The Beth Gourley Travel Award for Research Excellence

This fund will support one or two travel awards to graduate students or postdoctoral fellows in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. The award can be used towards the cost of registration, transportation, accommodation, and food, in accordance with department criteria. Consideration will also be given to the need for travel support and provides opportunities for conference travel. In exceptional circumstances, a research associate could be considered for an award. The award is given annually. The recipient will have demonstrated research excellence, intellectual curiosity, originality and rigor, and will show promise to become an independent researcher. Furthermore, the recipient should be a good communicator both in oral setting and written work, and should value cooperation and collegial interaction. The award has been established by John and Catherine Lazier in memory of John's aunt, Beth Gourley (1915-2010), biochemist, friend and mentor to many, and world traveler.

A complete application consists of the following documents assembled into a single PDF file and sent by email to Roisin McDevitt no later than October 15th:

• A statement written by the applicant (i) providing the name, location and dates of the conference to be attended, (ii) outlining the expected outcome from this conference and (iii) the expected impact of presenting in this venue on the applicant's career development (Page limit: 1).
• An abstract of the research that will be presented, indicating whether an oral or poster presentation is anticipated. The abstract can be changed prior to attendance and presentation at the conference, and should include expected co-authors (if any).
• The applicant's CV.
• A brief letter from the applicant's supervisor confirming that they approve of the application and the scientific content of the abstract.

Selection Criteria and Procedures

• The successful applicant will "have demonstrated research excellence, intellectual curiosity, originality and rigor, and will show promise to become an independent researcher. Furthermore, the recipient should be a good communicator both in oral settings and in written work, and should value cooperation and collegial interaction. Consideration will also be given to the need for travel support and previous opportunities for conference travel."
• Each individual can receive the award only once per degree program; the number of applications is not restricted.
• No more than one postdoctoral award will be given each year.
• The award (up to $1,000) shall be given as credit during the resolution of the travel claim following conference travel.
• If an awardee decides to attend a conference different from the one detailed in the application, a written request should be put before the GAC, outlining the reasons for the intended change.

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