International Travel Fund

Status: 2013 application process is NOW CLOSED.
Deadline: Applications must be submitted, per instructions below, by January 7, 2013.
Award Amount: One award of $2,000
Notification: Applicants will be notified by February 15, 2013 of the award results.

Award

The APS Office of International Programs (OIP), in cooperation with the APS Foundation, is pleased to announce the availability of a travel award to support travel costs for early- to mid-career APS members native to and working in developing countries who otherwise would not be able to participate in the 2013 APS-MSA Joint Meeting. This award is intended to support scientists holding post-graduate positions in their respective country; graduate students and post-doctoral fellows will not be funded. One $2,000 award will be made for the 2013 APS-MSA Joint Meeting. 

Guidelines and Criteria 

1. This is a competitive annual award to current APS members or participants in the Group Membership Plan who reside outside of the United States.
2. Preference will be given to scientists in developing countries.
3. The applicant must clearly demonstrate that the award is needed for them to attend the meeting; applicants with other significant support will not be considered.
4. If an award is approved, the applicant must present original research pertaining to plant pathology by means of an oral or poster presentation at the annual meeting.
5. A three-person Travel Award Committee, appointed by the APS Foundation and the OIP, will review applications.
6. Travel awards are intended for travel, lodging, and registration only at APS annual meetings. Please supply a detailed travel budget, including other sources of funds.
7. Applicants with an advanced degree who are currently employed at an established institution and have no more than 15 years of professional experience are eligible.
8. Applications must be no more than two pages and include the following:

• Demonstrated initiative and involvement in national and/or international activities relating to plant pathology.
• Brief description of how this award and attendance at the APS meeting will benefit the applicant and impact his/her work in plant pathology.
• Brief summary of any circumstances, including financial needs, that make attendance at the APS meeting solely dependent on receiving this award.

9. Applicant must indicate how she/he will obtain a U.S. visa.
10. Application must include a curriculum vitae (three pages or less).
11. Applications must include a copy of an abstract of the presentation to be made at the meeting.
12. Applications must include a supporting letter (one-page maximum) from an APS member colleague that includes a statement of the applicant’s scientific merit, accomplishments in plant pathology, and financial need. This person should plan to attend the APS meeting and assist with hosting the applicant.
13. Each applicant may receive only one award. If awardee is not able to attend the meeting, she/he is required to return the funds to the APS Foundation. 

Application Process

1. Submit applications by regular or express mail (three complete copies) or by e-mail or fax to  

   Talo Pastor-Corrales, USDA ARS SBGI, Bldg. 006, Rm. 118, BARC-W, 10300 Baltimore Ave., Beltsville, MD 20705 U.S.A.; Phone: +1.301.504.6600; Fax: +1.301.504.5728; E-mail: talo.pastor-corrales@ars.usda.gov.

2. Provide an e-mail address or self-addressed (without postage) envelope to allow us to notify you no later than February 15, 2013, as to the outcome of your request. Awardees will be reimbursed for travel, lodging, and registration expenses up to the award amount.

Questions?

Contact Talo Pastor-Crrales, USDA ARS SBGI, by phone: +1.301.504.6600 or e-mail: talo.pastor-corrales@ars.usda.gov.