Caltech Receives $1 Million Grant from Amgen Foundation to Support Undergraduate Research

Students will undertake research projects under the guidance of Caltech faculty in the fields of biology, bioengineering, and biomedical sciences. Participants will enhance their education, applying what they learn in the classroom to real-world problems. They will discover how knowledge is constructed and develop critical-thinking, analytical, and communication skills. They will attend scientific seminars and professional development workshops, and they will have the opportunity to take part in an annual midsummer, three-day symposium to discuss their research projects and hear firsthand from leading scientists in academia and industry.

"We are honored that the Amgen Foundation has chosen to include Caltech in its initial Amgen Scholars Program," said Caltech president Jean-Lou Chameau. "As a result of the Amgen Foundation's commitment to undergraduate research, we will be able to provide hands-on research experiences that we hope will encourage the pursuit of graduate training in the sciences and excite students about research and scientific careers."

The Amgen Scholars Program is a $25 million, eight-year initiative to provide research experience for students interested in pursuing a graduate degree and eventually, a career in science. The program includes partnerships with 10 of the nation's premier universities, six of which are located in California. For the first phase of the program, which extends through 2010, Caltech and the other nine universities each will receive $1 million over the next four years. Program participants will include students of the partnered universities as well as from other accredited four-year colleges and universities in the United States, Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories.

Financial support for students is a critical component of the program which will ensure that eligible students, regardless of their financial status, are able to participate. Students will receive a competitive stipend along with room, board, and a travel allowance, including travel to and from the university and symposium.

"At Amgen, we believe we have an important responsibility to inspire and prepare the next generation of scientists," said Jean Lim, president of the Amgen Foundation. "We believe our partnership with Caltech will provide students with a pivotal experience that will encourage them to pursue further education and training in the sciences. In California alone, we are partnering with six of the state's top universities, committing a total of $6 million over the next four years."

The nine other program partners include Columbia University/Barnard College; Howard University; Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Stanford University; University of California, Berkeley; University of California, Los Angeles; University of California, San Diego; University of California, San Francisco; and University of Washington.

The Amgen Foundation (www.amgen.com/citizenship/overview.html) seeks to advance science education; improve patient access to quality care; and strengthen the communities where Amgen staff members live and work. Since 1991, the foundation has made $70 million in grants to local, regional, and national nonprofit organizations that impact society in inspiring and innovative ways. It has also supported disaster relief efforts both domestically and internationally. For more information about Amgen Scholars, visit www.amgenscholars.com.

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Contact: Deborah Williams-Hedges (626) 395-3227 debwms@caltech.edu

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