The John Vane Academy
Greek Scientific Exchange Scheme
About the Scheme
This annual exchange scheme, organised and funded by the John Vane Academy, aims to more formally continue the scientific collaboration between researchers at the William Harvey Research Institute and laboratories in Greece, following in Sir John Vane's footsteps.
The successful applicants will spend up to three months gaining experience and learning techniques from researchers at their selected laboratory.
What is included?
Travel
Return airfare (London - Athens) as well as travel to and from the airports where possible. Reimbursement of any required visa costs will also be considered.
Accommodation
Your accommodation will be paid for during your stay of up to three months. Candidates will be asked to find appropriate accommodation and provide their estimated budget for consideration ahead of their visit. The exact amount will depend on the type of accommodation, which must be approved by the JVA Management Committee before booking.
Lab Consumables
A grant of up to £3,000 will be provided to the Principal Investigator(s) to support your research in their labs during your visit.
Please note that additional costs during your stay, e.g. meals and commuting, are not covered by this award. We advise that you discuss your plans with your institute to determine whether your current stipend or salary will continue to be paid whilst you are away and that you will be able to afford these types of expenses.
Eligibility
To be considered for this funding, you must:
- be a current member of the John Vane Academy (JVA)*
- be an early-career researcher** AND
- be primarily involved in one or more of the following fields of research: cardiovascular disease, inflammation or endocrine disorders (meeting WHRF’s charitable purpose to support medical research in these specific areas).
* JVA membership is free. For details, please visit the JVA membership page. The application form is available through the link at the bottom of the page.
** The JVA defines ‘early-career researchers’ as PhD students or postdoctoral scientists within eight years of the award of their PhD or primary medical degree (exclusive of significant career breaks).
More Information
We currently have contacts with the following institution who have expressed interest in hosting a visiting researcher:
National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
If you are eligible and would like to visit a lab in Athens in 2026/27, please send an expression of interest to the WHRF Programmes Manager, Mrs Amanda Craddock, at [email protected]. Please include the following, using no more than 1,000 words in total:
- The name of the institute and Principal Investigator for the lab you would like to join.
- How this visit would be beneficial for you and your research.
- How your work will further medical research in general.
- A short description of the planned research/training during the fellowship.
- Your preferred visit dates and any other information you would like the committee to consider at this stage (keep in mind that arrangements can often take a few months).
- A statement of support from your supervisor or line manager, confirming that they are supportive of this visit. Please attach to your email at the time of submission (this letter will not be included in the overall word count).
You are welcome to contact the hosting PI yourself but it is not required at this stage. The shortlisting committee will review all proposals and liaise with our contacts in Poland to determine whether your visit can be accommodated.
The successful applicant will be asked to provide a written account of their experience within three months of returning from the visit. This feedback will enable the JVA to share success stories and help shape future opportunities.
This bursary scheme is made possible by a generous donation from Nikki Vane.
Questions about this award can be sent to the WHRF Programmes Manager, Mrs Amanda Craddock, at [email protected].
