MASC have launched a funding initiative that aims to support researchers whose funding has been removed at short notice.
These researchers may be unable to complete their research-project in their current (or previous) institution and so require help to finish this work.
Recently this situation has sadly been reported in many labs across the globe, including in Argentina and the USA.
Members of the MASC community have put themselves forward as a possible location for researchers in need.
These labs have indicated that they are able to provide at least bench-space and an IT connection to support these researchers.
The first phase of this project launches in late 2025 and includes the labs listed in the table below.
For more information about the MASC initiative download the original lab application information.
To apply to join one of these labs you will need to apply to the MASC Committee providing:
1. A Cover Letter that explains your situation
2. A Letter from your supervisor/PI explaining your situation from their perspective
3. A 2-page CV
The MASC Committee will evaluate applications and if appropriate, will contact the lab-head to ask if they might be willing to host the applicant.
MASC will then make the connection between host and applicant who can then discuss important details such as timing, funding and any VISA requirements.
In certain circumstances the MASC committee can provide up to $1000 to support the applicants travel and living costs.
Please make an application through the form included in the URL below (the form is hosted on the AAB website)
https://www.aab.org.uk/conferences/submit-an-application-for-masc-initiative
Table of Possible Host Labs
| Lab Head | Location and URL | Scientific Area | Support Available |
| Piers Hemsley | Dundee, UK | plant (membrane) protein biochemistry, receptor-kinase function, protein lipidation, biotechnology, chemical biology | bench space, consumables, access to equipment, mentoring |
| Cheng-Hsun Ho | Singapore | Biosensor development and application, Nutrient uptake and distribution, Abiotic Stresses. | Scholarship and/or dormitory |
| Detlef Weigel | Tuebingen, Germany | Genetic variation, evolution of the immune system, plant-microbe interactions | Lab space, IT access, stipend |
| Thorsten Hamann | Trondheim, Norway | cell wall biology | Lab space, IT, |
| Christa Testerink | Waginengen, The Netherlands | abiotic stress | hosting PhD or post-docs for a short research visit |
| Nicholas Provart | Toronto, Canada | Plant Stress Biology, specifically drought stress | an offer lab space and some support for reagents |
| Sapienza Lab Plant Cell Biology (a) | Rome, Italy | Plant development | We can provide bench/office space and help with relocation to a new country. |
| Plant Cell Biology at Bio-Medico of Rome (b) | Rome, Italy | Plant Physiology and Molecular biology | We can provide bench/office space and help with relocation to a new country. |
| Laura Ragni | University of Freiburg | Root development and root cell biology | Lab space and consumables |
(a)- Including the labs of Giovanna Serino, Sabrina Sabatini, Raffaele Dello Ioio, Paola Vittorioso; IBPM: Alice Pajoro, Giovanna Sessa, Monica Carabelli, Massimiliano Sassi
(b)- Including the labs of Alessandra Boccaccini, Sara Cimini, Vittoria Locato, Laura De Gara