The travelling scholarship scheme is designed to strengthen collaborations and further training among early career researchers. Society members and associates can apply for a travelling scholarship of up to £2,500, which can be used for the purpose of travelling to international meetings when combined with visiting overseas research departments, laboratories, and/or clinics.
Eligibility
Members or associates are eligible if they are in the early–mid part of their career and not more than five years post-doctoral. Preference will be given to applicants who:
- combine their visit(s) to a laboratory(ies) and/or clinic(s) and/or to meeting with an expert associated with their field of addiction*
- are presenting their own scientific work at a meeting(s) they wish to attend
- are active members or associates of the SSA, as evidenced by attendance at our PhD Symposium or Annual Conference
*Shorter, simpler trips will be considered. Trips which include part-funding by other non-industry parties will also be considered.
The SSA encourages applications from people with lived experience and from a diverse range of backgrounds.
How it works
Applications for travelling scholarships are assessed three times a year, after the deadlines on 14 February, 13 June, and 10 October. Applications should be made at least 30 days before a planned trip in order to allow trustees sufficient time to review applications, query, clarify, and agree any modifications to the trip before an award is made.
If you are successful, you will be asked to submit an expenses claim after you have taken your trip (find out more here), and then coordinate with the SSA’s Website Editor to write a report or a blog about the trip for the website (see examples here).
How to apply
Download the application form and send this by email, along with scanned supporting documents, to the SSA’s Executive Officer, Graham Hunt.
Please ensure your application includes the following:
- letter from tutor/line manager (preferably a member of the SSA) to confirm organisational support of the proposed study activity: this letter should show the benefit to the applicant or organisation, the employer’s position regarding funding, support for the time required to undertake the visit and associated work, and an opinion of the applicant’s ability to complete the activity
- full expected budget
- letter of confirmation from employing authority that study leave will be granted if application is successful
- copy of submitted abstract
- supporting statement from proposed host centre (including letter of invitation where appropriate)
- brief CV, highlighting degrees, awards, and publications
Application assessment
The travelling scholarship coordinator and one other trustee will assess the application. The coordinator’s decision will be reported to the Board of Trustees, and applicants will be informed of the decision shortly after.