The Scholar Mobility Fund supports travel that will advance microbial ecology research, training, and collaboration internationally. Our goal is to promote and build a rich international community of microbial ecologists. Applicants from outside North America and Europe are strongly encouraged to apply.
What types of activities will the Scholar Mobility Fund support?
The Scholar Mobility Fund provides financial support for research and training activities related to microbial ecology, including the following:
- Initiation or advancement of a collaborative research project, including lab or fieldwork
- Attendance at a training activity (e.g. workshop)
- Travel to a laboratory to learn and/or apply a methodology to a research project
- Travel to prepare for a scholarship or research grant application that promotes international relationships
Are you eligible?
ISME supports graduate students (MSc/PhD) and postdoctoral fellows to further develop their academic knowledge and skills at a host institution outside of their country of study. Applicants must be:
- A member of ISME
- A graduate student (MSc/PhD) or postdoctoral fellow
- Active in the field of microbial ecology research
- The activity should be held from November onwards, as the application results will be communicated in early November
What can the funds be used for?
Funds can be used for:
- Travel expenses: economy class flights and public transport (train and bus) only
- Accommodation and subsistence expenses for up to one month
- Chemicals and materials to conduct lab or field work
- Bench fees or publication costs will not be funded
- Sequencing will only be considered for funding when there is compelling justification
The value of awards is typically between 2,000 to 3,000 euros, with a maximum of 5,000 euros if the budget is accompanied by a strong justification.
Applications will be evaluated on the following criteria:
- Relevance and benefit of the activity to the applicant’s career advancement
- Relevance and expected scientific outcomes of the activity
- Justification for the international location of the activity
- Budget description and justification for the requested funds
- Financial need of the applicant to attend the activity
A full application consists of:
- A completed Funding application form
- A one-page CV
- A one-page description of the activity addressing the evaluation criteria, up to 500 words
- A one-page proposed budget.
- A letter from the host laboratory/institution confirming their support for your activity
Only full applications will be assessed.
Make sure to submit your application by 1 October 2025.
Please note that the Scholar Fund cannot be used to attend the ISME bi-annual symposium or any other conference. The ISME Travel Grant has been established to support delegates to attend the ISME Symposia.