Travel Awards

The Institute for the Brain and Cognitive Sciences (IBACS) Travel Awards help affiliated students and postdoctoral researchers cover expenses associated with presenting research at conferences and scholarly events.

Program Overview

The IBACS Travel Award Program provides up to 10 awards of $500 each year. Recipients can use funds to cover eligible expenses, including conference registrations, flights, mileage, accommodation, and more.

Eligibility and Conditions

Eligibility Requirements

  • The applicant must be a current undergraduate student, graduate student, or postdoctoral researcher.
  • The applicant is not eligible to receive a second award within the same academic year.
  • The applicant must be the primary presenter.
  • The Institute will not fund multiple presenters on the same project/poster.
  • The Institute will fund only one application per lab per academic year.

Conditions for Fellowship Recipients

Any travel costs above the $500 allotment are the responsibility of the recipient.

Recipients may not apply for a second award within the same academic year. Priority will be given to applicants applying for the first time.

Travel Restrictions and Cancellations

Recipients should be aware of UConn’s travel policy and should reference the travel training and resources page for help navigating Concur.

Recipients are responsible for knowing all travel advisories and restrictions, including alerts and warnings issued by the U.S. Department of State.

If the conference is cancelled or if travel policies or restrictions suddenly prevent the recipient from traveling, the Institute will void the Travel Award. If the conference is postponed, the recipient can roll over the award for up to one year from the original date. In such an event, the recipient is responsible for contacting the Institute coordinator.

Become an Affiliate

Travel Awards are open to graduate student and postdoctoral affiliates, as well as undergraduates who are members of an IBACS-affiliated lab. If you are not currently an IBACS affiliate, please complete the affiliate membership form before applying.

Membership Form

How to Apply

Required Materials

All applicants must complete and submit the Travel Award Application. You will be asked to provide the following information with your application:

  • The name, date(s), and location of the event.
  • The estimated cost of participating in the event.
  • A summary of the presentation and the format.
  • The PI of the project and your role (if not the PI).
  • A description of how the work falls within the scope of the Institute.

Award Notification and Administration

Travel Award recipients will be sent an award letter via email. If the recipient is a graduate student, we will also notify their primary advisor.

Anyone eligible for a travel card must book their own travel. Award recipients should submit a travel request in Concur before their trip. The Institute coordinator can provide a KFS number.

After the trip, award recipients must complete an expense report. Any travel costs over the $500 award are the recipient's responsibility.

Key Dates

Applications for the Travel Award are accepted on a rolling basis. The application will close once funds are exhausted for the academic year.

Application Status: Open for the 2024-2025 academic year.

Contact Us

For questions about the IBACS Travel Award or application process, please email ibacs@uconn.edu or contact the IBACS Program Coordinator.