The University of Wisconsin Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC) is soliciting proposals to support travel to materials research and educational conferences. A maximum of $1,500 for domestic and $3,000 for international travel may be awarded. Applicants must be affiliated with the Wisconsin MRSEC.
Background
The Wisconsin MRSEC funds travel for graduate students and post-docs to showcase the ongoing materials research of the Center, and to support the professional development and communication skills of its members. Present research activities in the MRSEC encompass the design of ultrastable glassy materials and understanding of their structure-property-processing relationships and the growth of structurally, chemically and topographically complex metal oxide crystals. The two Interdisciplinary Research Groups (IRGs) of the MRSEC are: IRG1: Stability in glasses, led by Paul Voyles and Mark Ediger, and IRG2: Order from Disorder: Approaches for New Thin-Film Oxides, led by Paul Evans and J.R. Schmidt. Anne Lynn Gillian-Daniel and Wendy Crone lead the Interdisciplinary Education Group (IEG).
Scope
Proposals are requested to support travel of students and postdocs from the Center to conferences for the purpose of making a presentation (poster or oral). A commitment of partial financial support from faculty advisor(s) (e.g., commitment to fund remainder of travel expenses) or other sources will be viewed favorably.
Proposals
Proposals should include:
- A short description of the collaborative research or educational project to be presented or justification for travel (less than half a page)
- The relationship of the work to be presented to the Center
- A budget and a brief budget justification
- A list of MRSEC activities in which you have participated (e.g. meetings, poster sessions, and outreach volunteer activities).
Proposals should be submitted to students@mrsec.wisc.edu.
Proposals are accepted as they are submitted and are reviewed for funding on a quarterly basis. Quarterly deadlines for submission are March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31.
Criteria for Selection
- Relationship of work to be presented to MRSEC IRGs: Work to be presented should reflect an area of active research within the MRSEC.
- Participation in MRSEC activities: The applicant should have a record of active contribution to MRSEC outreach, internal and external events.
- Relevance of conference to applicant’s goals: The conference to be attended should further the materials and educational knowledge of the applicant.
Reporting of Outcomes
Recipients of travel awards are required to make a brief oral presentation to the MRSEC student membership following completion of their travel. They are also required to submit a 1-page visual summary of their conference experience for posting on the MRSEC website.
More Information
MRSEC support must be acknowledged on presentations or posters. Please contact MRSEC student representatives (via students@mrsec.wisc.edu) with questions.