To create comprehensive reference maps of all human cells—the fundamental units of life—as a basis for both understanding human health and diagnosing, monitoring, and treating disease.
Scholars at Risk
The Human Cell Atlas consortium is an Affiliate Member of Scholars at Risk, a US-based non-governmental organization that protects scholars facing grave threats to their lives, liberty, and well-being, in part by arranging short-term (typically 1-2 years) positions of sanctuary at institutions in its network.
HCA members who are interested in the possibility of hosting an at-risk scholar can register their interest through the HCA/SAR registry. No commitment is required to join the registry. Registered members would then receive notifications from the HCA Executive Office when an at-risk scholar in an HCA-relevant field is seeking assistance.
If a member is interested in serving as a host, the HCA Executive Office will connect them with the relevant program officer at SAR for further discussion. It is recommended that hosts identify a source of funding (departmental/institutional funds, a foundation partner, grant fund, etc.). More information on hosting scholars is available at https://www.scholarsatrisk.org/actions/host-a-scholar/.
SAR can also arrange remote fellowships for scholars who are unable to leave their country https://www.scholarsatrisk.org/remote-fellowships/.
Register your interest in potentially hosting an at-risk scholar
Hosting Resources
- SAR’s How to Host Handbook with guidance on every step of the hosting process, including a sample invitation letter and a hosting checklist.
- SAR’s How to Host Webinarthat covers hosting basics, including identifying a scholar, preparing for arrival, supporting a scholar during a visit, and roles of SAR/host campuses.
- SAR’s online scholar training modules on “Making the Most of a Placement” and “Planning for a Transition”
- You can learn more about the hosting experiences of our members (and their journey identifying funds for placements) in our Network Reflections here.
- Scholars Seeking Hosts webpage.
SAR contact: Chelsea Blackburn Cohen