Graduate Student Travel Funds

The Energy Education Task Force is pleased to announce that funding is available during AY 2011-12 for students specializing in energy and enrolled in an MIT graduate degree program to travel for conferences and field research.

Applications and supporting documents should be submitted no later than December 9th. Funds will be distributed as a travel advance or as a reimbursement, depending upon travel dates and application review timing. Please submit your application at least 20 days before you require a decision.

In addition to completing the form, please email the following supporting documents to energytravel@mit.edu. These documents should be compiled, in the order listed below, into a single PDF, file name format: Last Name_First Name.

  1. Curriculum Vitae.
  2. Statement of purpose clearly addressing how this conference or field research will strengthen your academic and professional development (1 page). For long-term field research travel, please include full research proposal, as well as this 1-page statement of purpose.
  3. If you are applying for funds to travel to a conference to which you have been accepted by the organizers for a specific purpose, please state that purpose (presenter, poster, volunteer, etc.) and include proof of this acceptance (email, letter, etc.).
  4. Documentation is needed of expected costs including conference fees, hotel, transportation, and incidentals (as applicable). For airfare, train fare, rental car and hotel quotes, use online sources such as Expedia, Travelocity, or Orbitz.
  5. Optional: Brief message (1-2 paragraphs) from your research advisor or departmental advisor in support of your application for travel funds for your specific purpose. This can be on letterhead or via email.

Applications are reviewed by a subcommittee of the Energy Education Task Force, as well as the Task Force co-chairs. You will receive notification of the committee's decision during the week of January 9th.

NOTE: If your proposed travel date is before the week of January 9th or close thereafter, please use the field provided in the application to indicate the date by which you must receive a decision. Please submit your application and all supporting documents at least 20 days before you require approval.

Please note that funding is limited. Email questions to energytravel@mit.edu.