AN INITIATIVE OF THE AUSTRALIAN GEOSCIENCE COUNCIL AND THE AUSTRALIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCE

Specific funding is available to provide Australian and New Zealand geoscientists in the early stages of their careers with opportunities to travel internationally to further their careers as geoscientists by, for example, undertaking field work in appropriate areas, visiting and working with appropriate international experts, inspecting appropriate mines or other geoscientific features such as type localities, participating in professionally-organised geoscientific conferences or conventions, etc.

With the restrictions that COVID 19 has caused for  overseas travel we encourage the 2020 applicants for these travel grants to detail innovative ways they can conduct their international research, laboratory and field work as part of their applications.  There is also an opportunity to delay travel until it is safe.  If the option to delay travel is chosen then a detailed outline of the new program of activities, that must match as closely as possible to that outlined in the original application, must be submitted prior to transfer of funds to the recipient.

CRITERIA
The Scheme is open to practising geoscientists resident in Australia or New Zealand who hold a degree in geoscience (or equivalent). Those eligible to receive grants under the Scheme should generally be no older than 35 years, or within 10 years of receiving a PhD or professional geoscientific qualification/recognition (e.g. commencing industry/government employment). Career interruptions, such as parental leave, will be taken into account if clearly justified.  In order to demonstrate a commitment to the geoscience discipline and to reinforce the credentials of the applicant, applicants are required to have been a member of a geoscience society affiliated with the Australian Geoscience Council for at least 1 year prior to submitting an application (see www.agc.org.au/index.php/links).

VALUE AND USE OF GRANT
The anticipated value of each grant will be up to $5,000 and is intended to cover all or part of the cost of the proposed travel (including travel expenses, conference registration, and related meals and accommodation).

LOCATION
The travel destination is not critical, but should be one of recognized value for developing the applicant’s career in the geosciences and one where the participant’s personal safety will not be at risk.

APPLICATION PROCESS
Applications are to be made via this online form. Applications will be assessed annually and are to be submitted by 30th November for a decision early in 2021. Applications with special circumstances may be considered at other times. Due to the limited funds available, not all applications can be approved. The selection panel may approve the full amount sought by an applicant, or may negotiate with the candidate to award a lesser amount.

TO COMPLETE THE FORM, YOU WILL NEED
1) A summary CV (of 2 to 3 pages) in Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive or equivalent and a link to this stored file to be copied into the online application form. Your CV should indicate your employment history, if any, since graduation, including names of supervisors at each position. Include information on career interruptions, if applicable.
2) Details of your Geoscience society membership
3) Estimated costs for airfares, other travel, accommodation, travel insurance, visas, etc.
4) A maximum 3000-character statement of intended use of funds and anticipated benefits of attending this event.

SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS
The early-career geoscientists who are awarded a Travel Grant must agree to use the funding for the purposes specified and to provide a reconciliation of expenditure (including original receipts) and a written report of one-to-two A4 pages (including photo) suitable for publication in the newsletters of geoscientific societies and/or on the AGC or AAS websites and to acknowledge AGC/AAS support. The awardee must also agree to acknowledge the AGC/AAS support in any publication on work arising from the award.