Dissertation Travel Grant

For CS PhD students only
Dissertation Travel Grants provide reimbursement to subsidize travel and associated costs necessary for doctoral dissertation research, whether for exploring a potential dissertation topic (i.e., before extensive research has been done) or for conducting dissertation research. Approximately 12 grants at amounts up to $5,000 will be awarded given sufficient funding. An awardee’s nominating department must commit to contributing 12% of the cost of the grant.

The criteria used in making awards are the necessity for travel; the significance, coherence, and feasibility of the proposed research as determined from the proposal; and letters of support. The student’s productivity and efficient progress toward the degree as shown in the academic record are also evaluated. Students who have already received a Graduate College Dissertation Travel Grant are not eligible. Grants will not be awarded for travel that has taken place prior to the completion of the competition process. Grants will not cover costs that are covered by other funding.

Departments may submit up to three nominations.

Eligibility:
• Applicants must be enrolled in a program leading to the PhD, DMA, or EdD.
• Travel funded through the spring 2023 competition must begin no later than May 31, 2024 and must conclude by August 31, 2024.
• Students do not need to be registered at the time of application or during the time of travel.

Award Amounts: Awards are contingent on availability of funds. The proposed budget should be cost-effective and commensurate with the distance and time of travel. The highest priority for awards will be transportation expenses. Other allowable expenses include lodging, food, insurance, research passes or permits, visas, and required vaccinations, but these expenses may receive lower priority due to budget constraints. Expenses not allowed include expenses for any travel that has already occurred; travel expenses for colleagues, assistants, personal companions, or other participants; cost of using a university vehicle; participant incentives; equipment; supplies; photocopies; conference travel; course registration; and tuition.

Award
Varies
Deadline
Supplemental Questions
  1. Will your intended travel begin no later than May 31, 2024 and must conclude by August 31, 2024?
  2. Will your travel take place outside the US?
  3. Have you received a Dissertation Travel Grant from the Graduate College before?
  4. Have you completed the required coursework for your program?
  5. What stage of research are you proposing?
  6. If you are proposing dissertation research, what is/was the date of your preliminary exam?
  7. Please explain how this conference will support your studies, and why the Graduate College should support your attendance with this travel grant. Where possible, please use concrete, quantified measures whenever possible to characterize your accomplishments and productivity, please write in layman's terms as the Graduate College review board is made of members of diverse specialties, clarify the stature within the field of any journals or conferences that have featured your work, and address any weaknesses in your record head-on.
  8. Please upload ONE PDF with the following (in this order): 1) CV 2) Research Abstract (200 words max; Times New Roman; 12 point font; single spaced; one-inch margins) 3) Research statement (covering past work and proposed direction for the next two years; five pages max including citations; the statement must clearly explain the hypothesis and expected contributions to the chosen research area; Times New Roman; 12 point font; single spaced; one-inch margins)
  9. (PhD travel) Please request a letter of recommendation from your thesis advisor - they will be sent a link in which to upload the letter. PLEASE LET THEM KNOW YOU WILL BE REQUESTING A LETTER NOW! They will not be requested until your application is submitted, and we want to give them as much time as possible to submit.
  10. Upload your completed Dissertation Travel Grant Budget Worksheet (found here: https://apps.grad.illinois.edu/fellowship-finder/?action=main.fellowship&fid=2901)
  11. To the best of my knowledge, I have not committed any action that violates the UIUC Student Code or the CS Department Values and Code of Conduct.
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