Conference Grants

COVID-19 UPDATE: Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic the conference grant application process is closed until further notice.

Part of the Society's remit is to support nutritionists and nutrition scientists to share their ideas and research, present their work to new audiences and make new connections with their peers around the world.  The Society offers Conference Grants to facilitate this.

Conference Grants are reserved for any Nutrition Society members who are undergraduates doing their first degree, MSc students, PhD students or those in the very early stages of their careers i.e. within 10 years of higher degree graduation.

If you have any queries, which are not answered in the Frequently Asked Questions section below, please contact the Membership team

How to apply 

Applications are accepted online (currently closed due to the current COVID-19 pandemic) and must be accompanied by:

  • Proof of the applicant’s registration or acceptance to present/speak at the chosen event/conference. 
  • A personal statement of no more than 300 words, which outlines how the applicant believes they or their career will benefit from having attended the chosen conference or event and how they intend to spend the travel grant.

Once the applicant has attended the conference/event, they will need to provide:

  • A short (500 word max) account of the event and photographs if possible, which can be used for a blog on the Society's website or as a feature with the Society's monthly newsletter or Gazette.
  • Original VAT receipts for travel, event registration and the hotel (sorry, but we cannot accept credit card receipts).  We do not require receipts for food and drink as these are not covered by the conference grant.

The Conference Grant will be paid once the items above have been received.

Application deadlines:

There are three application deadlines throughout the year, to help smooth the administration process involved.  The dates are as follows:

Wave 1: Applications open from 7 January to 28 February.  Applicants notified of judging panel decision by 31 March.
Wave 2: Applications open from 1 May to 30 June. Applicants notified of judging panel decision by 31 July.
Wave 3: Applications open from 1 September to 31 October.  Applicants notified of judging panel decision by 30 November.  

All applications will be held until the closing date and they will then be sent together for judging after the closing date.

Queries 

If you have any questions, which are not answered in the Frequently Asked Questions section below, please contact the Membership team.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Why has the application process and dates recently changed?

This is because it can be difficult administering a number of applications, with anyone applying early for a wave potentially waiting over six months for a judgement to be made and approval to be given. It is now felt that having three windows over the course of the year for applications - with each of the three rounds open for a limited time only - will ensure that people are better informed in advance of their conference as to whether a grant will be awarded. This will also help those who may need to secure additional or alternative funding.

Why are there different rates for travel to different countries?

Previously there was no cap based on geography, but introducing one and limiting funding for different travel options, will allow more members to be able to benefit from the grants available.

How long have grants been available?

The Nutrition Society has been awarding travel grants for the last 23 years, and hundreds of applicants have benefited from over £300,000 in total during that period of time. However, the process for administering the grants has now been streamlined. There are now more opportunities created for more members than ever before to be able to receive a grant. It has also been decided to make these grants conference grants, rather than travel grants, so that the grant can be used to cover travel, accommodation or conference registration.

How much funding will I receive?

Amounts which can be applied for will vary based on country or residence and where you are travelling to, to enable more applicants to benefit from a conference grant. Please see above for exact amounts. Applicants based in UK/Ireland attending a conference/event involving: UK/Ireland travel up to £300 European travel £400 International travel £600 Applicants based in Europe attending a conference/event involving: UK/Ireland travel up to £400 European travel £300 International travel £600 Applicants based Internationally attending a conference/event involving: UK/Ireland travel up to £600 European travel £600 International travel £600

Why is the grant only available to students or early career members?

The Society has started a project to support students, graduates and early career members and it was felt that awarding grants to the least well-funded members was a genuine and worthy way of supporting the careers of those members just starting out.

When do I need to apply?

There are now three opening times for applications. You can apply in whichever period precedes your attendance at the conference/event. PLEASE NOTE: NO retrospective applications will be considered, so please plan ahead. Wave 1: Applications open from 7th January to 28 February. Applicants notified of judging panel decision by 31 March. Wave 2: Applications open from 1st May to 30 June. Applicants notified of judging panel decision by 31 July. Wave 3: Applications open from 1st September to 31st October. Applicants notified of judging panel decision by 30 November.

How do I make an application?

Please complete and submit the online application form. To support the application you will need a personal statement of no more than 300 words and proof of your registration for the event will be required.

How long will I have to wait for a decision?

After the closing date for each wave of applications, eligibility will be checked and the awards panel will make their decisions. Candidates will be normally notified as per the following: Wave 1: Applications open from 7 January to 28 February. Applicants notified of judging panel decision by 31 March. Wave 2: Applications open from 1 May to 30 June. Applicants notified of judging panel decision by 31 July. Wave 3: Applications open from 1 September to 31 October. Applicants notified of judging panel decision by 30 November. If you have not heard anything by the above deadline dates, please contact membership@nutritionsociety.org

When will the grant be paid?

The grant will be paid after your attendance at the event/conference and once we have received copies of your VAT receipts and your report on the meeting/event. Please allow 30 working days from receipt of the documentation, for grants to be paid. Any grants not claimed within three months of attendance at the conference will not be paid.

What do I need to do after my attendance at the event/conference?

Please send your original VAT receipts for travel, registration and accommodation (not including food and drink) to the membership team. These should be the original receipts and not credita card receipts. Also please send a short account (500 word max) of the event, what you have learnt and how you feel it will benefit your future career. Please include photos if possible as we can then use these to promote the grants, and your success, to other members.

Am I eligible to apply for a conference grant?

Applicants must have been members of the Nutrition Society for at least two consecutive years. They must still be members when applying for the grant and when they are due to travel to the event. They must not have received a conference/travel grant from the Society or Irish Section in the last three years, and must not be receiving a grant for this same event from the Irish Section. Those who have applied for these grants previously, but were unsuccessful, may apply again.

What can the grant be used for?

Conference grants are given to pay for travel (standard class air or rail), accommodation and registration at the conference only. Any costs incurred for food and drink are not covered by the grant and will not be reimbursed. PLEASE NOTE: The original VAT receipts will be needed for reimbursement of your costs, we are unable to reimburse against a credit or debit card receipt..