Conference Support Scheme

Aim

The aim of the Conference Support Scheme (CSS) is to provide financial assistance for Graham Centre members to attend significant and relevant national and international conferences and workshops that will enhance their knowledge, activity and performance within the Centre's research priority areas.

Important Dates

ROUND 1 - Travel must be completed between 1 January and 30 June of funding year

Applications open        1 October

Applications close       31 October

ROUND 2 - Travel must be completed between 1 June and 31 December of the funding year

Applications open        15 March

Applications close        15 April

NB:  Applications for travel outside the above-mentioned dates will only be considered where evidence is provided that early approval is required (e.g. to meet registration deadlines).

Value

The value of each grant is variable, dependent on the conference location. The maximum amount payable per award is:

• Within Australia – $1,500 (with the following exceptions)
• Less than 300km from home campus – maximum $600
• Western Australia and the Northern Territory – maximum $2,000
• Outside Australia - $3,500 (with the following exception)
• New Zealand – maximum  $2,000

Eligibility

Who can apply?

1. Full, Associate and Student Members of the Graham Centre are eligible to apply (please view Membership Policy for membership information)
2. Affiliates employed on external research grants administered by the Graham Centre may also apply
3. Please check your level of membership BEFORE applying
4. There is no limit to the number of CSS grants that Full and Associate Members and eligible Affiliates (see 2) may apply for during the term of their membership
5. Student Members are eligible for two national and one international CSS grant throughout their candidature
6. Reports for previously awarded Graham Funding schemes have been submitted in a timely way
7. Adjuncts and undergraduate students are not eligible to apply.

Guidelines for application

• Applications must be submitted prior to the closing date of the relevant round
• An abstract for the presentation must be included with the application. This may be in draft form, however must include correct Graham Centre affiliation
• Where the abstract has been accepted at time of application, please attach evidence to the application.
• Evidence of acceptance must be submitted to the Graham Centre prior to approval of any travel plan
• A copy of the poster must be forwarded to the Graham Centre
• Student Members must attach an email from their supervisor endorsing the application
• Any supporting documentation must be submitted at the time of application
• Awardees must make a presentation at the conference (i.e. keynote; oral presentation, panel discussion; poster)
• Ensure any previous reports related to any Graham Centre funding have been submitted prior to your application.

Other information

1. For Charles Sturt staff, all travel bookings must be made through CSU Travel.
2. Non-Charles Sturt staff and NSW DPI applicants should follow the appropriate process of approval and booking travel for their organisation. Travel arrangements must be approved prior to travel
3. Privately arranged travel costs will not be reimbursed
4. Within four weeks of attending the conference, successful applicants are required to submit a detailed report to the Centre. Where possible, please provide images suitable for use in promotions post-conference.
5. Successful applicants will be expected to make a short presentation at a Graham Centre Morning Tea following the conference, and may have information from their report disseminated through internal newsletters and external media.
6. Previous recipients of any Graham Centre grant who have not met the conditions of that grant will not be eligible for funding in the current round.

Criteria for assessment

1. Conference is closely linked to the Centre's Research Pathways
2. Preference will be given to applications by Full Members, however Associate Members and eligible Affiliates
   (see 2 above) are strongly encouraged to apply
3. Order of priority for presentations is: keynote; oral presentation and/or panel discussion; poster
4. Evidence indicating invitation to present or prior acceptance of abstract will be highly regarded
5. There is opportunity for the conference paper to be refereed
6. Aims and expected outcomes are clearly defined and align strongly with the nominated Research Pathway
7. All reports from previous funding have been received, and any conditions met
8. Matching or supplementary funds from another funding source have been committed and evidence is provided
9. The applicant has added value to the Graham Centre following prior CSS awards or other funding support.
   e.g. through collaborations, publication, extended learning activities, presentations, etc.
10. The application has been submitted correctly and in a timely way.

Apply

NOTE: you will be required to attach evidence such as your abstract or poster, supervisor approval (HDR students), and evidence of other funding when submitting the application form.

Conference Support Scheme Application Form

NOTE: Please do not submit your application after the relevant closing date as it will not be considered 'out of session'.

For successful applicants

CSU Travel

Conference Support Scheme - Report Form

NOTE: your report should be submitted within four weeks of your return from the conference. Where possible, please provide images suitable for use in promotions post-conference.