we can all start right away at little cost with strong encouragement from the local Health Authorities or Ministries of Health.
IRPC can lobby for governmental support & funding. If no funding is forthcoming, governments could at least facilitate the cutting off of red tape for inter-governmental cooperation thru'out the 3rd world & developing countries & perhaps provide training for countries that need such training.

Dr. Vita Golubovskaya
Ph.D, Research Assistant Professor, Department of Surgery, Health Science Center, 1600 SW Archer Road, Gainesville FL 32610-0286

I understand that the major objective of International Research Promotion Council is to manage the vital problems existing in the field of research in science and medicine in the developing countries of the world. I would like to help in finding out research solutions to manage the problems existing in the third world
countries.

Univ.Prof.Dr. Werner Scheithauer
Department of Internal Medicine I,Division of Clinical Oncology, University Hospital, Waehringer Gueretel 18-20, A- 1090, Vienna, Austria.

I am aware of the significant problems existing in the field of research in science and medicine in the developing and underdeveloped countries of the world and the urgent need to find ways to improve the situation. I fully agree with the experts of the International Research Promotion Council (IRPC), an important organisation with a central role to sort out and try to solve these problems that a multi-national, i.e., global cooperative effort will be required in order to succeed. At least in the field of clinical oncology there is some concrete hope: a first step and excellent example has recently been effectuated by the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO). About 1 year ago, in accordance with its mission to expand knowledge and share experiences, the Society has created a special Task Force to address the specific educational needs of healthcare specialists for clinical oncology in developing regions. A number of benefits and rights are being offered to potential members. Furthermore, tailor-made programs and activities designed to meet the needs of each region, special research grants and fellowship programs have become available/can be visited online

(www.esmo.org/WorkingGroups/developingCountries_taskForce.htm) or requested from the Developing Countries Task Force at the ESMO Head Office (e-mail: gracemarie@esmo org). Comparable activities are also being offered now by the International Affairs Committee of the American Society for Clinical Oncology (www.asco.org) and the Union Internationale Contre le Cancer (UICC) with valuable International Cancer Technology Transfer Fellowships (www.fellows.uicc.org). Of course, these are only the very first steps done by established international professional societies in a particular though important research field, and numerous additional steps and efforts will be required to really improve the situation in the third world countries. Propagation of available resources and their maximal use, however, seems to be a prerequisite to cause pressure in these and other scientific societies to enlarge the offered research programs and funding. Keeping in mind that some cancer patients already benefit from the transferred/shared knowledge, we should try to continue to keep the spiral moving in the right direction.

Dr. Manuel SaltoTellez LMS MRCPath
Department of Pathology, National University of Singapore and Molecular Diagnosis Centre, and Department of Laboratory Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore

IRPC is a global organization linking scientists internationally, with the immediate purpose of fostering research in developing and under-developed countries. At heart, every scientist in the world should have these aims as part of their Weltanschauung. During the years, the IRPC has established the Austral-Asian Journal of Cancer as an important tool to accomplish these goals, a major achievement of its kind. Personally, I believe that tissue and DNA banks in developing countries, which are relatively inexpensive to run, would be of great interest to other scientists world-wide, as well as to the molecular diagnostic and the pharmaceutical industries, and these could be a pertinent "entry door" for developing countries to research endeavors. In that sense, I feel that organizations such as the International Research Promotion Council (IRPC), involved in the provision of "...research and scientific incentives for the betterment of socio-economic enhancement of the civilization, mainly of, developing and under developed Afro- Asia- Pacific countries", could play a very active role in establishing translational research operations in the developing world.

Dr Russell D Petty, B.M.Sc.(hons) M.B.Ch.B. M.R.C.P.(U.K.),
Specialist Registrar and Clinical Research Fellow in Medical Oncology, Oncology Research Group, Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Aberdeen, Institute of Medical Sciences, Aberdeen AB25 2ZN, Scotland, United Kingdom

Properly conducted and specifically directed research has enormous potential to transform the lives of people in the developing world. Harnessing the invaluable experience and expertise of clinicians and scientists in the developed world to facilitate this is not only necessary, but in many respects is also a moral obligation. The creation of an academic environment to train researchers and foster an environment of learning and scientific enquiry requires the assistance of researchers from the developed world both in directly practical terms but also in terms of the raised awareness they can bring towards these issues in their own countries and institutions. In my own field of oncology, the increasing burden of cancer in the developing world highlights the need for strategies to be formulated to address this. This includes both the provision of effective clinical services and also research into disease aetiology, prevention, and treatment ideally carried out in local institutions by local researchers who are ideally placed to address particular local needs. Supporting the development and work of such institutions is likely to have advantages to the countries in which they are established far beyond the field of oncology and cancer medicine.

Dr. Paula Ravasco
Unit of Nutrition and Metabolism Institute of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Lisbon, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal

At its core, the International Research Promotion Council (IRPC) is becoming one of the world's foremost organizations for rewarding scientific capacity and foster scientific research, by means of building one of the leading voices for science-based sustainable development in the developing and underdeveloped countries.

Specifically, IRPC recognizes supports and promotes excellence in scientific research in the third world countries, and with this promotion and recognition, it also facilitates contacts between individual scientists and institutions. IRPC owes much of its success to the great will and dedication of its founders and partners. Its utmost goal is to help build political and scientific leadership for science-based sustainable development in the developing world.
IRPC initiatives may be the key to promote joint work between academies, which may reach the citizens and advise decision-makers on the scientific aspects of critical global issues. The wide range of activities pursued through each of these partnerships is designed to promote scientific capacity in the developing world, and to highlight successful experiences in the application of science and technology to address economic, social and environmental problems of critical concern in the third world countries.

Dr. Andrew C. Wotherspoon
Department of Histopathology, Royal Marsden Hospital, Fulham Road, London SW3 6JJ, UK

I agree that researchers in developing and underdeveloped countries face many problems in undertaking relevant clinical and scientific research and that this may impact on care in these areas. Not all research carried out in developed countries can be extrapolated through to other areas, particularly research that identifies new and/or expensive technology in applications to patient care. To overcome this, their needs to be partnerships between scientists in developed and developing countries with shared experiences/information and the salvage of expired equipment for use in less well-off areas. Additionally there need to be an appreciation that studies conducted specifically to address issues relating to disease
diagnosis/management in deprived areas has as much value as those that use the most advanced technology/drugs.

Dr. Joseph J. Y. Sung, MD, Ph. D
Professor of Medicine, Chairman & Chief of service, Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Research in developing and underdeveloped countries are hampered by a lack of funding, and hence incentive in the quest for excellence. This is most unfortunate, as these countries are often where biomedical research would translate into health promotion. Pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries in the West should consider funding research in these countries as a charitable donation. IRPC can consider forming a Foundation with these donations to fund research where it is most needed."

Prof. Nicolas Tsavaris
Department of Pathophysiology, University of Athens, School of Medicine, "Laikon" General Hospital
Athens GR 11527, Greece

It is true that researches in developing undeveloped countries are facing many problems, which have direct impact on the people of third world countries. We have to mention that most of these problems also exist partly in most of developed countries.
This comes from the fact that the development of the research is in connection with many basic factors such as peace, political conditions, economic status, government rules and targets, nationality, religion, workforce, capability, etc.

A basic point which needs clarification is that research is a second line factor for a human society. In the first line come peace, safety of people, education, providing of basic rules of living, tendency of formation and progress, and if all these are obtained, then you can think about research. Out of the economic basis, and all these factors, research must be oriented according to the nation or society needs, reliant to the potentialities that exist.

Dr. Giandomenico Palka
Scienze Biomediche e di, Servizio di Genetica Umana, Ospedale Civile di Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy

"I think the International Research Promotion Council (IRPC) is a clever idea. In fact, recognising the talents of the researchers who work in different field in different countries and inviting them to a common forum to fight for the genuine causes of the third world countries is a good idea. It favors new contacts or referenced collaborations with the researchers and with their countries. I think everybody should help IRPC giving more strength to its final goal".

Dr. Radhouane Fakhfakh
Institut National de la Sante Publique (NNSP), 5-7, Bloc IV Rue, Khartoum (10 eme Estage Diplomat)
1002 le Belvedere-Tunis, Tunisia

"In developing countries the researchers in the medical domain meet difficulties of financing, support and of collaboration of institutes of international searches. Their searches are realized mostly in difficult conditions. And when they succeed, they find difficulties being recognized by the scientific community and will not so have an impact on the medical development of these countries. IRPC by promoting research activities in science and medicine and implementing research in developing and under developed countries has a great contribution in the development of the search in the third world. It has the great merit to recognize the researchers in developing countries that constitutes a praiseworthy effort in the ' improvement of the care of health and economical problems in the third world.

Dr. Osman Nuri Hatipoglu
Trakya University, Chest Medicine Department, Edirne-Turkey

Economic problems of developing and underdeveloped countries affect many areas like academic researches, and health system. Scientists working on different areas have difficulty on finding financial support for starting or completing their researches, and for attending congress, conferences, seminars, and training programs. At many universities of these countries technical background is insufficient for original scientific researches. I think that the most important assistance to be performed is to provide economic and technical supports for these scientists. I am glad to hear that the one of the major objective of IRPC is to play a pivotal role on solving the research problems in developing world. IRCP may provide financial, technical, and scientific supports to selected scientists from developing countries and, in this way, motivate them.

Dr. Naiquan Zheng, Ph. D
Coordinator of joint Biomechanics & Computer Modeling, American Sports Medicine Institute
1313 13th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35205

Yes, I agree with IRPC that the researchers in developing and underdeveloped countries are facing many problems, which has direct impact on the people of the third world countries. Researchers in developing and underdeveloped countries need to utilize limited resources to solve unique problems people are facing in their countries, pursue help from developed countries through collaboration, educational courses and other means. IRPC may provide such educational courses in the third world countries, through the Internet and publications. IRPC may also act as the matchmaker to help researchers in the third world countries to find volunteers (individuals or institutions) to help their research projects.

Dr. Sally P. Weinrich, R.N., Ph.D., F.A.A.N.
Professor, School of Nursing, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky 40292

The vast majority of persons living in the Third World, who have treatable serious diseases, often go undiagnosed. Morbidity and mortality rates are very high. Historically, few resources have been channeled for Third World countries. Collaborative research can provide answers for both countries, especially in our current genetic era. It is critical that international research be undertaken with the basic principles of collaboration and mutual benefit.

Dr. CAN-SENG OOI
Copenhagen Business School, Department of International Economics and Management, Howitzvej 60, DK-2000 Frederiksberg, Denmark

As we function in a global environment, developed and developing countries must be aware that their existence is closely intertwined. We should be aware that international cultural, economic and social flows affect all aspects of local societies. Tourism is contributing to these flows. Tourism is often seen as a source of corruption to local social life albeit it brings about economic benefits. Social degradation is not a necessary outcome of tourism. Researchers should be helping different societies to benefit from tourism economically, as well as to use tourism resources to socially enhance local societies. IRPC can play the role of not only spreading this message but also showing how this can be done by disseminating tourism research results.

Dr. JOSE ANTONIO PUPPIM DE OLIVEIRA
Associate Professor,Brazilian School of Public and Business Administration - EBAPE, Getulio Vargas Foundation - FGV,Praia de Botafogo 190, room 507, CEP: 22253-900, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, Brazil

Researchers in less developed countries (LDCs) can contribute significantly to solve many economic, social and environmental problems that affect their people. However, it is a fact that these researchers face many technical, political, financial and institutional obstacles that block them fully developing their potential and impede their work having important impact on the lives of the people of those countries, especially on the most disadvantaged population. I think IRPC can help catalyzing the work of scientists in LDCs through the creation of an effective network that would improve the exchange of information and resources among scientists, both in LDCs and more developed countries. Also, IRPC could create a political voice to lead some of the needs and demands of scientists in LDCs to a solution. Environmental problems are examples of an area where IRPC could work, for instance by increasing the interchange among scientists in the search of solutions in the fields such as, new environment friendly technologies, ecotourism and organic farming.

PROFESSOR MIKE ROBINSON
Chair of Tourism Studies, Director, Centre for Tourism and Cultural Change,Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Tourism and Cultural Change, Sheffield Hallam University, Owen Building, Howard Street,
Sheffield S1 1WB, UK

Knowledge and understanding are two of the most precious, and sadly often the most elusive, of world resources, and research that feeds our collective knowledge base and contributes to our understanding of how to address global social and environmental problems in differing cultural contexts, is vital. In the developing and lesser developed world where such problems are most acute, it is essential that research is actively encouraged and promoted, well funded, and of high quality. Research into increasingly important areas such as travel, tourism and cultural change will ensure that economic, social and environmental benefits are harnessed and negative impacts minimized. IRPC has an important role to play in promoting bold, high quality research in this and many other fields, in particular by encouraging transnational and interdisciplinary research collaborations, meetings and publications to encourage exciting and productive knowledge partnerships between the developed and developing world.

SUNG SOO KIM
Department of Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 130-70,Korea

The researchers in developing and underdeveloped countries should ask WHO and the developed countries to support them financially to successfully perform the researches that they think are important. Also the researchers in developing and underdeveloped countries try to learn how to do researches successfully from researchers in the developed countries. IRPC should try to make research foundations that can provide the researchers in developing and underdeveloped countries with research grants. IRPC should try to make ways that can educate the researchers in developing and underdeveloped countries in the developed countries.

DAVID A. FENNELL, Ph.D.
Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies, Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada,
L2S 3A1

As the world's largest industry, tourism continues to flourish throughout the central (core) and peripheral regions of the world. In its wake, however, the tourism industry has created a complex array of impacts which often disharmonize social, ecological, and economic systems by serving the needs of those in the developed world at the expense of lesser developed country (LDC) people and resources (e.g., control of markets, leakage of money out of peripheral regions back to core areas, and so on). As an alternative to the dominant mass tourism model, ecotourism, as the fastest growing sector of the tourism industry, holds tremendous potential--if ethically managed--to stimulate economic growth in LDCs while also placing high value on the sustainability and integrity of natural and social systems. A key aspect of ecotourism is its focus on small scale development and the control of such development in the hands of local communities; a model which has the potential to nurture a similar approach for other industries or sectors in the creation of balanced, sustainable economies. I applaud the IRPC for recognizing the global emergence of ecotourism as an important vehicle which attempts to balance ecology, society, and economy.

DR. JOHN S. AKAMA
Department of Tourism Management, Moi University, P. O. Box 112, Eldoret, Kenya

In order to promote research in Third World countries, there is an urgent need to create increased awareness among government and private sector developers on the importance of local-based research initiatives in finding solutions to existing socio-economic problems. It is also high time that people who manage various sectors of the economy in Third World countries are informed that policy formulation and plan implementation should always be based on sound research, monitoring and evaluation. Bilateral and multilateral funding organizations should recognize and enhance the capacity of indigenous researchers to conduct research and; should also assist in the creation of linkage between researchers and developmental institutions in the Third World.

In this broader context, the role of IRPC is crucial, particularly, in identifying researchers in Third World countries and assisting them in their research endeavors. Particularly, IRPC should continue establishing network and linkage among Third World researchers and establish avenues for collaborative research and exchange of information.

In the field of tourism, it should be recognized that the industry can play a significant role in poverty reduction and overall socio-economic development in Third World countries. In this connection, there is an urgent need to initiate alternative strategies for tourism development, such as the development of community based tourism projects, village tourism and initiation of grassroots based pro-poor tourism projects in Third world countries, particularly in Africa.

DR. TIFFANY M. DOAN, Ph. D.
Biology Department, Vassar College, Box 555, 124 Raymond Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY 12604-0555

The people of third world countries are directly impacted by the problems facing researchers in their countries. Unlike researchers from the developed world, who have access to training and funding, researchers from the developing world often do not have access to such resources. It is the duty of the developed world to provide all researchers with opportunities to receive training and funding. I believe the International Research Promotion Council should have initiatives to promote this. Potential ways to accomplish this would be to provide scholarship opportunities for third world students to attend universities in other nations and to produce lists of funding opportunities available to researchers in developing countries. In this way, researchers in the third world would have the educational base and funding to advance science and tourism in their own countries.

Dr.BRITT-MAJ WIKSTROM
Kalldisvagen 2, S-187 72 TABY, Sweden

It is honorable to be nominated as a patron member of the Word Scientist Forum and the opportunity to work together with other member scientists. Researchers in developing and under developing countries are facing many problems which have direct impact on people of third world countries. Regarding promoting tourism, I believe art deserves careful examination, not as an isolated entity, but as an interaction with society. Aesthetic systems can be topics for tourism and health inquiry, discuss historical trends to predict future tourism globally, discuss new paradigms to promote global eco-tourism for the 21st century, reflect on new and effective ways of enlightening the tourist about the value of eco-tourism.

Dr.Kojiro Onizawa,
Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki-ken 305-8575, Japan

" I have understood the objectives of IRPC. My special subject is oral and maxillofacial surgery, and I am willing to aid research in the medicine of the third world countries as much as I can."

IRPC´s ambition, finding as well as assisting suitable strategies, offering solutions in medicine and research and co-operating with scientists all over the world, is admirable. S preading research activities to manage the problems existing in the third world countries is a width target, so the global effort is necessary. 

IRPC emphasizes the possibilities we all have for the mutual benefits and mutual respect. Researchers in science and medicine across the world are participating in this activity by interaction, co-operation and assistance practically as well as by the raised consciousness. Importance of academic location to guide researchers and promote an atmosphere of learning as well as scientific inquiry cannot be ignored.

Local researchers worldwide with local knowledge of the local needs, traditions and beliefs in local institutions are the keys both in qualitative and quantitative research by international co-operation. The present author is familiar to administration, urology, primary care, cancer care and palliative care. True knowledge contributes countries to focus on the exact problem leading to better decision making.

Throughout the world, poor and vulnerable persons do not get healthcare, they are sicker and die earlier than persons who are more privileged. It should be scientists´ and clinicians´ moral and ethical obligation to share scientific information, research knowledge for application on existing problems. IT-development is one of the tools facilitating quick information spreading and communication. The outstanding endeavor of IRPC is focusing on to make it possible for the research in the developing and underdeveloped countries, together.

Dr Stephen D. Hall
School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham,UK

The climate of scientific and medical research worldwide is increasingly dependant upon economic return. Although this poses difficulties for research scientists the world over, nowhere is the impact of this more apparent than in developing and underdeveloped countries. If true progress is to be made then research must be promoted both within developing and underdeveloped countries and in collaboration with developing countries.  The work of the IRPC in ensuring that financial support is available and distributed appropriately is of fundamental importance in order to create a global balance and alleviate the burdens that currently exist.'

Dr. Midtgaard J, Quist M., PhD.,
Copenhagen University Hospital, Department 7331 (UCSF), Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark

In my opinion, organizations like the IRPC are essential in order to optimally exploit the potentials of sharing and distributing scientific knowledge in a time of globalization. Scientific knowledge, although embedded in local, historical and cultural contexts, is per definition anti-discriminating and should therefore not only travel across but also serve to brake down cultural and socialeconomic bounderies. Advances in health research should belong to no one and collectives effeorts are needed to create them. Moreover, knowledge is potentially empowering and empowerment of underserved populations may be one of the most substantial ways – if not the only way - to overcome the globally growing social inequality in health. This is just one of the reasons why it’s an honour to be able to support and promote the important work of the IRPC.

Dr. Daniel Asrat MD, MSc. PhD.,
Associate Professor, Faculty of Medicine, Addis Ababa, University, P.O.Box. 9086, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

IRPC should play a role in identifying promising young scientists from Africa and supports them in their early carriers to help them become established and recognized nationally and internationally. Recognizing that science and technology capacity has not evolved to the same extent in all developing countries, IRPC should focus its support on scientific research in countries still lacking a solid based for national science and technology training and play a role in mentoring young scientists for effective a application of science and technology

The Objectives of IRPC include:

1) To recognize, support and promote excellence in scientific research carried out by scientists of the Third World.

2) To promote contacts among researchers in the third world countries between them and The World scientific community.

3) To encourage research and development on the Third World problems.

4) To bring out publications related to science, technology and development in the Third World and making available online.

Dr. Khalid Ahmed Al-Anazi,
Assistant Consultant, Section of Adult Haematology and Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant, King Faisal Cancer Centre, King Faisal Specialist Hospital And Cancer Centre, P.O.Box: 3345, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia.

Governmental organizations, private sectors, research centres and academic institutions in developing countries, particularly the wealthy ones, should participate to a large extent in the promotion of original medical research. Global efforts are required to fascilitate an uninterrupted flow of advanced technology and development from developed to developing countries. World scientists and researchers should cooperate to manage the existing health problems and to promote research activities in the developing countries. Furthermore, original medical research in developing countries should be encouraged and supported by international and local governmental organizations, private sectors, research centres and academic institutions so as to ultimately improve the standards of medical care and health services provided to the target populations that are in need of such help.

Dr Joachim Schüz
Head, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Institute of Cancer Epidemiology, Strandboulevarden 49, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.

Related to my own research field of epidemiology and public health, I understand that a major objective of the IRPC is to spread research results of developed countries in developing and under-developed countries in a straightforward, low-cost and expeditious way. This information flow is one important aspect of a successful planning and implementation of prevention strategies of disease. It is also an essential first step of a closer collaboration of researchers around the world. The IRPC deserves our plaudit for the promotion of this essential collaboration.

Prof.Dr. Helga Schmetzer(PhD)
Head of the Dept. for Hematopoetic Transplantations, Med3, University Hospital of Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377 Munich

Comment to cooperations of scientists
A common aim of scientists of the world should be to find ways to work together on an international level. First of all ideas have to be created in cooperation about most important topics to be worked on and priorities have to be defined. In a next step the financiation by Universities, research centers, companies, e.g. has to be applicated. The realisation of the projects could be performed in labs of institutions around the world with an international group of scientists and research fellows. These efforts can be very effective, if a platform is created (by politicians, etc) to bring those internationally agitating initiators of research ideas and programs together –having always in mind the most urgent problems of humans, that can be solved by these strategies.

Dr. Hae.K.Kil, M.D
Professor, Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, Yonsei University Health System, Seoul, Republic of Korea.

The major objective of International Research Promotion Council is to manage the vital problems in the scientific and medical researches of the developing and underdeveloped countries. Information exchange, joint research and words of encouragement are important for this purpose especially in 3rd countries. In this IT oriented world, communicating online rather than offline is necessary, therefore organizing an online research group seems to be an effective way to accomplish the major objective of IRPC. I hope IRPC to play an active part in this.

Dr. Michael Rosemann
GSF Institute for Radiation Biology, Ingolstaedter Landstrasse, 85764 NEUHERBERG / Germany

In a world where natural resources become more and more limited, a successful exploitation of the intellectual potential of a country will be key to its a future prosperity. This is of even greater importance for the developing countries, which after being used for centuries as a source of cheap labor and underpriced commodities, deserve an equal participation on the global assets in the future.

But one should not consider the access of developing countries to research and development an act of sole charity. Science and technology will certainly benefit from the human potential, the creativity and intellectual capital that resides in these countries.

Prof. Dr. Constantin Papastefanou
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Atomic and Nuclear Physics Laboratory, Thessaloniki 54124, GREECE.

It is not possible for a person working in science and research to have access in all published papers to gain new knowledge either to improve or develop new products, processes or services, to prove the viability of new technologies and innovation-related activities offering potential economic advantages. This seems to be more critical for the research scientists of the underdeveloped countries. The International Research Promotion Council acts as a carrier in addressing the scientific, technical, wider societal and policy objectives of specific targeted research scientists in the world in progress of our life.

Dr. Keisuke Aoe
Departments of Medical Oncology, Clinical Research, NHO Sanyo National Hospital, 685 Higashi-kiwa, Ube, Yamaguchi 755-0241, Japan.

Through their noble activities, I respect the objective of International Research Promotion Council to manage or solve the vital problems existing in the field of research in science and medicine. In many fields the globalization has been advancing rapidly. Scientists of the world should together with a common aim. It will bring us more achievements.?

Dr. Mary Eaton, Ph.D.
Research Service (151), Miami VAMC, 1201 NW 16th Street, Miami, FL  33125, USA.

Athough there are significant differences in culture, economic aims, and management by and involvement of governments in scientific research and its advancements, the highest aims of a rational approach to science must include the spirit of collaboration among colleagues.  The difficulty lies in the identification of the barriers to that co-operation and a frank analysis of a program to address and surmount them. Individual politics is a consideration but need not block the way; science can benefit the whole, as well as the individual, as long as the agents of change are sincere in their intentions. Scientists are rarely trained in the subtleties of business and macroeconomics, but since one pillar of good science is reproducibility, practical technology can spread as an outcome of that integrity.  The question of 'translation' is the key.  What are the ways to apply not just information, but knowledge, if not wisdom, to other countries?

Prof.Christoph C. Zielinski, M.D.
Professor of Medicine, Medical Unviersity of Vienna, Austria.
The generation of scientific knowledge is the main task of academic endeavours. In the field of medicine, this should include both, basic science and academic investigations which should aim at the amelioration of diagnostic means, treatment and quality of life. Of course, the need  of scientific clinical investigations varies between regions regarding infectious diseases, malignancies, endocrine or cardiovascular disorders. Thus, the transfer of scientific insights, the technics for its achievement and its translation into clinical benefit have to penetrate from wealthy nations to countries of resticted financial resources. One example for such an endeavour is the Vienna School of Clinical Reasearch (http://www.vscr.at) which I am presiding. There, we aim to teach physicians from all over the world ways to create scientific research with special emphasis upon developing countries with their very special medical needs.

Dr. Øyvind Næss
Dept. General Practice and Community Medicine, Epidemiological Section, Ullevål University Hospital, P.O. Box 1130 Blindern, N-0318 Oslo, Norway.
'The IRPC has identified a key issue in their emphasis on how research could be made accessible in low income countries. This is a timely topic as with global communication having expanded its capacity and human workforce in many countries have become well educated, there should not be obstacles in technology and research capacity transfer between countries. This should have enormous potential to improve public health.'

Dr. Ancha Baranova
Associate Professor, Molecular Biology and Microbiology, David King Hall, MSN 3E1 George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, 22030, USA.

"While it is essential for researchers in industrialized nations to help solve problems in the less privileged countries, it should also be emphasized that developed countries do not have a monopoly on innovation. Researchers in developing nations very often have key insights into scientific issues into which other scientists may not. To help global problems as a whole, the facilitation of international research must ensure that scientific collaboration be a two-way street of dialogue and interchange."

Professor Ingegerd Bergbom,
Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Box 457, SE-40530 Gothenburg, Sweden.
"The major objective of International Research Promotion Council is to manage or solve the vital problems existing in the field of research in science and medicine in the developing countries of the world. There should be an uninterrupted flow of advanced technology and developments from developed to developing countries of the world. A global effort is extremely necessary to handle this matter effectively. Scientists of the world should work together with a common aim and channelize their research activities to formulate suitable strategies or to find out research solutions to manage the problems existing in the third world countries.”

It is extremely important that there are international organisations or councils, such as International Research Promotion Council which objectives are to solve and look after vital problems that exist in the field of research and education in developing countries. Knowledge based on sound scientific principles as well as advanced technological development and financial support should be accessible for the benefit of all human beings in the world. All efforts and activities for making this possible are valuable and it is worth showing that research, knowledge, education and competence can make a difference and is not only a privilege for people in developed countries. Science aims to improve all human beings health, existence and living circumstances, which is an ethical demand and responsibility for all scientists. Therefore strategies for transition of information, knowledge, resources and exchange of experiences must be worked out and realized.

Dr.Akira Kikuchi MD, PhD
Division of Hematology / Oncology, Saitama Children's Medical Center, 2100 Magome, Iwatsuki-ku, Saitama-shi, Saitama 339-8551 Japan.
"People all over the world have the right to receive standardized health care and medical service equally regardless of their socio-economical status. However, the people in the third world countries do not always have opportunities to utilize such services. Medical researchers in the developing and underdeveloped countries also have the same problems in their fields in terms of difficulties to utilize advanced technology in the developed countries. Medical scientists in developed countries should pay attention to such unhappiness and make efforts to improve such situations. "

Dr. Jorge Luis Braier, MD
Hematology/Oncology Dept., Hospital de Pediatría Juan Garrahan, Combate de los Pozos 1881 (1245) Buenos Aires,Argentina.
"I wish for the world, more justice for all: I mean no starvation, and the same health and education possibilities for everybody. Important progress in health and education are needed in multiple subjects, it is fundamental for the life of millions of forgotten people, and research studies are essential to arrive to that so important goals. Networks research programs between developed and developing countries will be very important to make better the life of the human being."

Dr. Guido Sireci
Dipartimento di Biopatologia e Metodologie Biomediche, Sezione di Patologia Generale, Corso Tukory 211, 90134 Palermo, Italy.
The research in science and medicine in the developing and underdeveloped countries of the world must be implemented through collaborations involving researchers from "developed countries" like European countries, Australia, Canada, U.S.A. and Japan.

The transfer of know-how in basic and applied science could induce proliferation of research in the developing and underdeveloped countries of the world.

It could be done by conferences, seminars, etc. in which scientists of developed countries discuss their fields of interest with colleagues coming from poor areas.

These meetings could gain at least two objectives: Colleagues coming from poor areas could know what is doing in other parts of the world and scientists coming from "developed countries" could realize collaborations with colleagues coming from underdeveloped countries where many diseases of interests (Tuberculosis for instance) are endemic.

Dr. Kouki Ohtsuka, M.D., Ph.D.,
Division of Clinical and Molecular Genetics, Department of Laboratory, Medicine and Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyorin University, 6-20-2, Shinkawa, Mitaka, Tokyo 181-8611, Japan.I am happy and honored to make my great efforts for the noble objective of International Research Promotion Council (IRPC). I am willing to work together eminent scientists of the world in order to manage or solve the vital problems existing in the field of cancer research in the developing and underdeveloped countries of the world. Through our activities, I hope that both the developed and the third world countries will grow up mutually.

Dr. Rosemary Louise Nixon,
262 The Boulevard East Ivanhoe, Victoria, 3079, Australia.
It is of utmost importance that scientists in the developed world direct their energies to improving situations in the less developed world. I am extremely fortunate to be trained in two medical specialties, dermatology and occupational medicine. I believe it is incumbent upon me to help improve outcomes in occupational dermatitis, all over the world, not just in my privileged country, Australia. One way I have been able to contribute so far is to train people from other parts of the world, which is a great source of pleasure for me, and which has led to improved outcomes in contact dermatitis in several different countries.

62. Dr. Jorge Luis Braier

Hematology/Oncology Dept. Hospital de Pediatría Juan Garrahan.
Combate de los Pozos 1881 (1245) Buenos Aires. Argentina.
Phone: +54 11 4308 4300 ( Ext: 1301 or 1302). Fax: +54 11 4308-5325
E mail: jolubraier@intramed.net

About Dr. Braier:

Dr. Jorge Luis Braier, a reputed Medical Oncologist is presently working in the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology department at Hospital Nacional de Pediatría Juan P Garrahan in Buenos Aires, Argentina.  He is considered as one of the experts in Histiocytosis in the world. Dr. Braier was granted the degree of Medical Doctor on May 28th, 1965 by the Universidad Nacional de Cuyo Medical School in the city of Mendoza, Argentina. He did his postgraduate training in Pediatrics and Hematology / Oncology at the Hôpital Sainte Justine pour les Enfants at Montréal, Canada.  He later served as a Fellow in Pediatric Hematology / Oncology in the Hospital de Niños R. Gutierrez, Buenos Aires, Argentina as well as the Children’s Hospital, National Cancer Institute, and Vincent Lombardi Cancer Center, all in Washington, DC, via. a Fellowship provided by the Pan American Health Organization. Dr. Braier, M.D. was previously a member of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Department of Hospital de Niños R. Gutierrez.  Since 1987 he is a staff member in the Pediatric Hematology / Oncology Department at Hospital Nacional de Pediatría Juan P Garrahan in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Doctor Braier is Board Certificated in Pediatrics, Oncology and Hematology by the Argentine Ministry of Health. The most important publications of Dr. Braier were initially related to Leukemia and Non Hodgkins Lymphoma in the British Journal of Hematology (1) and Cancer (4). For the last decade he has focused his clinical practice and research interest on Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis, with multiple publications including the journals Pediatric Hematology and Oncology (1), Medical and Pediatric Oncology (2), British Journal of Hematology (1), Journal of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology (1), Pediatric Blood and Cancer (5), Pediatric Research (1) and Blood (1). Dr. Braier has earned three significant awards related to his research and clinical aims: “Treatment of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Children” (Academia Nacional de Medicina), “Treatment of Acute Leucemia in Children”. (Liga Argentina de la Lucha contra el Cancer) in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Mark Nesbit Prize in Clinical Science (Histiocyte Society) in Porto, Portugal.  Dr. Braier was a member of: the Sociedad Argentina de Pediatría, the Sociedad Argentina de Hematología, the Sociedad Latinoamericana de Investigación Pediátrica and the International Society of Pediatric Oncology (SIOP) and is a member of the Sociedad Latinoamericana de Oncología Pediátrica and the Histiocyte Society. He is the Chairman for Argentina of the International Clinical Research protocols of the Histiocyte Society: LCH I, LCH II, LCH III, LCH S I, LCH S II, HLH 94 and HLH 04.  Dr. Braier coordinates monthly meetings by internet on the subject of Histiocytosis among expert teams at the Saint Jude Hospital (Memphis, USA) and centers in Latin America and Spain.

Hospital de Pediatría Juan Garrahan.
Combate de los Pozos 1881 (1245) Buenos Aires. Argentina

The Hospital de Pediatria Juan P Garrahan has the human and technological resources and the technological contribution necessary to solve high complexity problems in the management of pediatric diseases. It is not only a metropolitan referral hospital, but also receives patients from all over the country. The Hospital Garrahan is a different model of public hospital with a new conception in health care management.  The interdisciplinary work is a priority aim. Despite being a public hospital, their administration is decentralized giving the necessary autonomy for an agile and efficient management. The Hospital Garrahan is also dedicated to train human resources and to make collaborative research plans among the different jurisdictions. The hospital is located in the Metropolitan area of Buenos Aires City (Argentina) with a surface dedicated for medical care of approximately 60.000 m2, over a total of 103.000 m2. A total of 556 beds are available in the system of progressive care, in units ranging from moderate, intermediate to intensive care. There are special areas for neonatology, burned patients and transplantology. There is a surgical center (20 surgical rooms), 88 laboratories, and other diagnostic and treatment areas (Radiology, MRI, CT scans, Radiotherapy with linear acceleration and IMRT, blood bank, tissue banks, etc). The hospital has an emergency and ambulatory care departments including a day hospital and home treatments. All the pediatric specialties are represented. It also as a resource for pediatric research, specialized laboratories, experimental surgery, and animal care.The hospital Garrahan is affiliated to the Buenos Aires University and it is equipped with a conference facility for 230 people and 14 classrooms, library, press, photography lab, microfilms file and administration offices. The network between hospital Garrahan, the University and the Research Council of Argentina (CONICET) expand the teaching development and the research possibilities of the Hospital. There are residence and fellowships programs in pediatric clinics and different specialties.

Dr. Braier says about IRPC: "I agree completely with the objectives of the International Research Promotion Council. As you can see in my CV, it is clear that Hospital Garrahan and myself, we share the same aims of IRPC. I wish for the world, more justice for all: I mean no starvation, and the same health and education possibilities for everybody. Important progress in health and education are needed in multiple subjects, it is fundamental for the life of millions of forgotten people, and research studies are essential to arrive to that so important goal. Networks research programs between developed and developing countries will be very important to make better the life of the human being."

63. Professor. Peter Brown

Professor of Neurology and Head of Sobell Department of
Motor Neurosciences  and Movement Disorders,
Institute of Neurology,University College London,
Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG
Tel: 0207-837 3611
p.brown@ion.ucl.ac.uk

About Prof. Brown:

Professor. Peter Brown, a world renowned clinician and an expert in the field of Neurosciences is presently working as Head of the Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders at the Institute of Neurology, UK.  Prof. Brown studied medicine at Trinity College, Cambridge, and completed his clinical studies at the Middlesex Hospital London. He was awarded his medical degree at Cambridge University in 1984. He spent his postgraduate training with Professor David Marsden before taking up a position as Consultant Neurologist at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery and Clinical Senior Scientist in the Medical Research Council Human Movement and Balance Unit in London in 1995. In 2001 he joined the Institute of Neurology, whilst remaining a consultant at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery. In the same year he became Director of the Institute of Movement Neuroscience at University College London.  He became a professor at the University of London in 2004. Professor Brown has made major advances in our understanding of the pathophysiology of myoclonus, startle and Parkinson's disease. He has presented at numerous international conferences and has over 200 peer-reviewed publications in the fields of neurology and neurophysiology. Professor Brown leads a group of international researchers who are funded by grants from the Medical Research Council, Welcome Trust, European Union, Parkinson's Disease Society of Great Britain and the Rosetrees Trust. The group combines clinical expertise with neurophysiology and advanced signals analysis techniques, and is therefore truly multidisciplinary. Currently Professor Brown and his group are studying deep brain recordings from patients undergoing treatment with functional neurosurgery in London, Oxford and several European centers. This work is helping to define the normal and abnormal workings of the human basal ganglia, and should provide a rational basis for the refinement of surgical therapies for diseases like Parkinson's disease and dystonia.

Institute of Neurology,University College London,
Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG.

The Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, was established in 1950 and merged with University College London in 1997. It provides teaching and research of the highest quality in neurology and the neurosciences, and professional training for clinical careers in neurology, neurosurgery, neuropsychiatry, neuroradiology, neuropathology and clinical neurophysiology. The Institute of Neurology is a member of the newly formed Faculty of Biomedical Sciences at University College London, and has nine academic departments.  The Institute employs a total of around 425 staff, occupies some 6,451 sq m of laboratory and office space in five buildings, and has a current annual turnover of £30m. It holds over 250 active grants, supporting research into the causes and treatment of a wide range of neurological diseases, including movement disorders, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, brain cancer, stroke and brain injury, muscle and nerve disorders, cognitive dysfunction and dementia. It was awarded the highest possible rating in the last National Research Assessment Exercise, a measure of its national and international standing. Its researchers have made major advances in functional imaging, human neurophysiology, genetics and the understanding of the pathophysiology of diseases like multiple sclerosis. The Institute's mission is to carry out high quality research, teaching and training in basic and clinical neurosciences. Accordingly it runs a number of graduate teaching programmes, including Master's degrees in Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neurology and Advanced Neuroimaging and makes a major contribution to the London-Paris MSc in Mind and Brain.  Together with its associated specialist Hospital, The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, the Institute promotes translation of research that is of direct clinical relevance to improved patient care and treatment. The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery was founded in 1859 and was the first hospital of its kind in England, being dedicated exclusively to treating the diseases of the nervous system. Many of the most famous neuroscientists, neurosurgeons and neurologists of the last 150 years have been associated with the hospital, including John Hughlings Jackson, William Gowers, Victor Horsley and MacDonald Critchley. The collaboration between the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, the Institute of Neurology, and researchers over the rest of the campus has made University College London into the premier neuroscience research centre in Europe.

Prof. Brown says about IRPC: “I whole heartedly support the International Research Promotion Council in its aim to encourage sharing of scientific and technological advances across the globe, so that developed and developing countries both stand to gain. In equality of access to scientific and technological advances is morally indefensible.”

Dr. Christian Bonansco, PhD

Laboratorio de Neurofisiología,
Centro de Neurobiologia y Plasticidad del Desarrollo
Depto. Fisiología, Fac. Ciencias, U. Valparaiso,
Av. Gran Bretaña 1111, Valparaíso-Chile
Fono: +56-32-508057 FAX:+56-32-281949
E-Mail: christian.bonansco@uv.cl

About Dr. Bonansco:

Dr. Christian Bonansco, an outstanding research and an expert in Neurobiology from South America was born on December 20, 1962 in Valparaíso, Chile the oldest and most important seaport of Chile that is also an increasingly vital university and cultural centre, actually protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site.  As student he could enjoy a comprehensive education, through their passage through different local high schools and colleges. From 1981, admitted to continue the Biology career at the Faculty of Science, University of Chile, he could recognize physiology as a discipline to which he would devote his future. Dr. Manuel Roncagliolo, as director of his first thesis, conveyed him her passion for neurophysiology. In 1986, as the best graduate of his promotion, he was incorporated as assistant of the Department of Biology and Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universidad de Playa Ancha, Valparaíso. At that time, he started a Master programme in Neurobiology, at the Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago. During the second year of this program he obtained a fellowship from the Iberoamerican Cooperation Institute for research training at the Institute “Santiago Ramón y Cajal”, Madrid, Spain.  Dr. Buño introduces him not only in intracellular electrophysiogical techniques, but really “how to do science".
          
  After returning to the country, he develops his thesis for master degree under the leadership of Dr. Mario Luxoro and Dr. Veronica Nassar, at the Cellular Physiology Lab., Universidad de Chile, characterizing the ionic components of excitability in chromaffin cells. He obtained his Master in Science Degree in 1993. Then, supported by AGCEI (Spain) and MIDEPLAN (Chile) fellowships, he started their Ph.D. studies at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid, again led by Dr. W. Buño. Now, he studied the modulation of electrical properties of central neurons mediated by different neurotransmitters and their relationship into genesis of hippocampal theta rhythm. These studies gave rise to several papers in synaptic plasticity area, obtaining the Ph.D. degree in 1997.
In that year he obtained a position at the Department of Physiology, Faculty of Science, Universidad de Valparaíso, for develop an independent research line in synaptic transmission, using intracellular recording in brain slices as a technical approach, representing one of the first labs in the country specialized in electrophysiology of isolated nerve tissue.  Since then he conducted various research projects supported by his university and by CONICYT (National Council for Scientific Research and Technology), presenting his work at national and international meetings, and also organizing several workshops in the country. 
          
  In 2005, along with other researchers in the department and with initial funding of the university, they created the Center for Neurobiology and Developmental Plasticity. At the present, productive collaborations have been established with several laboratories interested in development of neurodegenerative disease, such as Alzheimer, and recently autism, stress and epilepsy, trying to understand the relationships between disruption of gliotransmission and synaptic transmission involved in the mechanisms early deterioration of neural functions. In parallel, Dr. Bonansco has been dedicated to training both undergraduate and postgraduate students, and supporting the development of M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs in Neuroscience at his University. Actually, as Director of Department of Physiology, Universidad de Valparaiso, he pretends to promote the development of research in basic sciences with relevance in clinical area, particularly in the area of Neurology and Neurobiology.

Center for Neurobiology and Developmental Plasticity (CNPD)
Department of Physiology, Faculty of Sciences,
University of Valparaíso ,Chile.

The Center for Neurobiology and Developmental Plasticity (CNPD) is a scientific group at the Department of Physiology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Valparaíso (UV; http://www.uv.cl/), Chile. The Faculty of Sciences was established from 1958, as Department of Sciences of Valparaíso, to promote and develop basic research in mathematics, biology and natural sciences, and to train the scientific staff required for university education. The Department of Physiology plays a significant role in teaching integrative concepts to biological and health sciences students and the principles and practice of scientific investigation to M.Sc. and Ph.D. faculty students. In research the Department focuses on cellular physiology, neurophysiology and molecular neurobiology. In 2006, with an initial financial support of the UV Research Office, the group of researchers dedicated to neuroscience in the department gathers around a common goal and create the CNPD.

            The mission of CNPD is to generate an environment that encourages the collaboration and interaction of different areas of research involved in one of the most central problem of Neurobiology: the normal brain development and its vulnerability to external factors. Their main goal is to study the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which neurons and glial cells interact to determine the maturation of neural circuits during the critical period of central nervous system development. The knowledge about neurobiological basis of the ability of brain circuits to reorganize during development is fundamental to understanding of chronic and progressive diseases affecting CNS, representing an area of major impact in biomedicine due to therapeutic implications. Actually, the central hypothesis of the Center point out that neuronal activity of immature circuits requires astrocytes depending neurotrophic signaling to induce maturation of neuronal systems.

            The CNPD is constituted by several laboratories with expertise in different methods and strategies dedicated to developmental neuroscience. Dr. Christian Bonansco and Dr. Marco Fuenzalida, at Laboratory of Synaptic Physiology, are using electrophysiological methods to evaluate plasticity and developmental properties of central synapses in isolated nervous tissue, particularly hippocampus. At time, these studies are focused to evaluate the glial modulation on the early alterations of synaptic transmission that occur during the development of various neurological and neurodegenerative diseases such as epilepsy, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. Dr. Esteban Aliaga, at the Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, is studying how brain derived neurotrophic factor (BNDF) involved in developmental plasticity, determine the critical period and vulnerability of brain maturation depending on the presence and functioning of glial cells. Dr. Eduardo Couve, at the Laboratory of Electron Microscopy and Cellular Neurobiology, contribute with the study of ultrastructural changes occurring during development in normal and altered nervous systems, including that of the neurological glial mutant taiep. Dr. Manuel Roncagliolo, at Laboratory of Neurophysiology, is working with kindling, an animal model of epilepsy, in which daily, brief, and subconvulsant stimulation of brain structures, as amigdala, culminates with generalized seizures after few days, revealing that mechanisms of neural plasticity are working in vivo.
 
            Finally, the Center maintains a close and continuous working relationship with other national and international centers, such as: INTA-UCH (Chile); CRCP-J. Luco, PUC (Chile); Instituto Santiago Ramón y Cajal, CSIC (Spain); B. A. University of Puebla (México) and CNRS/INSERM (France).

Professor Rodney J. Scott, PhD, PD, FRCPath, FHGSA

Head of the Discipline of Medical Genetics,
School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health,
University of Newcastle, Australia.
Phone (02) 4921 4974, Fax (02) 4921 4253
Email: rodney.scott@newcastle.edu.au

About Prof. Scott:

Prof. Rodney J. Scott, an eminent scientist and an expert in Genetics is presently the Director of Genetics and the Head of the Discipline of Medical Genetics at the University of Newcastle.
Prof. Rodney J. Scott obtained his PhD from the University of Western Australia in 1987.  Since that time he has been engaged in research directed at understanding the relationship between the genetic basis of disease and environmental exposures that potentially impinge on the ability to maintain genomic integrity. His achievements were recognized by the award of Privat Dozent in Cancer Genetics, by the University of Basel in 1997 and his Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists in 2005.  In 1997 he took up my appointment with the Hunter Area Pathology Service as Director of Genetics and became the Head of the Discipline of Medical Genetics at the University of Newcastle at the end of 1999. In 1999 he was invited to become a visiting Professor at the Pomeranian Medical University in Poland and in 2005 was appointed as a Fellow in Children’s Cancer Genetics Research and has been involved in a national study examining the causes of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
Prof. Scott has published extensively in high impact factor internationally peer-reviewed articles with high citation indices (for example Ford D, et al Am J Hum Genet 1998:62: 676-689 cited 911 times according to ISI) and has an extensive publication record in genetic association studies.  He often asked to speak at international and national meetings about my findings and to write editorials for international genetics journals.
Prof. Scott currently is an advisor to the NSW Cancer Institute’s Familial Bowel Cancer Registry and he is also chair of the Board of Censors for Molecular Genetics, Human Genetics Society of Australasia.  As the discipline lead in genetics he teachs in the medical and biomedical science programs and he also an examiner for the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia and for the Human Genetics Society of Australasia (HGSA).  He sits on a number of boards that include the scientific advisory board of the Cancer Institute of New South Wales, the Genetic Services Advisory Committee and the DNA working party of the New South Wales Department of Health, the Cancer Genetics Register of the NSW Cancer Institute (formerly with the NSW Cancer Council), the scientific board of SUPAMAC.
                  Prof. Scott is co-editor of the Journal Hereditary Cancer in Clinical Practice and a reviewer for Gut, Human Genetics, Human Heredity, Journal of Medical Genetics, European Journal of Cancer, Molecular Pathology, Human Mutation, European Journal of Genetics, Genes Chromosomes and Cancer, Pathology, Clinical Genetics, American Journal of Medical Genetics, Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology International Journal of Epidemiology, Oncogene, Biomed Central, Clinical Cancer Research, Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention, International Journal of Cancer and Lancet Oncology.
Prof. Scott reviews grants for the NHMRC, the Canadian Medical Research Council, the Swiss National Foundation, the Cancer Council of Victoria, the Heart Foundation, the Cure Cancer Australia foundation, the Royal Australian college of Physicians, the Georgian National Scientific Foundation and the MRC New Zealand.
Prof. Scott has published over 200 articles and presented at more than 120 meetings throughout his career.

University of Newcastle, Australia.

The Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) is a joint venture between Hunter New England Health and the University of Newcastle in partnership with the community.

HMRI was established in 1998 to take advantage of the region’s strategic advances in health and medical research and biotechnology including the strengths of its founding institutions, the University of Newcastle and Hunter New England Health. It has grown to become one of the state’s leading health and medical research institutes, and the third largest medical research institute in NSW measured by peer reviewed grant income.

HMRI has more than 550 researchers employed by the University of Newcastle, Hunter New England Area Health Service and the Calvary Mater Newcastle Hospital working in seven research programs: Brain & Mental Health, Cancer, Cardiovascular Health, Health Behaviour & Public Health, Information Based Medicine, Pregnancy & Reproduction and Viruses, Infection / Immunity, Vaccines & Asthma (VIVA).

HMRI is a multi-campus institute with researchers spread across several sites. These include the University of Newcastle, John Hunter Hospital, the Royal Newcastle Centre, Calvary Mater Newcastle Hospital, David Maddison Building, James Fletcher Hospital, Wallsend Campus and Hunter Genetics.

The regional strategy of the HMRI Board is to consolidate these seven scattered locations into three neighbouring precincts – the University of Newcastle, Rankin Park Campus and the Calvary Mater Newcastle Hospital.

HMRI provides a focal point for the coordination of research strategy, resources and funding, attracting corporate investment in research and providing central resources for researchers. Importantly, HMRI has also improved training and employment opportunities and health care delivery within the Hunter Region and has attracted leading researchers and health care professionals to the region.

PROF. GEORGIA STEPHANOU

Professor in Genetics, Division of Genetics,
Cell and Developmental Biology,
Department of Biology,University of Patras,Patras, GREECE
E-mail: geosteph@biology.upatras.gr

About Prof. Stephanou

Prof. Georgia Stephanou, an outstanding scholar and academician and a renowned expert in the field of Genetics is presently working as Professor in Genetics in the Department of Biology at the University of Patras and Director of the Postgraduate Studies of the same Department.  

UNIVERSITY OF PATRAS
Department of Biology
Patras, GREECE

The Department of Biology of the University of Patras was established in the year 1967 and was the first Biology Department in Greek University System. The Department is housed in a new 4 storey modern building, covering an area of 25.000 m2. It has excellent research facilities and ample office and classroom space. It also has a library a computing centre and a lecture room. The Department has over 50 faculty members who are active researchers and their work is published in international scientific journals. Representative areas of their research include: Cell and Molecular biology, Development, Genetics, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Human Animal and Plant Physiology, Neuroscience, Marine Biology, Animal and Plant Ecology, Plant Morphology, Phytogeography, Plant Phylogeny, Systematic Botany, Zoology and Philosophy of life. The Department offers an undergraduate programme leading to specialization in the areas of Functional Biology and Ecology-Environmental Biology. It also offers a postgraduate programme covering the areas of Biological Technology and Ecology, Management and Protection of Natural Environment.

Professor of Genetics, Chairman, Department of Biological Sciences,
Head, Laboratory of Molecular and Medical Genetics, University of Cyprus,
Kallipoleos 75, 1678 Nicosia, Cyprus, Tel: +357-22-892882 (Mobile: +357-99-442042)
E-mail: Deltas@ucy.ac.cy,
Website: http://www.ucy.ac.cy/biology/staff/CDeltas/cdeltas.html

About Prof. Constantinos Deltas:

Professor Constantinos Deltas, an internationally reputed scientist and an expert in the field of Molecular Diagnostics and Human Genetics is presently working as Professor of Genetics in the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus and is the Head of the Laboratory of Molecular and Medical Genetics. Prof. Deltas is also holding the coveted post of the elected Chairman of the Department of Biological Sciences in the University of Cyprus.

Professor Constantinos Deltas is graduated in 1982 from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens with a degree in Pharmaceutics. He then earned a PhD degree in Biochemistry, from Rutgers University, The State University of New Jersey in the United States in 1988, for work he performed in the biochemistry and molecular biology of connective tissue disorders with emphasis on Osteogenesis Imperfecta, a collagen type 1 disorder. Between 1988-1990 be worked as Instructor in Medicine, Jefferson Institute of Molecular Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA, USA. He then worked as a Visiting Research Associate in the Division of Neurology at Duke University Medical Center, at Durham, North Carolina, USA. In 1991 he returned to his home country, Cyprus, recruited at the newly established Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics. He created and directed the Department of Molecular Genetics C’ with emphasis on molecular diagnostics and genetics research, mostly engaged in inherited kidney disorders.

In 2002 Prof. Deltas was elected Professor of Genetics in the newly created Department of Biological Sciences of the University of Cyprus. He is Head of the Laboratory of Molecular and Medical Genetics and elected Chairman of the Department. He teaches undergraduate and graduate courses on human molecular and medical genetics and he continues research in Nephrogenetics while he is developing tools for better understanding of molecular pathomechanisms at cellular and animal level. He also has interest in molecular epidemiology and the genetics of Cypriots, and he is preparing and maintaining the Genetic Map of Cyprus. His work has been reported in 74 original peer-reviewed publications in international journals and in additional review papers in local and international journals. As invited or distinguished speaker he lectured at international and local conferences as well as at Universities abroad while he served as a referee for many reputable peer-reviewed journals. His work was awarded first place awards seven times by the local Medical Associations in Cyprus. He is a member of the Cyprus National Bioethics Committee, a representative of Cyprus to the Standing Committee of the European Medical Research Council of the European Science Foundation and a Coordinator of the Committee of the Cyprus Council of the Recognition of Higher Education Qualifications (KY.S.A.T.S.), on the subject of Biology-Biochemistry.

The highlights of his past research projects were concerned with the molecular and medical genetics of numerous inherited conditions including Cystic Fibrosis and Familial Mediterranean Fever. His work was instrumental in showing that these two diseases were not rare among the Cypriot population. On the contrary, work from his laboratory showed that Cystic Fibrosis was very frequent especially in a village where the common mutation ΔF508 had a carrier frequency of 1/14, perhaps the highest worldwide, while dehydration was a prominent feature at presentation of patients in childhood. Similarly, Familial Mediterranean Fever was proved to be a frequent condition with a carrier frequency of 1/8 and reduced penetrance, which was previously misdiagnosed. The introduction of molecular testing and awareness programs raised the quality of service to the community.

In addition to the above, the main field of his research activities since 1991 has been the inherited kidney diseases. His laboratory was involved in the collaborations for the mapping and cloning of the PKD2 gene, which is mutated in Polycystic Kidney Disease type 2, with publications in Nature Genetics and Science. He was among the first to prove in human samples the two-hit hypothesis and the trans-heterozygous hypothesis for cyst formation in PKD2, reminiscent of the Knudson hypothesis and tumor formation process. He is presently involved with the development of cell and animal models for investigating the role of PKD2 gene in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease using various approaches including miRNA technology. His team in Cyprus was the first to map the MCKD1 gene, mutations in which are responsible for the adult autosomal dominant form of Medullary Cystic Kidney Disease, by investigating families from an area at the south/west part of the island. He is also investigating the genetics, primary genes involved and genetic modifiers in Thin Basement Membrane Nephropathy in conjunction with Familial Microscopic Hematuria and Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis. His work was instrumental in establishing a previously suspected link between Thin Basement Membrane Nephropathy and Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis, by studying a large number of Greek-Cypriot families among whom many patients satisfied a dual diagnosis, as a result of heterozygous collagen IV mutations. His future work aims at the development of cell and animal models for investigating the molecular pathomechanisms of renal impairment in glomerular basement membrane expressed collagen IV pathology.

Among all these he has always been interested in developing and applying molecular diagnostics tools for inherited kidney diseases as well as other conditions such as inherited thrombophilia, Alport Syndrome, Distal Renal Tubular Acidosis and Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma. His future dreams include the creation of a larger Research Unit with genomics and proteomics directions, with the use of human clinical material and animal models. In doing so, he maintains collaborations with major groups in Europe and the United States in order to transfer expertise and know-how from larger groups and laboratories.

 University of Cyprus,
Kallipoleos 75, 1678 Nicosia, Cyprus.

 The University of Cyprus was established in 1989 and accepted its first students in 1992. Admission to the University is highly sought, evidenced by the number and caliber of its applicants. The ratio of candidates to admissions is 10 to 1. The University was founded in response to the growing intellectual needs of the Cypriot people, and is well placed to fulfill the numerous aspirations of the country. The main objectives of the University of Cyprus are twofold: the promotion of scholarship and education through teaching and research, and the enhancement of the cultural, social and economic development of Cyprus. The University sets high standards for all branches of scholarship.

The University consists of 6 Faculties: Faculty of Social Sciences and Education (4 Departments), Faculty of Humanities (3 Departments and a Language Centre), Faculty of Letters (3 Departments and an Archaeological Research Unit), Faculty of Engineering (4 Departments), Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences (5 Departments), Faculty of Economics and Management (2 Departments and 2 Research Centres). Its objectives are the promotion of scholarship and education through teaching and research, and the enhancement of the cultural, social and economic development of Cyprus and its target is to become a centre of academic excellence for Cyprus and the Mediterranean region. The total number of students during the academic year 2007-2008 was 5322 enrolled in 73 graduate and 31 undergraduate programs (4103 undergraduate and 1219 graduate) and the total number of academic staff is around 300.

         The University of Cyprus has been participating actively in the SOCRATES/ERASMUS Program since 1998/99. For the period 1998-2008, 671 UCY students studied at partner Universities in Europe, whereas UCY has welcomed 307 incoming ERASMUS students. In addition, 87 members of its academic staff took part in teaching staff assignments. For the academic year 2007-2008 UCY had 155 Bilateral Agreements with European Universities in 21 countries within the framework of Erasmus Program. Moreover, within the framework of Networks of Excellence, Thematic Networks and Marie-Curie projects UCY has hosted a number of academics, young researchers and students. It is also participating in other SOCRATES Actions (Accompanying Measures, Lingua, Comenius, Grundtvig etc), the 7^th Framework Program ERASMUS MUNDUS, LEONARDO DA VINCI and Culture 2000. It also has Agreements of Cooperation with around 60 Universities in Europe, the USA, Australia and Asia. One major activity within these agreements is the mobility of students and staff. UCY is a member of the Network of the Universities from the Capitals of Europe (UNICA), the Association of European Universities (EUA), the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), the Community of Mediterranean Universities (CMU), LEO-NET and more recently the Santander Group. It has also close links with UNESCO, the Council of Europe, CEPES and ACA.

         As far as the research is concerned the number of contracts for projects in 2006 was 319 with a total funding of 12.663.000 Euro and in 2007, 338, with a total funding of 13.154.000 Euro. This numbers show the emphasis given by UCY to its research activities. For the period 2002-2004 the annual average of publications per faculty member was 3,53, which places UCY among the very productive research institutions. Further more, during the first call for Starting Grants of the European Research Council in 2008, the University had 4 proposals that succeeded during the first stage of evaluation and placed in a short list of 555, out of a total of 9.167 submitted. In the final evaluation process the University of Cyprus received funding for two projects. With this success Cyprus as a country ranked first in Europe in terms of success per thousand inhabitants.

         The University of Cyprus has recently received the Royal Award for Sustainable Technology Transfer, an initiative of the European Environment Agency, for work of one of its Professors in the Department of Chemistry.

Professor Alan Carr

Professor of Clinical Psychology,
University College Dublin, Ireland

About Professor Alan Carr:

Professor Alan Carr, BA, MA, PhD, Reg Psychol FPsSI, C Psychol AFBPsS, Reg FT (FTNI), ECP a reputed and outstanding expert in field of Psychology and Psychological Disorders currently holds a personal chair in clinical psychology at University College Dublin (UCD), where he is director of clinical psychology training. 

Professor Carr also has a clinical practice at the Clanwilliam Institute, Dublin. The Clanwilliam Institute is the oldest marital and family therapy institute in Ireland. He is a Registered Psychologist and a Fellow of the Psychological Society of Ireland. He is also a Chartered Clinical Psychologist and an Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society.  Professor Carr is a Registered family Therapist with the Family Therapy Network of Ireland and an associate editor of the UK-based Journal of Family Therapy. He received the Award of Special Merit from the Psychological Society of Ireland in 2001 for his contribution to the development of clinical psychology training and research.

Over the past 30 years Professor Carr has worked in the fields of clinical psychology and family therapy in Ireland, Canada and the UK. In 2005 he was a visiting professor at the University of Aarhus.

Professor Carr has produced 21 books, 241 papers and book chapters, and 142 conference presentations in the areas of clinical psychology and family therapy. His books, which have had significant international impact, have sold over 25,000 copies; two have been published in second editions; and five have been translated into other languages including Chinese, Korean, Polish and Spanish.

In the field of clinical psychology three handbooks represent his major contribution. These are: The Handbook of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology: A Contextual Approach (Routledge. 1999 and 2006). The Handbook of Adult Clinical Psychology: An Evidence Based Practice Approach (Routledge, 2006, with M. McNulty), and The Handbook of Clinical Psychology and Intellectual Disability (Routledge, 2007, with G. O’Reilly, P. Walsh and J. McEvoy). Collectively they cover much of the core academic syllabus for doctoral level training in clinical psychology practice and research in the UK and Ireland. They are used as textbooks on a number of clinical psychology training programmes in the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the USA.

In the field of family therapy, Professor Carr is best known for his text on family therapy: Family Therapy: Concepts, Process and Practice (Wiley, 2000 and 2006). This volume provides a critical overview of prominent theories of family therapy, a review of the evidence-base for systemic practice, and in light of this, proposes an integrative model for practice, which is distinctive and original.

Evidence-based practice in the provision of mental health services is a central theme of Professor Carr’s clinical and academic work and is exemplified by his recent critical review of the evidence base for psychotherapy:  What Works With Children Adolescents and Adult? A Review of Research on The Effectiveness of Psychotherapy (Routledge, 2008). This volume reviews scientific evidence for the effectiveness of psychological interventions in the fields of child, adolescent and adult mental health and also in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities. It addresses, in a critical way, key issues in the area of evidence-based practice including evidence for the role of specific and common factors in psychotherapy, and the implications of the psychotherapy evidence-base for policy development as well as research and practice.

With colleagues and postgraduates, Professor Carr has conducted a series of empirical studies on various aspects of the profession of clinical psychology in the Irish heath service, and on various patient groups to whom clinical psychologists provide services. Peer reviewed international journal articles describing this work have been brought together in five volumes in the Clinical Psychology In Ireland series published by Edwin Mellen Press and edited by Professor Carr. These are: Volume 1. Empirical Studies of Professional Practice, Volume 2. Empirical Studies of Problems and Treatment Processes in Adults, Volume 3. Empirical Studies of Problems and Treatment Processes in Children and Adolescents, Volume 4. Family Therapy Theory, Practice and Research and Volume 5: Empirical Studies of Child Sexual Abuse (with G. O’Reilly).

At a national level, Professor Carr has produced a number of major reports describing reviews of psychological services, or literature relevant to the provision of psychological services within an Irish context. These reports have contributed to the expansion and refinement of psychological services in Ireland. They include: The Effectiveness of Psychotherapy. A Review of Research prepared for the Irish Council for Psychotherapy, The Clonmel Project. Mental Health Service Needs of Children and Adolescents in the South East of Ireland: Final Report (with M. Martin, L. Burke, L. Carroll, L. & S. Byrne); The Psychological Effects in Adulthood of Institutional Living. Report prepared for the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse, and An Independent Evaluation of the Irish Prison Service Sexual Offender Intervention Programme (with G. O’Reilly).

Professor Carr established one of the first doctoral level programmes in clinical psychology in the Republic of Ireland at UCD. He has also supported the development of other similar programmes and played a role in their accreditation by sitting on accreditation panels for the Psychological Society of Ireland.

Professor Carr has held numerous research grants from a variety of health and social service funding agencies. He has also co-ordinated a sponsorship programme involving Irish Health Boards and agencies which since 1997 has supported the training of over 50 doctoral students in clinical psychology and involved funding of over *9 million.

University College Dublin, Ireland

UCD traces its origins to the Catholic University of Ireland founded in 1854 by Cardinal John Henry Newman. Newman was author of the celebrated The Idea of a University. The university was established as UCD in 1880 under the auspices of the Royal University, and received its charter in 1908. Originally located in Dublin city centre, since the 1960s UCD has gradually been relocated to a 365 acre leafy park campus at Belfield, four kilometres to the south of the centre of Dublin city.

UCD has played a central role in Ireland's advancement as a dynamic and successful European state and has established a long and distinguished tradition of service to scholarship and the community. Among its most accomplished alumni and faculty are four of the eight former presidents of Ireland and five of the ten former prime ministers. Examples of other well known UCD alumni include writers such as James Joyce, Gerard Manley Hopkins, Flann O'Brien, Joseph Skelly and Roddy Doyle; actors including Dermot Morgan, Gabriel Byrne and Brendan Gleeson; film directors, notably, Neil Jordan and Jim Sheridan;  businessmen, for example, Tony O'Reilly and Denis O'Brien; and sportspeople such as Brian O'Driscoll and Michelle Smith.

UCD is consistently ranked as one of the two best universities in the Republic of Ireland. In 2008 the Times Higher Education Supplement ranked UCD 108 in the world and its global Shanghai Jiao Tong University Ranking was 301-400. UCD attracts students from throughout Ireland as well as international students from over 50 countries. Currently over 22,000 students are enrolled at UCD. The University is a leading research centre within Ireland and has a research community of approximately one thousand faculty members, one thousand postdoctoral researchers and two thousand PhD students.

UCD consists of five colleges, their 35 associated undergraduate schools, five postgraduate schools, and eighteen research institutes and centres. The five colleges are: Arts and Celtic Studies; Business and Law; Engineering, Mathematical and Physical Sciences; Human Sciences; and Life sciences.

The University has modern buildings and first-class academic and sporting facilities. It has a busy extracurricular life and students are encouraged to become actively involved in the wide range of social, cultural and sporting activities available. UCD also has comprehensive student support services, including a student health centre, student advisors, counselling, and careers advisory facilities. Student accommodation is available for 2000 students and assistance is provided by UCD's International Office to international students who seek off-campus accommodation. Student health, welfare and counselling services are second-to none and there are also superb opportunities for sports and recreation.

UCD has extensive facilities to support teaching and learning including well-resourced libraries and computing facilities. As the university rapidly moves forward in the e-learning arena, an increasing number of resources to support learning and research are electronically available, both on- and off-campus.

UCD today is a research-intensive university, which has the twin aims of advancing knowledge through cutting-edge research and disseminating knowledge through excellence in teaching.

UCD and its faculty are members of many international research and university networks including Universities 21, an international group of 21 leading research-intensive universities in thirteen countries. The University maintains an active programme of exchange possibilities worldwide, which enables students to study in many different countries from around the world.

At the beginning of the 2005/2006 academic years UCD introduced the Horizons curriculum, which completely semesterised and modularised all undergraduate programmes for incoming first years. Previously, new students chose from a specific set of subjects in their individual programmes. Under the Horizons curriculum, new undergraduate students have greater choice in what exactly they study in their programme. Now students choose ten modules from their specific subject area and two other modules, which can be chosen from any other programme across the entire University.

In April 2006, UCD announced an ambitious building and redevelopment plan of its Belfield campus. The new developments include the redevelopment and expansion of the Newman Building, the James Joyce Library, the Science Complex, and an extension to the Student Centre so it will include a new swimming pool, debating chamber and theatre. In addition a new Gateway centre will be built at the north end and main entrance to the Belfield campus that will include a welcome centre, an art house cinema, an exhibition centre, hotel and conference facilities, office space for campus companies, some retail space and new student residences with space for an extra 3,000 students.

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR DIANNE WYNADEN RN, PhD

About Prof. Dianne Wynaden:

Prof. Dianne Wynaden, a scholar and an outstanding researcher in the field of Mental Health is presently working as Associate Professor (Mental Health) and Director Research and Development at the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Curtin University of Technology in Western Australia.

Associate Professor Dianne Wynaden was born in Australia in 1953. She is married and has two daughters who are 30 and 27 years of age. Dianne is a registered general and mental health nurse and holds a Masters Degree in the area of Health Sciences. In 2003 she completed a PhD receiving a Chancellor’s commendation for the standard and quality of her thesis. For the last 30 years Dianne has been committed to the area of mental health seeking to improve health care delivery and health outcomes in this important area at an individual, family and community level.

Associate Professor Wynaden has attracted over A $400,000 in research grants, A$1.5 million in educational grants and currently has A$3 million worth of research grants under review by Australian national competitive funding bodies. She has presented at over 30 conferences with many of these being invited presentations. She is on the Editorial Board of three scholarly journals, is a grant reviewer for several national /international grant review boards, is a reviewer for four scholarly journals and she has published over 30 peer reviewed scholarly articles in the health literature.

In 2001 along with Drs Orb and Eisenhaur she was awarded by Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Indianapolis, IN. 46202 USA - the 36th Biennial Convention/Best of Journal of Nursing Scholarship -Professional and Society - best article published in journal in 2001. The article was titled "Ethics in Qualitative Research" and has been quoted extensively in the benchmark work in Qualitative research: Streubert Speziale, H., & Carpenter, D. (2003). Qualitative research in nursing, Advancing the humanistic imperative (3rd ed.) Philadelphia: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins. A reprint of this article with complete citation was also requested from the Georgetown University Joseph and Rose Kennedy Institute of Ethics International Reference Centre for Bioethics Literature Washington DC.

In 2005, Associate Professor Wynaden, was awarded a Leadership Recognition Award for her contribution to the profession of nursing by the Western Australian Chief Nursing Officer. She is an active member of the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses and is a member of the Australian Mental Health Nursing Research Network Group. Professor Wynaden is currently supervising four PhD students and one masters by thesis student and is currently negotiating with another PhD international student from Thailand. She has expertise in both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. She was also a recent member of the Expert Reference Group who evaluated the mental health content within undergraduate nursing curriculum. This group reported to the Australian and New Zealand Council of Deans of Nursing and Midwifery and the Mental Health Taskforce set up under the Australian National Mental Health Strategy.

Associate Professor Wynaden has an extensive track record in completing health service research, which has an emphasis on developing research capacity in clinicians. This has facilitated the ability of nurses to complete research that promotes best practice outcomes for health consumers. Her areas of research interest are around mental health issues in the general health care system, particularly the emergency department, Indigenous mental health issues, psychiatric intensive care units, mental health issues within the justice system and acute community mental health care delivery. She has a particular interest in working with patients who have a psychosis and about promoting the physical health of psychiatric patients.

She is currently completing a large cross jurisdictional data linkage project that will compare the health care careers of 6000 people identified with a mental illness with a random sample of people from the electoral role who do not have a mental illness. The findings will assist in developing improved services for to promote physical health outcomes for people who have a mental illness as well as appropriate models of service delivery for this population of patients.

Associate Professor Wynaden is a named chief investigator on a A $2.5 million Australian Government capacity building grant currently under current review. If successful the research group will use the money to focus on improving Indigenous mental health outcomes at a national and international level. Indigenous mental health care is a neglected area in Australia with many Indigenous Australian having health care outcomes that equate with those found in under developed countries. The grant application aims to build the research capacity of Indigenous and non- Indigenous researchers in this important area. The outcomes will have significance at both a national and international level facilitating increased international collaboration and research in this important area.

Since 2003 Associate Professor Wynaden has held the position of Associate Professor (Mental Health) and Director Research and Development at the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Curtin University of Technology in Western Australia. During that time the research outcomes at the School have increased dramatically and the School is now well recognised within the community as making valuable contributions to health outcomes through quality research programs. Associate Professor Wynaden is also a member of the Curtin University of Technology Human Research Ethics Committee and makes a valuable contribution to this Committee within the university community.

Associate Professor Wynaden is committed to improving the lives of vulnerable groups within society. Her work to promote the profession of mental health nursing is central to improvements in care for these groups of people. She works with clinicians, students and younger academics to ensure that mental health is well integrated into all units within nursing curricula and that when all nurses graduate from Curtin University of Technology that they are able to delivery appropriate care to people who have a mental illness.

Associate Professor Wynaden, has been selected by the World Scientists Forum for “Eminent Scientist of the year 2008” International Award in the field of Nursing and Mental Health based on her academic and research excellence in mental health.

Curtin University of Technology
GPO Box U 1987, Perth, WA 6845,Western Australia, Australia.

Curtin University of Technology (Curtin) in Perth, Western Australia is a multi-campus university founded as the Western Australian Institute of Technology (WAIT) in 1967. Curtin gained university status in 1987. Curtin's teaching and research is grouped into five faculties: Centre for Aboriginal Studies, Curtin Business School, Faculty of Health Sciences, Faculty of Humanities and Faculty of Science and Engineering. These faculties are further divided into schools, departments and centres, which are the basic operational units of the University. Teaching and research activities are supported by the Vice-Chancellory. Courses are delivered at several campuses and education centres throughout Western Australia, and in eleven different countries, as well as a host of international partner institutions, throughout the world.

 Curtin is a large comprehensive and research-intensive university with a strong international focus on all its activities. Curtin is Australia’s fifth largest university and third largest enroller of international students with over 17000 international students enrolled (42000 students over all).

Curtin offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in business, humanities, health sciences, resources, engineering and related sciences. We are also recognised for high impact research across five defined and distinct areas of focus:

§     Resources and energy
§     Health §     ICT and emerging technologies
§     Growth and prosperity
§     Environmental change and sustainability

Curtin has close links with corporate business, industry, government and the community and our courses have a strong practical focus, with most involving vocational or work experience components. As a result, Curtin graduates are job-ready and prepared, with skills that enable them to make a genuine and positive influence in a continuously changing world.

Curtin is widely recognised for the practical and applied nature of our courses, which equip graduates with essential skills through exposure to industry and business, and Curtin’s research, which focuses on solving real world problems. This combination enables Curtin graduates to be effective in the workplace immediately upon graduation.

As part of this approach, Curtin has always fostered successful partnerships with industry, business and government to enhance the quality of our scholarship, teaching and research. Curtin will continue to develop existing partnerships and to establish new ones in areas relevant to the University’s research and teaching.
Curtin is a vibrant international institution with an exciting future