The ISME19 African Scientists Travel Grants

Support for African scientists by covering their attendance at ISME19

Deadline has passed; it is no longer possible to apply for a African travel grant


ISME has three types of travel grants available for ISME19, the ISME Society Travel Grant for ISME student members, the Primary Care giver Grant for ISME members with primary care giving responsibilities and the African Scientist Travel Grant, for attendees from Africa. The latter is made possible because of grants from the Department of Science and Innovation and the National Research Foundation of South Africa. 
Applicants from Africa are advised to apply for the African Scientists Travel Grant which requires no membership to the ISME society. It is not possible to apply to more than one grant.

Travel grants will be available for African scientists to support the costs of attending the ISME19 conference. The grant will cover the following:

  • Full conference registration
  • Return economy flights
  • Return shuttle transport in Cape Town
  • 6 nights accommodation
  • Meal vouchers

Eligibility
All applicants must be microbiologists working/residing at an African institution; anyone working at an African institution, regardless of nationality, is eligible to apply to this grant.

The Travel Grants will be assigned in three categories:

  1. Student Grants: African students currently engaged in research toward a higher degree: Masters or PhD
  2. PostDoc Grants: Postdoctoral fellows working in Africa; no more than 5 years post-PhD
  3. Non-Student Grants: African researchers appointed at recognized research institutions. Early career researchers will be prioritized

The applicant must also be the presenting author of an abstract submitted to the symposium.

Applications
Applications for "The African Scientists Travel Grant " should include:

  • Applicant’s name and full contact details (full work address, phone number, email address)
  • Grant category (see above)
  • Gender, age and nationality
  • Proof of registration (Student and PostDoc) or employment
  • Supportive statement from current supervisor (for Student and PostDoc applicants) or Head of Department (for others)
  • Short personal statement on why you believe the Committee should select you for a grant

All applications should be in a .pdf file format (no longer than 4 pages) with the filename containing the applicants' name as follows: "AfricanTravel_Surname_Firstname.pdf"

You can upload your file when you submit your abstract. 

Important notes:

  • Applications should be complete and submitted under the correct name. Failure to comply with these terms will result in disqualification. 
  • The Travel Grants will NOT be paid to the awardee. All travel and accommodation arrangements will be managed by the ISME19 official travel agency, Turners Conferences. Arrangements will be made in line with pre-selected accommodation and flight providers. Any additional costs will be for the applicant’s own account.
  • The above does NOT extend to any other person traveling with you.
  • Receiving a Travel Grant does not automatically imply that you will be selected for an oral presentation at the ISME19 conference. 
  • Travel Grant funds are limited: the selection process is competitive in each of the named categories, and not all applicants will be funded

Information on deadlines:

  • The online call for applications opened on 8 December 2023
  • The final deadline for applications was 23 February 2024
  • Successful applicants will be informed by e-mail in the week of 25 March - 4 - 9 April 2024