StrategicInitiatives
The MSA Bold Strategic Initiative Funding Program Jay Jerome Chair of the Strategic Initiatives Review Committee
jay.jerome@
vumc.org
Abstract: A new program has been established by the Microscopy Society of America (MSA) to provide funding for bold, new, strategic initiatives that further the goals of the Microscopy Society of America and the fields of microscopy, microanalysis, and imaging in general. Three bold, new initiatives won initial funding for 2019: a proposal to fund an international micrograph competition, an initiative to set up an MSA Student Council web presence to host web events targeted to microscopy students and developing professionals, and a plan to provide a uniform template and hosting service for MSA Local Affili- ated Societies.
Keywords: Strategic initiative, imaging
funding, microscopy, microanalysis,
Introduction Te 75th anniversary of the Microscopy
Society of America (MSA) prompted reflection within the MSA Council on the past and future of MSA. One of the results of this analysis was the establishment in 2018 of a program to fund bold new initiatives in microscopy that enhance the society’s mission to “to promote and advance the techniques and applications of microscopy and microanalysis in all relevant scientific disciplines.” Funds dispersed through this new program are specifically designed to support new and novel initiatives.
The Application Process Te initial call for proposals went out in
August of 2018. Applicants were encouraged to target one or more of the strategic areas identi- fied by the MSA Council as areas of emphasis. For the 2018 application period (to be funded in 2019), those areas were defined as:
1. Novel initiatives that promote student involve- ment in microscopy.
2. MSA-branded dissemination of informa- tion regarding new advances in microscopy, microanalysis, and image analysis.
3. Enhancement of member benefits leading to retention of members.
4. Leadership training/mentorship to provide future leaders for MSA and the field of micros- copy.
5. Initiating or enhancing academic, govern- mental, and industrial partnerships (exclud- ing microscopy vendors and vendors of
38 Figure 1: Scoring sheet used by reviewers to critique the Strategic Initiatives proposals. doi:10.1017/S1551929519000671
www.microscopy-today.com • 2019 July
microscopy-related products) in microscopy application and development.
6. Collection, preservation, and dissemination of microscopy- related information (technical procedures, basic theories, scientific backgrounds, MSA archived material, etc.).
For the 2018 cycle, applicants could request up to $15,000
for one year of funding. Te application process required an application of no more than 3 pages describing the strategic ini- tiative and a detailed budget request. Applications were due by December 1, 2018. Te principal applicant was required to be an MSA member. Te applications were reviewed by a panel of MSA members with a breadth of experience within MSA as well
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