Postdoctoral Travel Funding and Awards

IMPORTANT:

Eligible applications will be funded on a first-come first-served basis
 Anticipated 5 travel awards available per cycle

Each cycle will run until funds are depleted

Award Details

Each Postdoctoral Travel Award provides a fixed amount of $750 to help offset travel expenses such as conference registration, transportation, and lodging. A total of up to ten awards are offered each fiscal year.

Award funds will be transferred to the recipient's designated 099 account and must be used in accordance with the KU Travel Policy. Recipients are responsible for completing all required travel authorization and reimbursement procedures through the university's Concur and TDX systems. Before travel, awardees must submit a Travel Request in Concur at least 14 days before domestic travel or 30 days before international travel. After returning, they must submit reimbursement documentation and receipts through TDX, charging expenses to the assigned cost center.  

Because funding is limited, the award may not cover the full cost of travel. Postdoctoral researchers are encouraged to seek additional support from their department, PI, or other funding sources when possible.

Application Process 

The Office of Graduate & Postdoctoral Affairs will send a call for applications via email to all KU-Lawrence postdocs on the day that the application portal opens. Postdocs are strongly encouraged to apply early, as funding is limited and will only be available until depleted. Once the application period begins, the application form may be accessed through the button located at the bottom of this page. 

Applicants should be prepared to provide/upload the following: 

1. Basic applicant information, conference details, and travel dates.
   • Applicant name, title, department, and mentor/supervisor
   • Event name, dates, and location
   • Type of presentation (if applicable): talk, poster, panel, etc.
2. Abstract or Presentation Summary (1 page max)
   • A short summary of the research or creative work to be presented. This helps reviewers assess the quality and relevance of the scholarly contribution
3. Statement of Professional Development Impact (1 page max)
   • A brief description (in plain language) of how attending this conference or meeting will benefit the applicant’s professional growth, visibility, and career trajectory. Applicants might address networking, collaboration, or future funding opportunities.
4. Budget and Funding Justification (½–1 page)
   • A budget showing anticipated costs (registration, travel, lodging) and specifying how the $750 award will be used. Applicants should note any other sources of funding available (e.g., departmental, PI, external).
   • Applicants must provide an 099 account number that will receive the travel award funds if selected. Applicants who are unsure of the appropriate 099 account should consult their PI, department administrator, or office manager prior to submitting their application. 
5. Confirmation of Presentation or Acceptance (if available)
   • If the applicant has already received confirmation of an accepted presentation, include documentation (e.g., acceptance email or conference program listing). If pending, applicants should indicate the expected notification date.

Review and Selection Process

A three-member committee, comprised of KUPA and PDAB, will review each application for alignment with your research and professional goals, overall merit, and likely impact.

What they look for:

• A clear, relevant presentation of your research or creative work and your role in it.
• How travel advances your visibility, networking, collaboration potential, and career trajectory.
• Suitability of the conference or event to your discipline, career stage, and research focus.
• A straightforward, justifiable budget for the $750 award, and demonstrated need for support.

How selections are made:

Applications are considered as funds remain available. Priority is given to applicants who:

• Will deliver an oral presentation or invited talk.
• Attend an international conference.
• Present a poster or panel contribution.
• Show a direct connection between the event and their research or department focus.

Please note: Postdoctoral scholars may receive this award only once per academic year (cycle I & II combined)

Administration of the Award

Selected applicants will be notified by email, and the $750 travel award will be transferred to the 099 account listed in their application for reimbursement of approved travel expenses. 

Prior to travel, awardees must submit a Travel Request in Concur at least 14 days before domestic travel or 30 days before international travel. 

Awardees are responsible for paying registration, airfare, lodging, and other travel expenses in advance. Upon return from travel, awardees will submit their reimbursement requests and upload all required receipts through the TDX Portal, charging expenses to the assigned cost center.

All reimbursements are processed as standard University of Kansas employee travel and must comply with the university’s business travel policies.

• See the KU Travel Policy Handbook

• See the KU Travel Policy & Procedure 

Applicants who are not selected will be notified of their status. Feedback from the review committee will be shared when available.