A month and a half remains before the abstract submission and travel award applicationdeadlines for the Biophysical Society’s 62nd Annual Meeting, being held in San Francisco, California, February 17-21, 2018. If you are a student, postdoc, early or mid-career scientist looking for a little extra funding to attend the Annual Meeting, be sure to apply for a BPS Travel Award. Check out the FAQ below to learn more about the application process.
Q: What is the Travel Award application deadline?
A: The application deadline is October 4, 2017. Remember: You MUST submit an abstract by October 2 in order to be eligible for a Travel Award.
Q: Do I need to register for the meeting and submit my abstract prior to submitting the travel award application?
A: If you are applying for a travel award, you must be the presenting author on an abstract submitted by the October 2 abstract deadline (if applying for a mid-career CPOW or Bridging award, you may be presenting or senior author). You do not need to registerprior to submitting a travel award application. However, you will need to register for the meeting in order to attend.
Q: Can I submit any part of my application late?
A: No. ALL parts of your application are due by the October 4 deadline – including your letters of recommendation! Start asking your advisers for references now, and be sure to read each award’s description so you know exactly what is required.
Q: I think I’m qualified for multiple Travel Awards. Can I apply for more than one?
A: Yes, you can apply for multiple travel awards, as many as you are eligible for. However, you can only be selected to WIN one award.
Q: I am a co-author on an abstract, but not a presenting author. Can I apply for a Travel Award?
A: For all Education, CID, and International awards, you MUST be a presenting author on the abstract. If you are not a presenting author, your abstract will be marked as ineligible. This also applies to CPOW awards for postdocs. For mid-career CPOW awards and Bridging funds, you must be either presenting or senior author on a submitted abstract.
Q: My adviser would rather send the letter of recommendation directly to you. Where exactly should he/she send it?
A: Letters of recommendation can be emailed to [email protected].
Q: I am not a US citizen or permanent resident, but I am still a scientist from a group underrepresented in biophysics researching in the US. Why can’t I apply for the CID Travel Award?
A: Because the CID Travel Awards are funded by an NIH grant, only US citizens or permanent US residents are eligible. Please be sure to check out the Education and CPOW awards and Bridging Funds requirements to see if you qualify.
Q: I’m originally from outside the US, but I now live/research/study in the US. Am I eligible for an International Travel Award?
A: No, you are not eligible. You must be living and conducting research OUTSIDE of the US in order to qualify for an International Travel Award. If you live/work/study in the US, no matter your origins, you are not eligible for this award.
Q: I am currently a graduate student. However, by the time of the Annual Meeting I will be a postdoc. What award should I apply for?
A: You should apply for the awards that fit your career level as of October 4, 2017. In your case, you must apply as a graduate student.
Q: I am no longer a student or a postdoc. Am I eligible for a Travel Award?
A: CID, CPOW, and the International Relations Committee all offer travel awards for junior, senior, and/or mid-career scientists. Please check eligibility requirements online to see if you qualify for any of these awards. Additionally, Bridging Funds are available for independent or principal investigators who would normally attend the meeting but cannot due to lack of funding.
Q: If I do not receive a travel award to the Annual Meeting, may I receive a refund for my abstract submission and registration?
A: No, abstract submission fees are non-refundable. If you wish to retract your registration, you will be refunded the registration fee, less the $50 cancellation fee, if your request has been received by the January 15 deadline and you did not pay the combo fee.