New Amgen Scholars Web site Launches to Build a Global Network for Future Scientists

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif., Dec. 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Each year, hundreds of undergraduate students from across the United States (U.S.) and Europe participate in the Amgen Scholars Program to gain hands-on laboratory experience under renowned faculty members at the world's leading universities. Now, the Amgen Scholars - past, present and future - will have exclusive access to the online Amgen Scholars Community at www.amgenscholars.com.

"The new Web site is designed to connect, engage and inspire Amgen Scholars on a global level by bringing together participants from diverse backgrounds and wide-ranging scientific career aspirations," said Jean J. Lim, president of the Amgen Foundation. "We hope that the online community will enrich the experience for all Amgen Scholars, not only during the program, but throughout their future careers in science."

The new Web site, launched in partnership with The Scientist, a leading life sciences magazine, allows current Amgen Scholars and alumni to login and access tools aimed at helping them build professional networks and read the latest science and career news. Through the use of interactive polls, message boards, personal profiles and blogs, users can discuss their participation in the program and various science-related topics such as graduate education and career paths in research. Others interested in the program can also view past participant and faculty mentor profiles and read excerpts of student blogs from the online community in the publicly-accessible section of the site.

2010 Amgen Scholars Program Applications Now Available

Established in 2006, Amgen Scholars is a $27.5 million initiative that provides undergraduates with the opportunity for hands-on research at some of the world's leading institutions. The opportunity to work with top academic scientists is a cornerstone of the program, with participating universities seeking to match students with faculty members who will both inspire and challenge them. In addition, the U.S. and Europe programs each host a three-day symposium allowing students to share their summer research projects and hear firsthand from leading industry and academic scientists.

To date, more than 800 undergraduates have participated in the Amgen Scholars Program. Considered among the most competitive summer research programs in the U.S., several Amgen Scholar alumni have gone on to pursue doctorates at leading universities with some being selected for premier fellowships including the Rhodes Scholarships.

In the U.S., the host universities are California Institute of Technology; Columbia University/Barnard College; Howard University; MIT; Stanford University; University of California, Berkeley; UCLA; University of California, San Diego; University of California, San Francisco; and University of Washington. In Europe, the participating universities are the University of Cambridge; Karolinska Institute; and Ludwig-Maximilians-University.

Financial support for students is a critical component of the U.S. and Europe programs, which aims to ensure that eligible students, regardless of their financial status, are able to participate. Please note that details vary by host university.

For more information about Amgen Scholars including eligibility criteria and applications, please visit www.amgenscholars.com.

About the Amgen Foundation

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 $130 million in grants to nonprofit organizations throughout the United States, Puerto Rico and Europe that impact society in inspiring and innovative ways, and those that provide disaster relief efforts internationally.

Contacts:
Kristen Davis, (805) 447-3008

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SOURCE Amgen

Kristen Davis of Amgen, +1-805-447-3008