PS Conference Travel Grants

For travel support for NAPC please visit this page

The Paleontological Society recognizes the importance of educational and research practices that foster diversity and inclusion. We value the contribution of diverse opinions, strategies, and experiences at the sessions, short courses, and workshops that we sponsor at meetings of the Geological Society of America and the North American Paleontological Convention and other conferences (such as SACNAS and NABG) as they are an integral part to the advancement of our field. However, many of our colleagues who work extensively on inclusive educational and research practices might not qualify for research-based funding for conference travel from their home institutions. In addition, colleagues from groups underrepresented in paleontology, in a career transition (between undergrad and grad, grad to post-doc, post-doc to position), or in adjunct, teaching, museum, or part-time positions are often the most vulnerable and most likely to leave paleontology and science. It is crucial that we ensure that these members are able to attend and participate in our meetings as well as network with community members who can provide the support and mentorship that is needed in these critical transitions or positions. Thus, the Paleontological Society is offering competitive conference travel grants to help offset the expenses of eligible PS members from underrepresented and/or at-risk groups who would be unable to attend these meetings without this travel support.

Funding Amount

Up to $1200 per award for in person attendees and $250 per award for online attendees

Eligibility

  • Applicants should be members of the Paleontological Society.
  • Applicants should identify as members of a historically underrepresented group, OR be in a career transition (between undergrad and grad school, grad school to post-doc, or post-doc to position), OR belong to an at-risk group not listed here (to be explained by the applicant in their application).
  • Applicants must not have sufficient funds available to them for travel to conferences due to the nature of their employment (e.g., adjunct, teaching, museum, or part-time positions).  Students from labs or departments with conference travel funding for students should not apply.

Application Materials

A PDF with the following REQUIRED information should be emailed to [email protected]

  • A paragraph clearly demonstrating how the applicant meets all three of the eligibility criteria.
  • A budget itemizing expenses for the conference travel – either virtual or online.
  • A C.V. or résumé

Application and Review Process

Email questions and completed applications to The Paleontological Society Diversity and Inclusion Committee. Applications for fall conferences are due midnight (11:59 pm eastern time) on June 1st of each year.  Applications for spring and summer conferences are due midnight (11:59 pm eastern time) December 1st of each year. The Paleontological Society Diversity and Inclusion Group will review applications and award grants according to available funding.

If you have any questions about applications or the submission process for grants, please contact [email protected]