The International Travel Grant Scheme is intended to help engineering researchers in the UK make study visits overseas enabling them to remain at the forefront of new developments and be aware of corresponding activity overseas.
The scheme not only benefits individuals with their current work but also engineering in the country as a whole by facilitating technology transfer opportunities and the development of research networks. It is also a means of maintaining the prestige of the nation’s engineering overseas.
Who may apply?
The scheme is open to postgraduate students, doctoral and postdoctoral researchers, academic staff involved in research and chartered engineers in UK universities and industry.
To be eligible for funding applicants must be UK citizens or permanent residents. The scheme is not open to Fellows of The Royal Academy of Engineering.
Nature of visit
Awards may be sought for the following activities:
Attendance at conferences where the applicant is presenting a paper or poster.
Attendance at summer schools where the subject matter is related to the applicant’s area of research interest.
Research visits to institutions or universities for the purpose of collaborative work or to use specialist equipment.
Field visits to industrial sites or areas of specialist interest.
Duration and frequency of the
visit
Visits of up to two months in duration are eligible. Only one visit per year per applicant will be considered.
Costs associated with the visit
Grants of up to 50% of approved costs may be awarded to applicants. Costs that will be considered are:
Air, train or ferry fares. Applicants should formulate their requests for funding using budget and other low cost fares.
Conference fees.
Accommodation and meals.
Travel, accommodation and the cost of meals associated
for a carer should the applicant require one.
Applicants are required to seek additional funding from appropriate sources which may include their university or employer.
Application procedure
Applicants should read the
instructions for applicants and complete an
application form. Once this has been received by the administration team a request will be made for the following information to support the application. Applicants are requested to submit this electronically as hardcopy material is no longer accepted for this scheme:
Where the applicant is attending a conference or similar activity, an abstract of the paper(s) or poster(s) to be presented.
A list of previous publications up to a maximum of the latest 20 titles.
A paragraph of no more than 200 words justifying the relevance of the visit to their current work.
A photocopy of the personal details page of their passport or documentation pertaining to permanent resident status.
Referees
Applicants are required to nominate two referees who are qualified and able to comment on the merits of their visit. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the Academy receives both
referees reports.
Assessment
The scheme is open to all engineers who satisfy the eligibility criteria regardless of their age, gender, ethnic origin, religious beliefs, sexual orientation or physical abilities.
Applications are assessed on their merits in relation to the scheme’s objectives by use of the following metrics:
How state-of-the-art is the subject matter or is it yesterday’s technology?
Does the work have an industrial application or wealth creating opportunities?
In the case of conference attendance what is the standing of the conference?
Are the costs reasonable?
The award of a travel grant is entirely at the discretion of the Academy and any decision of the Academy on an application is final on all matters.
Deadline dates
Applications will be considered at any time during the year. Applicants are urged to submit their application at the earliest convenience ideally four weeks prior to their departure date.
Applications which are not completed before the intended date of departure will not be considered for funding.
Dissemination of information obtained
Award recipients are responsible for ensuring that information obtained during their visits is appropriately disseminated in the UK. The Academy has prepared two checklists to help awardees make the most of their visits and prepare the requisite report for the Academy, details of which will be published in
The Delegate, the scheme’s quarterly newsletter:
