The purpose of the Travel Grant Program is to encourage junior researcher participation in the conference by partially funding the travel costs for those who would otherwise be unable to attend. Depending on fund availability, Ph.D. students and postdoctoral researchers from underrepresented groups will be considered for travel support (although priority will be given to Ph.D. students). The program is made possible by several grants including from the US National Science Foundation (NSF). In selecting applicants for travel support, preference will be given to those who satisfy one or more of the following criteria:

• Applicants presenting a paper, poster, or a demo, or participating in the Ph.D. Forum.
• Applicants who are authors of papers submitted but not included in the program.
• Applicants who are co-authors of accepted papers and posters who are not giving the presentation at the conference.
• Applicants in early stages of their Ph.D. studies without alternate means of support.
• Applicants who are the first-time attendees and minority students.

The factors above represent our rough prioritization. We also take into account extenuating circumstances that are discussed in statements and letters. Applicants are expected to show evidence of a serious interest in networking, as demonstrated by coursework and project experience. ICNP particularly encourages the participation of women and members of underrepresented minorities.

How to Apply

The following information should be submitted:

• A CV with complete contact information and correct email address. If you are a US-based student, you must also state your visa status, including those on student visas (F-1, J-1, etc.).
• A short personal statement (1 or 2 paragraphs, no more than 1 page) that includes information that the applicant feels is relevant to support his/her case. This includes why the conference attendance is important to the applicant's research and career development. You should mention any papers or posters you submitted or had accepted, and whether or not you are presenting any work (including if it is in the main track, workshop or PhD Forum). It must include the estimated expenses for attending the conference (total, and breakdown by conference registration, travel, lodging, and meals). If you will be unable to attend without a travel grant, please explain why this is the case. If you have applied for any other funding support, please make this clear in your personal statement.
• A letter from your advisor (or a faculty contact if you do not have an advisor), which:
  1. Confirms the applicant’s good standing in the institution;
  2. Explains why the applicant would benefit from attending ICNP as well as how she/he could contribute to the conference;
  3. Explain the current funding status and why the applicant is in need of the travel grant;
  4. If the application is a co-author of an accepted paper, the advisor should indicate whether other co-authors will be attending the conference and who is presenting.

Applications that do not include the above items will not be considered. The expectation is that a student travel grant will significantly offset airfare, shared hotel accommodation, and registration. It may not fully cover these expenses, however, since our desire is to maximize participation by students.

Submit your application at: https://hotcrp.eecs.qmul.ac.uk/icnp2019-travelgrants/

Important Notes about Reimbursement

Funds can only be used toward registration, travel, sustenance and lodging at the conference hotel. In order to support as many students as possible, the amounts awarded will defray, but may not necessarily cover all costs. Students are strongly encouraged to secure additional funding from other sources. Funds will be disbursed only in the form of reimbursements for actual expenses. A receipt is required for any expense reimbursed (e.g., registration, airfare and hotel receipts).

NOTE: Students supported with NSF-provided funds MUST fly on a US carrier. We will let each awardee know if they will be supported by NSF funds.

For reimbursement, the student must submit the following information:

• Original receipts for travel, lodging, and conference registration. For travel receipts, please include boarding passes and/or receipts for train/cabs. For lodging, please include a receipt from the hotel in addition to the online hotel reservation.
• If you are a US citizen, a completed W-9 form.
• If you are in the US on a F-1/J-1 visa, a completed W-8 form.
• A sheet that lists all the expenses.

An application for this travel grant is an implicit acceptance of these terms.

Important Dates

Additional Information

Please pay attention to the following details about the travel grant application and reimbursement process:

• Please provide complete contact information. We will need to have your current mailing address. Please take into account any address changes you may have near the time of the stipend deadline, for example due to school breaks. You will be notified via email, so make sure your email address is correct on your application.
• The decision on student travel grants is made by the ICNP Student Travel Grant Committee; all decisions are final.
• Grant applicants should ensure that they have the proper travel documents (i.e., visas) to travel to and enter the United States, and to return to their home institution after the conference.

Travel Grant Committee

Wenye Wang (North Carolina State University)
Bo Jiang (Shanghai Jiao Tong University)