Consistent with NIH’s recognition of a unique and compelling need to diversify the research workforce, the Division of Aging Biology at NIA offers travel assistance funds to pre- and postdoctoral students, trainees, and fellows who will increase diversity in the research workforce. These funds may be used to help the students, trainees and fellows present findings in the biology of aging research at national and international scientific meetings that will be held in the United States. This announcement is designed to increase the participation of individuals from the following groups:
- Individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups (see www.nsf.gov/statistics/wmpd/)
- Individuals with disabilities that include a physical or mental impairment substantially limiting one or more major life activities
- Individuals from socially, culturally, economically or educationally disadvantaged backgrounds that have inhibited their ability to pursue a career in health-related research (see http://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty/index.shtml)
As part of the application process, a major mentor of the individual who is also a faculty member at the institution where the individual is training must submit a letter explaining how this student, trainee or fellow’s advancement in research will diversify the research workforce either at the institution or in the research field the individual is pursuing. The strength of this rationale will be taken into account in awarding funds.
Administrative Supplement Applications From Current Grantees of DAB Awards
If the research conducted by the diverse investigator, student, or fellow is supported by an active NIA-funded grant through DAB and no travel funds have been budgeted, the principal investigator (PI) may request an administrative supplement to his/her grant for this purpose.
To apply, the PI must write a letter to his or her program administrator in DAB and have it cosigned by the Sponsored Programs Office of the institution. This confirms the eligible status of the travel applicant and the lack of budgeted travel funds from the parent grant. The letter should contain:
- The applicant's name, address, and contact information
- The applicant's academic status
- The need for travel support
- The scientific abstract
- The relationship of the research to the funded grant
- The requested travel budget (up to a maximum of $1,000)
Direct any questions to the DAB program administrator. If the DAB program administrator is unknown, contact the grant award notice by calling 301-496-6402 or by contacting BAPquery.
Applications Directly From Diverse Investigators
If the research conducted by the investigator, student, or fellow is not supported by a NIA-funded grant through DAB, travel support may be requested from limited funds administered directly from the DAB operating budget to participate in the meeting. Diverse investigators are defined as the following:
- individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups;
- individuals with disabilities; and
- individuals from socially, culturally, economically, or educationally disadvantaged backgrounds that have inhibited their ability to pursue a career in health-related research
Applications should contain:
- The applicant's name, address, and contact information
- The applicant's social security number
- The applicant’s institution and academic status
- The scientific abstract
- A letter of reference from the applicant’s supervisor supporting the application and verifying the applicant’s status as a diverse scientist in the institution
- The requested travel budget (up to a maximum of $1,000)
Any questions should be addressed by e-mail to BAPquery or by calling 301-496-6402.
General Instructions
Applications for these funds will be reviewed by DAB staff; awards will be made based on appropriateness of the information provided in the application, relevance of the research to biology of aging, and availability of funds. Requests may include funds for meeting registration, direct travel between the home institution and meeting site, and accommodations only during the period the meeting is being held. Awardees will use a government travel order for travel reimbursement and meeting expenses. Awardees must make travel arrangements through the official NIH Travel Management Center to obtain government rate tickets for airline or other appropriate means of travel and are limited to U.S. Government per diem rates for accommodations and meals. To receive reimbursement, receipts for transportation, meeting registration, lodging, and miscellaneous expenses (e.g., taxi, airport parking) in excess of $75 will need to be provided immediately following the meeting.
Address
Division of Aging Biology
National Institute on Aging
Diversity Travel Assistance
Gateway Building
7201 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 2C231
Bethesda, MD 20892-9205
Phone: 301-496-6402
Fax: 301-496-4996
