TRAVEL SUPPORT

Please see our updated application portal for travel support here.

Rather than award individuals for successful abstracts that have already been acknowledged, our aim is to provide assistance to provide need-based assistance towards achieving their professional development goals that can be met through conference attendance.

• Continually running applications allow for individuals to apply at any time of the year

• Support is granted to offset the costs associated with travel to meetings/scientific conferences
• Ideally, costs can be allocated during purchase of tickets or registration, or through reimbursement of eligible costs through SAP Concur travel system

ELIGIBILITY

All current postdoctoral research associates and fellows at Michigan State University are eligible to apply except for:

• Individuals that have already received MSU-PDA travel support during their time at MSU
• Individuals who are presenting work from their graduate program or previous position

CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION

• Need of individual
  • Availability of other funding sources
  • Faculty advisor support
  • Other awards
  • Overall cost of travel
• Length of time in position vs opportunities to attend conferences
• Clarity of professional development objectives
• Use of available tools and resources for professional development
• Description of the impact of travel on career goals

POSTDOCTORAL EXCELLENCE IN RESEARCH AWARD (PERA)

The MSU Office of Postdoctoral Affairs and the Office of the Senior Vice President for Research and Innovation award annually the Postdoctoral Excellence in Research Award (PERA) to two exceptional Postdoctoral Researchers for their contributions to MSU and the greater research community.

The top two applicants will each receive a $1,200 cash award and a certificate provided by the Office of the Senior Vice President for Research and Innovation and the MSU Office of Postdoctoral Affairs to recognize their achievement.

The call for applications is typically announced in January, and recipients accept their award and give a brief (10 min) presentation of their work during a reception in the Spring.

ELIGIBILITY

The applicant:

1) Currently works at MSU as a postdoc (e.g., Research Associate, Postdoctoral Fellow).

2) Has been employed at MSU as a postdoc for at least one year, but not more than 5 years.

3) Has displayed excellence in scientific research, which will be measured by (1) the significance/impact of their research to their field of study, and (2) innovation of their research.

Read about past recipients here.

APPLICATION FORM

To apply, please navigate to the application portal and be ready to provide the following information and materials:

• A short summary that highlights publications or presentations from your work at MSU
• A short description of the impact of awards, honors, etc. awarded to you at MSU
• A short description of other activities that highlight your contributions at MSU
• Personal statement on the significance (impact) and innovation of your research
• Your CV
• Optional: a figure from your research
• A recommendation letter from your faculty supervisor (PI)

POSTDOCTORAL EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AND/OR MENTORING AWARD (PETMA)

The MSU Office of Postdoctoral Affairs annually awards the Postdoctoral Excellence in Teaching and/or Mentoring Award (PETMA) to two exceptional Postdoctoral Scholars for their contribution in promoting the success and development of undergraduate and/or graduate students at MSU.

The top two applicants will each receive a $1,000 cash award and a certificate provided by the MSU Office of Postdoctoral Affairs to recognize their achievement.

The call for applications is typically announced in January, and recipients accept their award during a reception in the Spring.

ELIGIBILITY

The applicant:

1) Currently works at MSU as a postdoc (e.g., Research Associate, Postdoctoral Fellow).

2) Has displayed excellence in, and exceptional commitment to, teaching and/or mentoring in classroom or research setting during their postdoc position at MSU.  The review committee is looking for applicants/nominees who go above and beyond their duties as classroom instructors and/or research supervisors.

Read about past recipients here.

APPLICATION FORM

To apply, please navigate to the application portal and be ready to provide the following information and materials:

• Personal statement that emphasizes your commitment to educational experiences and the impact of your teaching and/or mentoring efforts
• A 1 page resume highlighting your experience in teaching and/or mentoring
• Up to three letters of support from colleagues, trainees, etc.