Job Description

BiO Global South Conference Travel Grants are aimed at early-career researchers based in the Global South* wanting to attend international scientific meetings** relating to the broad areas of research covered by the journal.

Applicants will usually be PhD students and post-doctoral researchers at the beginning of their research careers. We also welcome applications from independent group leaders and PIs with no independent funding.

Please review the applicant handbook and the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) before completing and submitting your application.

Note: We are unable to pay awards to recipients in jurisdictions, countries or regions of the world subject to sanctions, embargoes or other political trade restrictions put in place by the United Nations, the EU or the UK.

* See list of countries included in this grants programme’s handbook.

** International meetings are those that take place in a country that is different from where the attendee is based. BiO is unable to fund applications to attend Journal Meetings and Workshops run by The Company of Biologists.

General guidelines:

• The maximum funding is set at £3,000 per applicant.
• The amount given depends on demand and may provide only a portion of the requested funding.
• BiO does not fund applications made retrospectively, so please submit your application in good time.
• BiO reserves the right to reject applications to attend conferences that it considers to be possibly ‘predatory’ in design. We strongly encourage applicants to judge the legitimacy and credentials of conferences to help decide whether or not to attend. The Think.Check.Attend initiative might be useful in this regard.
• The date of travel must occur within six months of funding being awarded.
• Unsuccessful applicants may not submit a new application within 12 months of their initial application unless otherwise advised to by the Grants Administrator.
• Applicants should not have received other funding from The Company of Biologists in the past 12 months.

Guidelines for completing the application:

• The application and all supporting documents must be completed in English.
• It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet the criteria required for a grant.
• Expenses include registration fees, travel, subsistence, accommodation and visa fees. Travel insurance costs are not to be included in the expenses.

Please upload the following documents to your application (note: all letters of support must be in English, on headed paper and signed).

• For PhD students and post-doctoral researchers: a supporting letter from your supervisor confirming your status.
• For independent group leaders and PIs: a supporting letter from your Head of Department confirming that no independent funding is available to attend meetings.
• A short justification for your proposal outlining why you should be awarded the grant.
• A copy of any abstract submitted to the meeting or conference for which funding is requested.
• Curriculum Vitae.

Terms and conditions for successful applicants:

• Support from BiO and The Company of Biologists should be acknowledged in any presentations given or posters displayed at the meeting/conference (logo will be supplied).
• Any unspent funds must be returned within one month of the end of the travel.
• If for any reason you do not attend the meeting/conference, please email grants@biologists.com. Please also arrange for the funds to be returned, in full.
• Successful applicants will be required to keep all of the receipts related to the visit to upload on the online application portal on your return.
• Successful applicants will be required to provide a 250-word meeting report and at least two bright, clear photographs.
• We may use material from your report on our website, in social media, and in other promotional materials. If you have any concerns about the use of your material, please let us know in advance.

Deadlines and handbook

BiO will consider applications from early-career researchers based in the Global South who want to attend an international meeting/conference.

Deadline dates for applications:

2026

• 19 June 2026 (for travel after 20 July 2026*)
• 20 November 2026 (for travel after 21 December 2026*)

*Decisions announced on this date

Our applicant handbook provides useful information on the process.