Technique-Sharing Travel Grants

We are helping SMI researchers learn from their peers by supporting travel grants to learn techniques from other mucosal immunologists. The 2018 application cycles are now closed, but you can submit an application for 2019.

This program is eligible to members of SMI. Principal investigators may apply for the travel of lab members, as well as for their own travels. In the case of a direct application of trainees (which is preferred), a letter of support provided by the principal investigator is required. Priority will be given to applications in which both the visiting scientist and host are active SMI members.

Submit Your Application

About the Technique-Sharing Travel Grant

This grant’s objective is to help researchers within SMI learn from their peers by supporting travel grants to learn techniques from other mucosal immunologists. Not only will the program benefit researchers directly, it will also strengthen connections between members and the integrity of the society.

Eligibility

Application Requirements

The following are required components of the application:

A description of the travel plans, including a short overview of the project, a description of the technique to be learned, and how it will help the project (maximum length: 1-page)
CV of the applicant and, if different, of the person to travel
Statement of consent from the hosting researcher
Letter of support from the principal investigator in case of direct application by the trainee
Preliminary budget and explanation of budget ($1,500 is the maximum amount, with exceptions)

2019 Submission Deadlines

There will be four submission windows, each closing on the dates listed below. Application materials should be submitted before the closing date. Notifications will be sent within 4 weeks of the submission closing date.

February 1, 2019
May 1, 2019
August 1, 2019
November 1, 2019

Award Recipient Requirements

Travels should be concluded within twelve (12) months of award notice. Reimbursement of travels will be performed after submission of travel expense details according to the amount stated in the approval, and in accordance with SMI reimbursement policies.

Anietie Udouhmoh’s Technique-Sharing Grant Story

Pictured is a 2018 grant recipient, Anietie Udouhmoh, from the University of Nigeria. He visited the Czech Academy of Sciences to better understand the induction of mouse model DSS-colitis, best procedures for sample collection, processing for FACS and cytokines measurement.

“This opportunity has enhanced my research skills, broadening my knowledge of not only mucosal immunology but also cell biology. It further helped me to understand how the gut responds to microbiota change and pathogenic invasion. There were some results in my PhD research that I could not interpret properly, but now I clearly understand the significance of those findings. My PhD research focused on the developmental morphology of gut-associated lymphoid tissues (GALT) which is a key component in mucosal immunity. The exposure I have during this research visit has simplified the discussion of my PhD research findings,” Udouhmoh said.

Udouhmoh believes it is impossible to be a good scientist without interaction with experienced scientists and adequate suitable equipment for research. SMI tends to agree with that!

“I think my research contacts so far in the field of cell and mucosal immunology; and the inspirations I am having as a result of this visit will drive my future award winning research and collaborations in mucosal immunology and veterinary anatomy. I am in high spirit to increase the tempo of my research in mucosal immunology as soon as I get back home,” he said.