The Biophysical Society provides Travel Awards to the Society's Annual Meeting for members who are students, postdoctoral researchers, and scientists of all career levels to recognize excellence in biophysics and promote greater interaction among biophysicists throughout the world. Applicants' work is evaluated on the scientific merit of the research represented in their abstracts, and judging is done by the Society's committees, including the Committee for Inclusion and Diversity (CID), the Committee for Professional Opportunities for Women (CPOW), the Education Committee, and the Membership Committee, to ensure that the final recipients reflect the diversity of Society membership. Those from communities underrepresented in science are encouraged to apply.
Applicants must have submitted an abstract for presentation in a poster or platform session. Speakers in symposia, workshops, and subgroup symposia are not eligible for travel award funding. Specific eligibility requirements are listed below. Awards range in size, depending on travel distance to the Annual Meeting, up to a maximum of $750.
Travel Awards Application Deadline is October 5, 2019, 11:59 PM EDT
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Undergraduate Students (bachelor's/baccalaureate)
- Applicant must be a member of the Biophysical Society with 2020 dues paid by the abstract deadline, October 1, 2019.
- Applicants must be presenting author on an abstract in a poster or platform session at the Annual Meeting. The abstract must be submitted by October 1, 2019.
- The applicant must not have received a Travel Award from the Biophysical Society the previous year.
- A copy of the abstract submitted for presentation at the Annual Meeting.
- Your curriculum vitae (no more than two pages).
- A signed letter of recommendation, on departmental letterhead, from your research advisor or a mentor who knows you and your research well. The recommender should answer the following questions:
- How long and in what role(s) have you known the applicant?
- How would participation in this meeting contribute to the applicant’s career development? Why is attending this meeting important for the applicant?
- Name two or three strengths you appreciate in this applicant.
- List of courses completed or in progress.
- Answers to online application questions:
- Do you belong to an underrepresented group? Please explain:
- Gender (Male, Female, Non-Binary, Prefer Not to Indicate)
- Are/were you a first-generation university student?
- Do you have any extenuating circumstances the reviewers should be aware of?
In answering the following questions, please consider that your audience will be composed of biophysicists who may be outside of your field.
- What is the long-range goal of your research?
- What is the significance of your research? (Limit 100 words)
- What is the most novel aspect of your research?
- Explain your role in the research project.
- Why is it important for you to receive a travel award to attend the Annual Meeting?
Graduate (PhD and/or master's) students
- Applicant must be a member of the Biophysical Society with 2020 dues paid by the abstract deadline, October 1, 2019.
- Applicants must be presenting author on an abstract in a poster or platform session at the Annual Meeting. The abstract must be submitted by October 1, 2019.
- The applicant must not have received a Travel Award from the Biophysical Society the previous year.
- A copy of the abstract submitted for presentation at the Annual Meeting.
- Your curriculum vitae (no more than two pages).
- A signed letter of recommendation, on departmental letterhead, from your research advisor or a mentor who knows you and your research well. The recommender should answer the following questions:
- How long and in what role(s) have you known the applicant?
- How would participation in this meeting contribute to the applicant’s career development? Why is attending this meeting important for the applicant?
- Name two or three strengths you appreciate in this applicant.
- List of courses completed or in progress.
- Answers to online application questions:
- Do you belong to an underrepresented group? Please explain:
- Gender (Male, Female, Non-Binary, Prefer Not to Indicate)
- Are/were you a first-generation university student?
- Do you have any extenuating circumstances the reviewers should be aware of?
In answering the following questions, please consider that your audience will be composed of biophysicists who may be outside of your field.
- What is the long-range goal of your research?
- What is the significance of your research? (Limit 100 words)
- What is the most novel aspect of your research?
- Explain your role in the research project.
- Why is it important for you to receive a travel award to attend the Annual Meeting?
Scientists within 10 professional years of terminal degree
- Applicant must be a member of the Biophysical Society with 2020 dues paid by the abstract deadline, October 1, 2019.
- Applicants must be presenting author on an abstract in a poster or platform session at the Annual Meeting. The abstract must be submitted by October 1, 2019.
- The applicant must not have received a Travel Award from the Biophysical Society the previous year.
- A copy of the abstract submitted for presentation at the Annual Meeting.
- Applicant's curriculum vitae (no more than two pages).
- Answers to online application questions:
- Do you belong to an underrepresented group? Please explain:
- Gender (Male, Female, Non-Binary, Prefer Not to Indicate)
- Are/were you a first-generation university student?
- Do you have any extenuating circumstances the reviewers should be aware of?
In answering the following questions, please consider that your audience will be composed of biophysicists who may be outside of your field.
- What is the long-range goal of your research?
- What is the significance of your research?
- What is the most novel aspect of your research?
- Explain your role in the research project.
- Why is it important for you to receive a travel award to attend the Annual Meeting?
- (Optional) A signed letter of recommendation, on departmental letterhead, from a colleague or a mentor who knows you and your research well. The recommender should answer the following questions:
- How long and in what role(s) have you known the applicant?
- How would participation in this meeting contribute to the applicant’s career development? Why is attending this meeting important for the applicant?
- Name two or three strengths you appreciate in this applicant.
Scientists 10+ professional years beyond terminal degree
- Applicant must be a member of the Biophysical Society with 2020 dues paid by the abstract deadline, October 1, 2019.
- Applicants must be presenting or senior author on an abstract in a poster or platform session at the Annual Meeting. The abstract must be submitted by October 1, 2019.
- The applicant must not have received a Travel Award from the Biophysical Society the previous year.
- A copy of the abstract submitted for presentation at the Annual Meeting.
- Applicant's curriculum vitae (no more than two pages).
- Answers to online application questions:
- Do you belong to an underrepresented group? If yes, please explain:
- Gender (Male, Female, Non-Binary, Prefer Not to Indicate)
- Are/were you a first-generation university student?
- Do you have any extenuating circumstances the reviewers should be aware of?
In answering the following questions, please consider that your audience will be composed of biophysicists who may be outside of your field.
- What is the long-range goal of your research?
- What is the significance of your research?
- What is the most novel aspect of your research? -Explain your role in the research project.
- Why is it important for you to receive a travel award to attend the Annual Meeting?
Bridging Funds
- Applicant must be a Regular member of the Biophysical Society with 2020 dues paid by the abstract deadline, October 1, 2019. Applicant must be the presenting or senior author on an abstract submitted for the Annual Meeting.
- Applicant must be actively seeking funding.
- A cover letter and a brief biosketch (NIH or NSF format).
- A letter from applicant's department chair regarding his/her financial need to attend the Annual Meeting and indicating that the applicant is actively seeking funding.
- A copy of the abstract submitted for presentation at the Annual Meeting.
- A copy of the applicant's CV.
Please note that because this is a travel award, the awardee must be present at the Annual Meeting in order to receive his or her award.
For questions regarding the Bridging Funds, please contact the Society.