Microscopic view of textured, irregular surfaces and structures.

SEMS Technologist Travel Awards

SEMS Technologist Travel Awards

Each year the SEMS Council considers applications for travel awards to support meeting attendance by technologists. Awards are made on a competitive basis from limited funds designated by the society for this purpose. Submitting this application does not guarantee that an award will be made. If you wish to donate to the fund, please click here. 

Purpose

To support the professional development of technical staff and enhance institutional expertise by enabling technicians to attend the Southeastern Microscopy Society (SEMS) annual meeting.

Eligibility

 Technologists may be eligible for travel support if they:

  •  Are a current member of SEMS in good standing
  •  Are employed in a technical role related to microscopy or imaging
  •  Demonstrate relevance of the meeting to their current or anticipated job responsibilities
  •  Are in good standing with employer’s performance evaluation standards
  •  Those who are located within an hour drive of the meeting site are not eligible
  •  To ensure equitable distribution of funds, applicants may not be awarded travel support in two consecutive years

 Priority may be given to technologists who:

  •  Are presenting a poster or talk
  •  Have not received travel support in the previous year

Covered Expenses

 Travel support includes lodging for up to two nights at the meeting-sponsored hotel

 Funding Limits

  • Maximum number of annual awards provided: 2
  • Support is subject to budgetary limitations

Application Process

  • Applications must be submitted online using the form below
  • Applications are due by the call for papers deadline (March 31, 2026)
  • Applicants must submit a statement of relevance explaining why they are applying for this award and how their work, contributions, and goals align with the Society’s mission and the award’s intent
  • All applications will be reviewed by the SEMS Subcommittee for Technologist Travel Award, which will render the final approval decision
  • Notification of award decisions will occur approximately two weeks after the application window closes

Expectations & Accountability

 Supported technologists are expected to:

  •  Attend the approved annual meeting's sessions/workshops
  •  Adhere to institutional travel and conduct policies

Equity & Transparency

 Travel support decisions will be:

  •  Transparent and documented
  •  Applied consistently across eligible applicants
  •  Reviewed periodically to ensure fair access and alignment with institutional and Society goals

Travel Support Application

Your Name:
Job Title:
Company or Institution:
Email:
Phone:
Number of YEARS you've been an SEMS member?:
Mailing Address
Street Address:
Address Line 2:
City:
State / Province / Region:
ZIP / Postal Code:
Country:
Name of immediate supervisor:
Supervisor's Email:
Statement of relevance explaining why you are applying for this award and how your work, contributions, and goals align with the Society’s mission and the award’s intent:
Have you previously applied for this award?:
Have you previously been awarded the travel grant?:
If you are a previous recipient, what year(s) did you receive this award?: