Biology Open (BiO) Global South Conference Travel Grants

Biology Open (BiO) Global South Conference Travel Grants is sponsored by The Company of Biologists. This opportunity supports mission-aligned projects and measurable outcomes.

BiO Global South Conference Travel Grants - The Company of Biologists About BiO Global South Conference Travel Grants BiO Global South Conference Travel Grants are aimed at early-career researchers based in the Global South* wanting to attend international scientific meetings** relating to the broad areas of research covered by the journal .

Applicants will usually be PhD students and post-doctoral researchers at the beginning of their research careers . We also welcome applications from independent group leaders and PIs with no independent funding. Please review the applicant handbook and the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) before completing and submitting your application.

Note: We are unable to pay awards to recipients in jurisdictions, countries or regions of the world subject to sanctions, embargoes or other political trade restrictions put in place by the United Nations, the EU or the UK. * See list of countries included in this grants programme’s handbook. ** International meetings are those that take place in a country that is different from where the attendee is based.

BiO is unable to fund applications to attend Journal Meetings and Workshops run by The Company of Biologists. BiO Global South Conference Travel Grants The maximum funding is set at £3,000 per applicant. The amount given depends on demand and may provide only a portion of the requested funding.

BiO does not fund applications made retrospectively, so please submit your application in good time. BiO reserves the right to reject applications to attend conferences that it considers to be possibly ‘predatory’ in design. We strongly encourage applicants to judge the legitimacy and credentials of conferences to help decide whether or not to attend.

The Think. Check. Attend initiative might be useful in this regard.

The date of travel must occur within six months of funding being awarded. Unsuccessful applicants may not submit a new application within 12 months of their initial application unless otherwise advised to by the Grants Administrator. Applicants should not have received other funding from The Company of Biologists in the past 12 months.

Guidelines for completing the application: The application and all supporting documents must be completed in English. It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet the criteria required for a grant. Expenses include registration fees, travel, subsistence, accommodation and visa fees.

Travel insurance costs are not to be included in the expenses. Please upload the following documents to your application (note: all letters of support must be in English, on headed paper and signed). For PhD students and post-doctoral researchers: a supporting letter from your supervisor confirming your status.

For independent group leaders and PIs: a supporting letter from your Head of Department confirming that no independent funding is available to attend meetings. A short justification for your proposal outlining why you should be awarded the grant. A copy of any abstract submitted to the meeting or conference for which funding is requested.

Terms and conditions for successful applicants: Support from BiO and The Company of Biologists should be acknowledged in any presentations given or posters displayed at the meeting/conference (logo will be supplied). Any unspent funds must be returned within one month of the end of the travel. If for any reason you do not attend the meeting/conference, please email grants@biologists.

com . Please also arrange for the funds to be returned, in full. Successful applicants will be required to keep all of the receipts related to the visit to upload on the online application portal on your return.

Successful applicants will be required to provide a 250-word meeting report and at least two bright, clear photographs. BiO will consider applications from early-career researchers based in the Global South who want to attend an international meeting/conference.

Deadline dates for applications : 19 June 2026 (for travel after 20 July 2026*) 20 November 2026 (for travel after 21 December 2026*) *Decisions announced on this date Our applicant handbook provides useful information on the process. If I am awarded a BiO Global South Conference Travel Grant, will I get the funding before I go?

The funding will be paid directly into your personal bank account three to six weeks after successful provision of a signed grant agreement and bank details. I assume any amount of money that I can’t explain with receipts will have to be returned? Yes, we do require evidence for every expense incurred and paid.

Do supporting letters have to be signed? Yes, all supporting letters must be on headed paper with a signature. They can then be scanned and submitted through the application portal.

What information needs to be included in the Letter of Status from my supervisor (PhD/post-doc applicants), The Letter of Status must include who you are, describe the work you are doing and how long you have been at that institution. or (Group leader/PI applicants)? Letter of support from your Head of Department confirming that no independent funding is available to attend the meeting/conference.

Is it acceptable to complete the application with estimated costs for expenses as I don’t know the exact costs at this stage? Yes, that is acceptable, as you will be required to provide evidence of expenditure and return unspent funds. Can my supervisor send you his/her letter directly?

No, the application letter and all supporting documents must be submitted through the grant application portal. Can I apply for a BiO Global South Conference Travel Grant retrospectively? No, we do not award funds for travel that has already occurred.

Would you like the original receipts mailed to you or can I scan them and send you copies electronically? Receipts may be scanned and submitted via the online application portal. Will I have an answer about the result of my application even if it is negative?

Yes, you will be notified even if your application is unsuccessful. Inclusion, diversity and social sustainability at meetings Sustainable practices are often seen as actions that minimise environmental impact. According to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) proposed by the UN, sustainable practices include themes such as environmental protection, the fight against poverty, inclusion, and collaboration.

While many of our blogs explore tips on how to minimise the environmental impact of events, in this blog we will talk about the social aspects of sustainability and how to approach them when organising a conference. … You must be logged in to post a comment.