The ALBA Network is offering travel awards of up to EUR 1,800 each to support early-career researchers from diverse backgrounds and scientific disciplines. These grants, supported by the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ACNP), are intended for those who wish to attend international neuroscience meetings and events scheduled between April 2025 and April 2026. This includes national and international conferences and meetings on topics related to neuroscience or brain research. Priority will be given to applicants from under-resourced countries and disadvantaged backgrounds. Each travel grant will be provided as a lump sum, which awardees can use to cover various expenses, including registration fees, abstract submission, travel, and accommodation.
Nomination window: 10 September - Deadline extended to 14 November 2024.
Requirements
- In active early-career research (maximum 10 years from obtaining the last professional degree - PhD or MD).
- First authors in the abstract they apply with.
- Be of any origin residing in any country.
- Identify with one or more underrepresented group(s) as defined by ALBA.
- Members of the ALBA Network (or become members at the time of application).
You are not eligible to apply if you were awarded an ALBA Travel Award in 2023.
Who qualifies as an underrepresented person?
An underrepresented minority can be defined as an individual whose percentage of the population in a given group is lower than their percentage of the population in the country. At the ALBA Network, our definition of an underrepresented person in science is someone who identifies with one or more of the following:
- Women
- LGBTQIA+ individuals
- Individuals with neurodivergence, chronic medical conditions or disabilities that hinder participation in scientific life
- Of first generation status (being the first in a family to attend university)
- Born into racial, ethnic, indigenous or caste groups that are historically underrepresented in their country of origin and/or work
- Non-native English speakers who are not scientifically fluent in english (e.g., not comfortable presenting a scientific poster in English)
- From low socioeconomic backgrounds
- Those facing forced migration or displacement due to war, human rights abuses, political conflict, natural disasters
- With difficult personal circumstances (e.g., primary caregivers for elderly family members or children with special needs)
- Holders of passports with limited travel privileges (per latest Henley Passport Index)
- Those studying or working in countries with low gross domestic expenditure on R&D (GERD) (according to latest UIS data)
Please note that this is a working definition. Practices, identities and minority status may change over time, depending on culture and geopolitics. We welcome feedback to ensure ongoing relevance and inclusivity.
Procedure
Candidates are required to submit the following:
- A poster abstract and publications that support this.
- A description of research aligning with the scope of the conference.
- Personal statement (max. one page) explaining how participating in the event could positively influence their career path. This could include describing how the knowledge, insights, and networking opportunities gained will support their professional growth and advancement.
- Completion of a CV template, providing details on honours and awards, academic appointments, other scientific presentations at conferences, and additional activities such as teaching and mentoring.
- Candidates should select the relevant eligibility or underrepresented group category/categories listed in the application form and explain why they made that choice.
Selection of the award winners will be based on the quality of application, the abstract, and excellence of the science.
Selection Committee
Bita Moghaddam, Committee Chair (USA)
Carmen Sandi (Switzerland)
Jordan Marrocco (USA)
Mahmoud Bukar Maina (UK)
Jacque Pak Kan Ip (Hong Kong)
Angela Roberts (UK)
Shelly Flagel (USA)
Bittu Rajaraman (India)
Ana Silva (Uruguay)
