The Biophysical Society provides Travel Awards to the Society's Annual Meeting for members who are students, postdoctoral researchers, and scientists of all career levels to recognize excellence in biophysics and promote greater interaction among biophysicists throughout the world. BPS is committed to diversity and inclusion and strongly encourages members from all geographic locations, underrepresented communities, and at all career levels to apply. Applicants' work is evaluated on the scientific merit of the research represented in their abstracts, and judging is done by the Society's committees, including CID, CPOW, Education, and Membership, to ensure that the final recipients reflect the diversity of Society membership.
Applicants must have submitted an abstract for presentation in a poster or platform session. Speakers in symposia, workshops, and subgroup symposia are not eligible for travel award funding. Specific eligibility requirements are listed below. Awards range in size, depending on travel distance to the Annual Meeting, up to a maximum of $750.
Undergraduate Students
(bachelor’s/baccalaureate)
- Applicant must be a member of the Biophysical Society with 2019 dues paid by the abstract deadline, October 5, 2018.
- Applicants must be presenting author on an abstract in a poster or platform session at the Annual Meeting. The abstract must be submitted by October 5, 2018.
- Speakers in symposia, workshops, and subgroup symposia are not eligible for travel award funding.
- The applicant must not have received a Travel Award from the Biophysical Society the previous year.
- A copy of the abstract submitted for presentation at the Annual Meeting.
- A signed letter of recommendation, on departmental letterhead, from your advisor or a professor.
- Academic transcripts
- Answers to online application questions:
- Explain your role in the research project.
- Why is it important for you to receive a travel award to attend the Annual Meeting?
- What is the long-range goal of your research?
- What is the significance of your research?
- What is the most novel aspect of your research?
Graduate Students
(PhD and/or master’s)
- Applicant must be a member of the Biophysical Society with 2019 dues paid by the abstract deadline, October 5, 2018.
- Applicants must be presenting author on an abstract in a poster or platform session at the Annual Meeting. The abstract must be submitted by October 5, 2018.
- Speakers in symposia, workshops, and subgroup symposia are not eligible for travel award funding.
- The applicant must not have received a Travel Award from the Biophysical Society the previous year.
- A copy of the abstract submitted for presentation at the Annual Meeting.
- A signed letter of recommendation, on departmental letterhead, from your advisor or a professor.
- CV or Academic transcripts
- Answers to online application questions:
- Explain your role in the research project.
- Why is it important for you to receive a travel award to attend the Annual Meeting?
- What is the long-range goal of your research?
- What is the significance of your research?
- What is the most novel aspect of your research?
Postdoctoral Fellows / Early Career Scientists
- Applicant must be a member of the Biophysical Society with 2019 dues paid by the abstract deadline, October 5, 2018.
- Applicants must be presenting author on an abstract in a poster or platform session at the Annual Meeting. The abstract must be submitted by October 5, 2018.
- Speakers in symposia, workshops, and subgroup symposia are not eligible for travel award funding.
- The applicant must not have received a Travel Award from the Biophysical Society the previous year.
- A copy of the abstract submitted for presentation at the Annual Meeting.
- Applicant's curriculum vitae (no more than two pages).
- A self-written statement outlining the importance of such an award, if granted, to career path and goals.
Mid-career Scientists
(non-tenured, excludes full professors or equivalent)
- Applicant must be a member of the Biophysical Society with 2019 dues paid by the abstract deadline, October 5, 2018.
- Applicants must be presenting or senior author on an abstract in a poster or platform session at the Annual Meeting. The abstract must be submitted by October 5, 2018.
- Speakers in symposia, workshops, and subgroup symposia are not eligible for travel award funding.
- The applicant must not have received a Travel Award from the Biophysical Society the previous year.
- A copy of the abstract submitted for presentation at the Annual Meeting.
- Applicant's curriculum vitae (no more than two pages).
- A self-written statement outlining the importance of such an award, if granted, to career path and goals.
Bridging Funds
Because of the current funding situation, the Membership Committee has created the Bridging Funds award to assist regular members who would normally attend the meeting but cannot due to the lack of financial resources. The purpose of the Bridging Funds award is to provide a travel grant to independent or principal investigators to attend the Annual Meeting so that they can continue to network and stay up to date with current research.
- Applicant must be a Regular member of the Biophysical Society with 2019 dues paid by the abstract deadline, October 5, 2018.
- Applicant must be the presenting or senior author on an abstract submitted for the Annual Meeting.
- Speakers in symposia, workshops, and subgroup symposia are not eligible for travel award funding.
- Applicant must be actively seeking funding.
- A cover letter and a brief biosketch (NIH or NSF format).
- A letter from applicant's department chair regarding his/her financial need to attend the Annual Meeting and indicating that the applicant is actively seeking funding.
- A copy of the abstract submitted for presentation at the Annual Meeting.
- A copy of the applicant's CV.
Please note that because this is a travel award, the awardee must be present at the Annual Meeting in order to receive his or her award.
For questions regarding the Bridging Funds, please contact the Society.