The Micro Travel Fund supports graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, staff/ researchers in sharing their research with professional audiences. It aims to promote professional development and career advancement, with a particular focus on the advancement and application of characterization techniques such as microscopy, microanalysis, and imaging tools.
The grant supports travel to conferences, workshops, and professional meetings (including remote events). Funding amounts are as follows:
- Up to $250 in registration fees for remote events;
- Up to $500 for travel within British Columbia;
- Up to $1,000 for travel outside of British Columbia.
Funds are awarded on a rolling basis throughout the fiscal year (Apr 1 - Mar 31), recognizing that professional events take place year-round.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be a full-time UBC Vancouver or Okanagan graduate student, postdoctoral fellow, staff/ researcher.
- Maintain eligible status, i.e., full time status, at the time of travel.
- Be presenting their work (oral and/ or poster presentation) at the event.
- Agree to submit a 1-page reflection report after the trip AND present at our annual training school (usually held in the Fall around October).
- Not have received this award more than once in the current fiscal year (Apr 1 - Mar 31). Priority will be given to first-time applicants.
Eligible Expenses
Reimbursable expenses must comply with the UBC Travel and Expense Policy. Eligible expenses include:
- Conference or meeting registration fees
- Transportation (e.g., flights, ground transport)
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Poster printing fees
When preparing your application, we strongly recommend prioritizing your budget as follows: registration fees > transportation > accommodation > meals. We will not reimburse items such as poster printing fees, visa fees, etc.
How to Apply?
- Complete and sign the PDF application form (signed by the applicant and the supervisor/PI), then submit your application via Qualtrics – you will be asked to upload the completed PDF.
- Submit your application 2-3 months before the planned travel date. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
- Applications more than 3 months in advance will not be accepted.
- Applications submitted less than 1 month before travel are not guaranteed to be processed in time.
After you Apply
Applications will be reviewed within 3 weeks of submission. Successful applicants will receive a confirmation letter indicating the approved funding amount. Applicants must confirm and sign to accept the award.
Post-Award Requirements & Reporting
Within 2 weeks of completing your travel, you must:
- Submit a 1-page report summarizing your reflection, experience, and outcomes.
- Upload all itemized receipts through Workday.
We also require funded trainees to present a poster about their research work at our annual training school - usually take place in the Fall (October).
Once verified, your reimbursement will be processed through Workday. Please allow a few weeks for the payment to be completed.