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 application schedule will be divided into three time periods, and we anticipate making 5-7 awards during each period.
Applications must be submitted by the following dates:
January 15, 2012, for Conferences/Workshops during March 1 – June 30, 2012
May 15, 2012, for Conferences/Workshops during July 1 – September 30, 2012
August 15, 2012, Conferences/Workshops during Oct. 1 – December 31, 2012
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 February 1 (for January 15 applications), June 1 (for May 15 applications), and September 1 (for August 15 applications).
All decisions of the associate head are final.
Application Review Criteria:
Review criteria include:
An assessment of how the proposed travel will contribute to the student's professional development.
The student's past history of travel support by the department.
Time remaining to PhD degree.
Application Materials:
A complete Graduate Travel Award application consists of the following items:
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)
Undergraduates
