UCSD Receives $1 Million from Amgen Foundation for Undergraduate Science Research Program
Amgen Foundation Partners With Six California Universities;
At UCSD, the Initiative Will be Managed by Academic Enrichment Programs

October 23, 2006

By David Artis and Michael Dabney

Under the Amgem Scholars Program, undergraduates will participate in research projects, scientific seminars and work under some of the nation’s top academic scientists.

The Amgen Foundation has announced its partnership with UCSD and nine other prestigious institutions of higher learning to provide hundreds of undergraduate students an opportunity to engage in a fully-funded, hands-on summer research experience.

Amgen Scholars is a $25 million, eight-year program that will provide research experience for students interested in pursuing a graduate degree and eventually, leadership positions in science. Six of the program’s ten university partners are located in California. For the first phase of the program, which extends through 2010, UCSD and the other nine universities will each receive $1 million over the next four years. Program participants will include the university’s own students as well as students from other accredited four-year colleges and universities in the United States, Puerto Rico and other U.S. Territories.

UCSD will support 30 Amgen Scholars each summer, pairing UCSD students with visiting undergraduate scholars from across the nation. Each student research team will work under the guidance of one of the university’s distinguished faculty members.

“It’s an honor to be selected by the Amgen Foundation to be part of this national initiative,” says Dr. David Artis, director of UCSD’s Academic Enrichment Programs, a Student Affairs unit. Artis, principal investigator of the San Diego Amgen Scholars program, notes: “In its relatively short existence, UCSD has been able to attract some of the most promising young scholars in the nation by providing undergraduates with research experiences that encourage their interest in science and further their knowledge of opportunities for advanced degrees and careers in science.” He says Amgen Scholars, “will gain fundamental research skills, learn more about the scientific discovery process, and have chances to network with peers and top scientists.”

AEP is well-suited to manage the Amgen Scholars grant. AEP programs facilitate research and training placements for undergraduates in all fields. They enhance students’ competitiveness for admission to selective Ph.D., medical, and other advanced degree programs by providing them the experience of conducting faculty-mentored research and of presenting research findings at local, regional, and national research conferences.

Students will participate in research projects, scientific seminars and work under some of the nation’s top academic scientists. All participating scholars also will have the opportunity to take part in an annual mid-summer, three-day symposium in California. Students will have the chance to discuss their research projects and hear firsthand from leading scientists from industry and academia.

Financial support for students is a critical component of the program, and thus 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, Amgen Foundation. “We believe our partnership with UC San Diego 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 California Institute of Technology; 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 Francisco; and University of Washington.

For more information about Amgen Scholars, please visit www.amgenscholars.com

Media Contacts:

Michael Dabney, (858) 822-0566
David Artis, (858) 822-4161