Each May, a group of international experts assembles in Greece to hold a symposium dedicated to finding a rational cure for the rare condition Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH).  This meeting is called the Nikolas Symposium and is named after a young man, Nikolas, who is afflicted by LCH (http://www.niksym.org/). These symposia are held in a setting conducive to the open presentation of cutting edge ideas and data, along with scientifically rigorous dialogue.

One to two young investigators are selected annually to receive a travel award to support their attendance at the meeting and to allow them to present their work on LCH.  Funds available through this fellowship cover the costs of airfare, taxi in Greece, lodging and meals during the meeting. This year, the travel award has been named in memory of Dr. Jon Pritchard, one of the physicians who cared for Nikolas. Dr. Pritchard was a pioneer in LCH research and a caring clinician who provided expert care for patients with the histiocytic disorders and cancer. The Pritchard awards will be selected by a designated committee, following a review of applications.

Who should apply:  Anyone interested in basic or translational studies of the histiocytic syndromes may apply. This also includes research on dendritic cells or macrophage biology.

How to apply:  Interested applicants should send a cover letter, curriculum vitae (not more than 3 pages in length) and a Pritchard Award application.  There is no specific Application form. Rather, candidates should include a summary of their past and ongoing work focusing on its relevance to histiocytosis.  The length, including references, must be no longer than 2 single-spaced 8x11 inch pages using a font size of 12 and margins of 1 inch.  They should be submitted as Microsoft Word (.doc) or pdf files.

Where and when to send applications: 

Applications should be sent by email to:  Dr. Kim E. Nichols, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, nicholsk@email.chop.edu. Applications must be received no later than February 1, 2008.

An MS Word version of this notice may be downloaded here.