The goals of these two programs are as follows:   

· Provide an opportunity for talented students from universities in Latin America and the Caribbean to work with Researchers at Microsoft Research in the Redmond Lab.

· Increase interaction between MSR Researchers in Redmond and faculty/students at Latin American and Caribbean universities.

· Provide internship opportunities and expose Latin American and Caribbean students to an industrial research setting and Microsoft.

· Identify potential candidates for future research opportunities at Microsoft.

For more information visit: http://research.microsoft.com/en-us/collaboration/global/latam/latam-awards.aspx

Nominee Criteria: 

· Preference will be given to students nominated by their universities. Students may also apply directly.

· Up to three (3) applicants per department for a total of nine (9) applicants per university will be accepted. Nominees may come from any of the following departments: Computer Science, Computer Engineering, and Electrical Engineering.

· You most probably may need to run an internal selection process before sending us the final three candidates from your department.

· Nominees should demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, high research potential, and interests relevant to information technology.

· Nominees are expected to demonstrate proficiency in English as we are unable to offer English as second language training during their visit to Redmond.

· The opening date for application submissions is Monday August 17^th, 2009. Nominees must complete an application form using our online tool  by Saturday, October 31^st, 2009. The online tool will not be available until Monday August 17^th, 2009. More information about how to access the online tool will be given at http://research.microsoft.com/en-us/collaboration/global/latam/latam-awards.aspx.

o The application must include a curriculum vita or resume (Word Docs, Text Files, and PDF). The documents may be uploaded separately by the student via the online application.

o Our online application will request three email addresses for letters of recommendation.  We will automatically solicit reference letters to add to the nominee's application.

o Fellowship applicants must be pursuing a PhD and include a thesis proposal with their application. Internship applicants can be pursuing either a masters or a PhD degree.

Any department chairs wishing to nominate students formally should contact us via email at latamint@microsoft.com .

Please send an e-mail including the following information:

University:
Department:
University contact name and e-mail:

Applicant:
Applicant's e-mail:
Nominated for Microsoft Research Fellowship, Internship, or both?
Applicant currently pursuing Masters or PhD?
Area of study (up to two):

Timeline:

· Opening date for Application Submissions: Monday August 17^th, 2009

· Nomination and application deadline:  Saturday October 31^st, 2009.

· All nominees will be reviewed and notified of our decision no later than Monday February 8^th, 2010. 

____________________________________________________________________________________

Additional Program Details: 

PhD Graduate Fellowship Program:   

· Two (2) fellowships will be awarded to the best and the brightest from the pool of PhD applicants from the participating universities in Latin America and the Caribbean.

· If selected for a fellowship, a student is automatically offered the opportunity to complete an internship at Microsoft Research in Redmond, Washington.

Latin American Internship Program: 

· Internships can occur at anytime during the year (with sufficient notice for visa processing).

· Internships are paid and typically last for 12 weeks.

· Assistance with visas, relocation, and housing are provided.

· Primary selection criteria are

o The inherent merits of the student

o A research project matching the interests of the nominee

o Interest from one of our researchers to act as a mentor for the nominee

· We strongly encourage the candidates to identify their preferred research area when submitting their application. For more information on current research areas at MSR please see: http://research.microsoft.com/apps/dp/areas.aspx

Please again remember the following: 

· Only three (3) nominees per department and up to nine (9) in total per school, for both programs (Fellowship + Internship).

· Each nominee must complete an application via the web tool to be considered.

· Nominees are not required to apply for both programs. 

If you need further assistance or clarification, please do not hesitate to contact us via email at latamint@microsoft.com .