TWAS and the French Foundation for Rare Diseases (http://fondation-maladiesrares.org/international3) are opening a joint programme to support Mediterranean collaborative initiatives on rare disease research.

Under the first phase of this programme, researchers from North Africa and the wider Middle Eastern region are encouraged to initiate and/or strengthen cross-national cooperation in the field of rare diseases. Co-organization of such an event with French research teams is encouraged. In this case, the French Foundation for rare diseases can assist applicants from eligible countries in the identification of relevant French scientists and professionals. Contact: Estelle Chanudet-van den Brink, in charge of international scientific affairs: estelle.chanudet [at] fondation-maladiesrares.com.

Requests for further information can be directed to:

• TWAS: Maria Teresa Mahdavi: mahdavi [at] twas.org
• French Foundation for rare diseases: Estelle Chanudet-van den Brink: estelle.chanudet [at] fondation-maladiesrares.com

Proposals to host a direct collaborative intervention should be submitted by email to: mahdavi [at] twas.org

Deadline: 12 November 2013