It is my privilege to announce two new SVP programs designed to serve vertebrate paleontology in developing nations:

Program for Scientists from Economically Developing NationsA program designed to enable scientists from nations with developing economies to present research at the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology (SVP) Annual Meeting.  There will be at least one award granted in 2009.

The program will be managed by the new Program for Scientists from Economically Developing Nations Committee, chaired by Nancy Stevens, with members: Larry Flynn,Eva Koppelhus, Octavio Mateus, Sifa Ngasala (student member) and Anne Schulp.  Read more about the program.

Institutional Membership: A Program for Institutions of Economically Developing NationsThis program is established to promote access by scientists and students to the scientific activities of the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology.  The program is particularly intended for those who are based at institutions with limited funds and therefore limited opportunity for membership in SVP. Institutions would be promoted by Society members for “Institutional Membership,” which would offer electronic access to the Society, gratis. 
The program will be managed by the Membership Committee, chaired by Larry Flynn. Read more about the program.

Blaire Van Valkenburgh
SVP President