Department of Physics at the U of I

Physics Graduate Student Travel Award Fund

Purpose:

The purpose of the Department of Physics Graduate Student Travel Award Fund is to provide opportunities for graduate students to attend special conferences or workshops or to participate in professional development activities that are not funded by their advisers' research grants. Travel Awards will typically be limited to a maximum of $800.

Application Schedule:

The 2013 Physics Grad Travel Award program will be divided into three time periods, and we anticipate making 5-7 awards during each period, pending the availability of funds. Applications must be submitted by the following dates:

• November 15, 2012, January 1 – April 30, 2013 conference travel
• March 15, 2013, for May 1 – August 31, 2013 conference travel
• July 15, 2013, for September 1 – December 31, 2013 conference travel (pending available funds)

Applications will not be accepted for post-travel reimbursement, and the application must be received at least 30 days before the requested travel commences. Questions about deadlines and submissions should be directed to Professor Lance Cooper (slcooper@illinois.edu), associate head for graduate programs.

Application Evaluation Process:

Applications will be reviewed by a graduate student committee appointed by the associate head for graduate programs, and final decisions will be made by the associate head for graduate programs. Applicants will be informed of the final decisions by December 1 (for November 15 applications), April 1 (for May 15 applications), and August 1 (for July 15 applications). All decisions of the associate head are final.

Application Review Criteria:

Review criteria include:

1. An assessment of how the proposed travel will contribute to the student's professional development.
2. The student's past history of travel support by the department.
3. Time remaining to PhD degree.

Application Materials:

A complete Graduate Travel Award application consists of the following items:

1. Completed Graduate Travel Award form
2. A brief letter of support from the applicant's thesis adviser, which can be submitted to Associate Head Lance Cooper via e-mail (slcooper@illinois.edu)