BACKGROUND

Established in 2019, IFBLS Britta Karlsson Advancement Program is an annual grant aimed to support IFBLS member associations, primarily from Low- and Middle-Income Economy countries (LMICs), to sponsor an international lecturer to travel and share their knowledge in a workshop or similar event as outlined in the criteria.

The program is funded by IFBLS’ Britta Karlsson Legacy fund, and up to two grants of $3,000 CAD each may be given annually.  

PURPOSE

• To promote the education and professional advancement of Biomedical Laboratory Scientists (BLS)
• To provide updated information for BLS in specialized fields (e.g. clinical chemistry, clinical microbiology, clinical hematology, clinical immunology, etc.)

PROGRAM CRITERIA

• Applications will only be accepted from IFBLS member associations.
• A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will be drafted between IFBLS and the member association.
• The member association will recommend experts within their region, particularly when there are restrictions for the lecturer to travel in the host country. IFBLS can recommend experts if need be.
• The member association will assist the lecturer in procuring a visa.
• The member association will ensure the safety and security of the lecturer.
• IFBLS will provide the airfare (lowest fare) for the lecturer from their home airport to the location of the workshop.
• Accommodations, ground transportation, and food are the responsibility of the member association.
• Credit hours or contact hours will be provided for the participants.

APPLICATION

• The IFBLS member association must complete the application form, with explanation of the need for the Britta Karlsson Advancement Program; the training needs of the members and available resources for the training.
• Applications should be submitted to the IFBLS office as soon as possible but a minimum of three months prior to the event.

SELECTION

• It is the right of IFBLS to choose which member association’s application(s) will be accepted.
• Priority will be given to members from Low- and Middle-Income economy countries.

PROGRAM CONTENT

• The program will consist of workshop training and/or lectures, or other formats considered relevant and suited for the program goals and purpose. Different platforms and tools may be used.

PROGRAM ARRANGEMENTS

• IFBLS will contribute to the program by way of providing funding to a maximum of $3,000 CAD.
• IFBLS will work with the local organizer if they need assistance.
• The local organizer will make all local arrangements as follows: provide the venue, meals and refreshments and all logistics for the program.
• The local organizer will advertise the program to potential local participants.
• The local organizer will be responsible for certificates of attendance, credit points and recognition by local authorities.

FINANCES

• The local organizer will set and collect the registration fees from participants.
• The local organizer will pay the local expenses associated with the program.
• The local organizer will be free to seek sponsorship from vendors of diagnostic products for the program.

The local organizer after the event will provide receipts for the expenses of the lecturer and IFBLS will make payment to the maximum of $3,000 CAD.

Please see the attached application for more detail.

Applications may be submitted to the IFBLS office This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..