Acquiring Financing for Conference Participation
In the world of academia, attending conferences is an essential step for undergraduates to showcase their research and learn from peers. However, the costs associated with registration, housing, and transportation can often be daunting. In this article, we'll discuss strategies for securing funding to make these opportunities accessible.
Firstly, consider applying to conference travel awards or funds offered by your university. For instance, the Conference Travel Award (CTA) at Washington University in St. Louis supports lead presenters with faculty nominations and applications submitted at least two weeks before the conference. Similarly, Dartmouth offers Conference Travel Awards for faculty-mentored presentations with rolling applications. Other institutions, like UW Bothell and UNOmaha, also provide Student Conference Travel Funds with specific application steps, including proof of acceptance to present.
Another valuable approach is to meet with your department director or advisor. Department directors often have access to discretionary funds or can guide you to department-specific scholarships or travel grants. They can assist in writing recommendation letters and help strategize funding options tailored to your academic field. Reaching out early maximizes support chances.
Consulting your personal librarian or academic advisor can also be beneficial. They can provide information on institutional grants, external scholarships, or professional organizations that award travel funding. They may also assist with finding conference opportunities and preparing applications or abstracts.
Additional tips include obtaining strong faculty mentorship or nomination, as most awards require it. Submit applications early, observing deadlines closely. Check eligibility for multiple awards, as some schools allow several travel awards throughout an undergraduate career. Explore other university-wide academic enhancement funds or research offices that might offer travel grants.
The author of this article, Kamron Soldozy, the NaturalSciences Correspondent, has applied to the Undergraduate Fund for Academic Conferences (UFAC) for funding. The author has also met with Sara Howard, the librarian for Gender & Sexuality Studies and Student Engagement, for tips on acquiring funding. The author encourages readers to consider applying to conferences like Princeton Research Day.
The author has used these strategies to get funding, including meeting with department directors. However, the author is not yet finished securing funds for their trip to Kent, but these were a couple of resources they came across and takeaways they have had thus far. The author plans to interview Sara Howard for a post in their Seasonal Series on research resources on campus.
In conclusion, securing funding for academic conferences as an undergraduate is achievable through a combination of applying to formal funds, leveraging departmental support, and utilizing librarian/advisor expertise. By following these strategies, you too can effectively secure funding to attend and present at academic conferences.
[1] Washington University in St. Louis, https://vwc.wustl.edu/cta/ [2] Dartmouth College, https://dartmouth.edu/~opi/conferences/ [3] Dartmouth College, https://www.dartmouth.edu/~opi/conferences/ [4] UW Bothell, https://www.uwb.edu/research/funding/student-conference-travel-fund/ [5] UNOmaha, https://www.unomaha.edu/college-of-arts-and-sciences/research/stu-research/conference-travel-awards/
- To secure funding for their independent work, undergraduates can apply for conference travel awards or funds offered by their university, such as the Conference Travel Award (CTA) at Washington University in St. Louis, or explore department-specific scholarships or travel grants by reaching out to their department director or advisor.
- Personal-growth and learning opportunities can be maximized through attending academic conferences, and this can be achieved with the aid of education-and-self-development resources like institutional grants, external scholarships, and professional organizations that offer travel funding. Consulting with a personal librarian or academic advisor can provide valuable information on such resources.
