The "Progetto Aita" association aims to support children and adolescents who are suffering from neurological and psychiatric diseases. "Aita" is a medieval Italian word for "help," and it refers to the assistance, cooperation, and commitment of our association toward improving the quality of life of children and adolescents, both when they are at home and during periods of hospitalization. "Progetto Aita" is primarily focused on improving the lives of children afflicted with significant, child-onset diseases, such as autism, depression, learning differences, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and epilepsy, all of which lead to considerable impairment in individual, familiar and social life experiences. 

Leaders of the AITA project, in collaboration with  University Sport Center Catania,  would like to select the first winner of the African Competition promoted by “Le Club Scientifique de la Faculté des Sciences Médicales et la  Faculté de Médecine de Sétif – Algérie”. The AITA award is intended for an African medical student or Young Physician who would benefit from spending one month at the medical school at Catania University to advance his or her research in the fields of child psychiatry or developmental neuroscience. The specific aim is to provide support for young and talented physician-scientists that have the potential to become outstanding independent investigators in the field of Medicine. The research should enhance international collaboration and harmonisation between Mediterranean cultures and training.

For 2008, the proposed research must focus on developing new knowledge. Proposed research must have intrinsic importance, but may also contain a component for permitting the applicant to learn the methodology, theory, and conceptualisations necessary for developing into an outstanding independent researcher. For this reason the award given by the AITA project is indented to support the young physician increasing number of training possibilities and experience.

- The competition is opened to all medical students and young researchers whose age will not exceed thirty five years by the 31st of March, 2008.

- The candidate must be showing a declaration of Good standing by National Authorities (including the University).

- Candidates must be African citizens or they must be coming from a Mediterranean country.

- For candidates who wish to present themselves as a group, a principal author must be nominated.

- The research work submitted to the reading panel cannot be returned to their authors.

- No distinction will be made between candidates on the basis of gender, ethnic origin, or religious or political beliefs.

- Selection will be made on the basis of the scientific evaluation of the application.

- One member of the AITA project will take part in the selection of the winner paper.

The award will be presented Monday, May 19, 2008 in celebration of the national day of students, organized under the high patronage by His Excellency President of the Algerian Republic, Mr. Abdelaziz Bouteflika.

1) The AITA project will provide a grant of 750 euros to support the young researcher during his/her period of training in Italy.

2) The AITA project will cover for the winner the travel costs for round trip travel to and from Catania.

3) The AITA project in collaboration with University Sport Centre Catania will arrange accommodations for the entirety of training. 

4) The AITA project will offer a free subscription to the international congress of neurosciences hold in Catania.

Funds will be available as of September 2008 and granted in one payment at the beginning of the Award period in Italy. The winner will have free access to teaching and training activities

Neither AITA project or the University Sport Centre of Catania guarantee any tax or permission/Italian VISA issue that may arise in the country of the candidate. In particular, the winner is responsible for any taxes assessed for the award. The AITA is an ONLUS association whose awards are not automatically endowed with particular tax privileges. It is the sole responsibility of the recipient of an award to pay a fee which may be levied upon him/her by the appropriate national authority.

In addition, the winner is not insured by the AITA project or University Sport Centre Catania against travel and working responsibilities, nor are they are insured for accidents during their travel to and from host institution. In their own interest, recipients of the award are, therefore, urged to make sure that they are fully covered by the necessary insurance.