Overview
The Scientist Teaching Exchange Program (STEP) is an international academic initiative established by the Hellenic Bioscientific Association (HBA). STEP promotes educational exchange and transatlantic scientific collaboration by supporting short-term teaching visits of distinguished scientists from U.S.-based universities and research institutions to academic and research centers in Greece and Cyprus.
The program strengthens ties between the Greek scientific diaspora and academic communities in Greece and Cyprus, fostering knowledge transfer, mentorship, and sustainable research partnerships.
Program Objectives
STEP is designed to:
- Transfer cutting-edge scientific knowledge and methodological expertise to students and early-career researchers.
- Foster meaningful dialogue between U.S.-based Greek diaspora scientists and institutions in Greece and Cyprus.
- Catalyze long-term collaborations between laboratories and research groups across the Atlantic.
- Promote institutional partnerships and strategic academic networking.
Program Structure
STEP supports short-term teaching engagements delivered by senior-level scientists. These may include:
- Lecture series
- Specialized seminars
- Interactive workshops
- Intensive mini-courses
- Hybrid formats combining in-person and virtual sessions
Teaching content may be tailored to undergraduate or postgraduate audiences, based on host institution needs.
Host universities and research centers in Greece and Cyprus may also nominate distinguished scientists from U.S.-based institutions whose expertise aligns with institutional priorities or emerging scientific areas.
Eligibility Criteria
Participating scientists must demonstrate:
- A strong academic and research track record
- A substantial portfolio of peer-reviewed publications
- Recognized scientific impact and leadership within their field
- HBA-USA member
All applications are reviewed by HBA for eligibility and scientific merit. Eligible applications are shared with participating academic institutions.
Final decisions regarding invitations are made by the host institutions. The visiting scientist and host faculty collaboratively determine the course structure, schedule, and content.
HBA Support
HBA supports STEP by:
- 1. Facilitating matching between visiting scientists and host institutions
- 2. Providing financial support of up to $1,000 per visit
Broader Impact
Beyond its core educational mission, STEP seeks to:
- Encourage research network development
- Promote joint publications and collaborative grant proposals
- Support co-mentorship initiatives
- Enable institutional partnerships (e.g., joint programs, exchanges, symposia)
- Offer international teaching exposure to early-career researchers pairing with senior investigators
Through sustained academic engagement, STEP enhances the international visibility and impact of the Greek and Cypriot scientific communities.
Application Materials
Applicants must submit:
- Letter of interest for STEP program:
- Description of the visit (duration and format)
- Proposed host institution and department.
- Limit 1 page.
- Curriculum Vitae of the visiting scientist
- Brief statement outlining proposed teaching/research objectives
- Letter of invitation or formal support from the host institution