The Mothers in Science Caregiver Travel Grant aims to promote the career advancement of women in STEMM by removing the financial obstacles to conference participation associated with caregiving responsibilities.
Ten (10) grants of 250 EUR each will be awarded to caregivers who wish to attend an in-person scientific conference in 2024. The funds for these grants were raised through our memberships, and we are extremely proud of our wonderful member community and grateful for their ongoing support.
This flexible grant allows each award recipient to find a suitable solution to meet their specific caregiving needs. Funds can be used to cover any expenses associated with childcare, elder or disability/chronic illness care necessary to allow conference participation, as long as they are clearly justified.
The grant does not cover the applicant’s travel or accommodation expenses nor the conference registration fee.
Deadline: 24th of March, 2024
WINTER 2024 APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED
See below for the eligibility criteria and the application process details.
Why it Matters…
Attending scientific conferences is paramount for career advancement in STEMM, particularly for early-career scientists[1]. Conferences provide opportunities for networking, visibility, recognition and knowledge exchange, which are vital components of a successful academic career. Conferences also offer a platform for academics to present their latest research, build their scientific reputation and establish new connections and collaborations, which are essential for scientific production and for securing research grants.
Studies show that women are more likely to decline opportunities to participate in conferences due to family responsibilities[2], with potential long-term effects on their careers. Our own research shows that about 30% of mothers globally declined all or most opportunities to attend conferences since they became parents (N=3995, survey conducted on 128 countries).
The coronavirus pandemic showed that virtual meetings can provide much-need flexibility to caregivers for attending conferences on their own terms. However, virtual participation does not allow effective networking and in-person participation quickly replaced virtual conferences after the pandemic ended, with very few societies currently offering hybrid format.
Thus, effective solutions are urgently needed to provide mothers and other caregivers with equal opportunities to participate in scientific conferences.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for this grant, applicants must be:
An active member of Mothers in Science at the time of applying
Currently employed OR enrolled as a Master’s or PhD student in a university or research institution anywhere in the world
The primary caregiver of one or more children under 18 years old and/or of another family member (eg. an elderly or person with a disability/chronic illness)
Registered for a conference taking place in 2024 (proof of registration is required)
Application Procedure
The application process is simple and brief in order to reduce the preparation time and administrative burden for the applicants. To increase your chances of being awarded a grant, make sure to clearly explain why you need this grant and how it would help you advance in your career.
Applicants need to complete an application form, provide a CV and a proof of registration to a scientific conference.
EVALUATION GUIDELINES
Applications will be assessed by the Mothers in Science team based on the following criteria:
Relevance and potential impact of attending the proposed scientific conference for the advancement of the applicant’s career
Demonstrated need for the funds to reduce or overcome the caregiving obstacles to conference attendance
Applicant’s motivation and research career goals and vision
All eligibility criteria must be met