DES PLAINES, IL (December 8, 2000) - The American Society of Safety Engineers Foundation (ASSEF) announced today a new research grant partnership with the American Industrial Hygiene Foundation (AIHF). Both foundations are now taking applications for the $12,000 grant that will be awarded to a safety and health researcher(s) exploring the issue of "Developing Future Safety Cultures in Industry." The focus is aimed at enhancing the occupational safety and health performance of managers, supervisors and employees.

      The award could be extended to $20,000 if the proposal approved by the Joint Research Committee proves to be exceptional. All research proposal applications are due by March 1, 2001. Applications for the grant should illustrate a proven history of effectiveness, measurability of results, efficient use of resources, a well-defined target population and should be easily transferred to other work environments. For further information on the grant or on the application process contact Mary Goranson, ASSEF manager at 847-699-2929 or by writing the ASSEF at 1800 East Oakton Street, Des Plaines, IL 60018. Information is also available at www.asse.org/foundat.htm or www.aiha.org/found.html.

      The ASSEF, through contributions from individual ASSE members, corporations, ASSE chapters, regions and divisions, is dedicated to supporting the advancement of the safety profession. The ASSEF works to protect the safety and health of the public worldwide through funding safety research and education; providing professional development and financial resources to individuals and non-profit organizations pursuing safety research and careers; advancing the safety profession through financial awards for scholarships, internships and fellowships; and towards developing accredited degree programs.

      The American Industrial Hygiene Foundation (AIHF) was established in 1981 as a not-for-profit organization dedicated to ensuring that there are enough highly trained, skilled industrial hygienists to continue to develop the science of industrial hygiene and protect workers at all levels of American industry. Support for AIHF has come from industrial hygienists and numerous corporations. Since its inception, the AIHF has awarded over $630,000 in scholarship monies to 44 different schools and universities studying industrial hygiene.