Financial support guidelines

Graduate Students attending ANZSMS Conferences

The ANZSMS Central Committee provides travel subsidies – known as “ANZSMS Travel Awards” – to postgraduate/graduate students presenting their research at ANZSMS conferences. These awards are paid upon attendance at the conference are subject to a maximum amount (normally $1000), depending on the applicant’s location. A standard amount will be awarded to attendees from the same location

To be eligible, students must submit the completed application form to the ANZSMS Secretary at least two months prior to the conference, along with

1. A proposed abstract and title for a presentation by the student at the conference. The abstract must be clearly related to mass spectrometry.
2. A letter (or email) from the supervisor indicating any other financial support provided, to help ensure that the ANZSMS Travel Award is used to contribute toward uncovered travel costs, rather than duplicating existing funding.

Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Please note: All required materials must be submitted by the deadline. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

Both Australian/New Zealand and international students are eligible. However, if funds are limited, preference will be given to students based in Australia or New Zealand.

Postgraduate Students attending International Conferences

The ANZSMS Committee will consider applications for ANZSMS International Travel Awards to support Australian or New Zealand postgraduate students attending international mass spectrometry conferences, such as ASMS, AOMSC, IMSS or IMSC to present their research (talk or poster). The maximum award is normally $2000.

To be eligible for this award:

1. The applicant must have been an ANZSMS member for at least six months prior to applying.
2. Either the student or their supervisor must have attended the preceding ANZSMS conference.
3. Each student may receive only one international travel award during their candidature.

To apply, students must submit the application form to the ANZSMS Secretary at least two months prior to the conference, along with the following:

1. A proposed abstract and presentation title for the international conference. The work must be clearly related to mass spectrometry.
2. A letter or email from the supervisor confirming that the applicant has completed at least one year of a PhD or MPhil, and outlining any additional financial support provided, to help ensure that the ANZSMS Travel Award is directed toward uncovered travel expenses.

Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

The award will be paid after the student returns from the conference and submits valid receipts for travel expenses.

Students who receive an ANZSMS International Travel Award are expected to acknowledge the financial support of ANZSMS in their presentation (talk or poster).

Early Career Researcher (ECR) Travel Awards

The ANZSMS Committee will consider applications for travel awards to support Early Career Researchers presenting their research at mass spectrometry-focused conferences (domestic or international).

Awards are subject to a maximum amount of up to $2,000. Typically, around two awards may be offered per year, subject to available funds and Executive Committee discretion.

Applicants must:

1. Be within 5 years of PhD conferral (career interruptions considered)
2. Be a financial member of ANZSMS
3. Be presenting mass spectrometry research at the conference

Applications must be submitted at least two months prior to the conference and include an abstract and a brief statement of other available funding.

Travel support for overseas visitors of high standing

Consideration will be given—on application by their Australian or New Zealand host—for travel support within Australia or New Zealand for visiting overseas mass spectrometry researchers of high standing. This support is intended to enable the visitor to present seminars at a minimum of three major centres, in conjunction with their visit for other conferences or professional activities.

A contribution of up to $3000 may be provided to assist with travel-related expenses.

Carolyn McKinlay Travel Awards

The Carolyn McKinlay Travel Award is named in honour of Carolyn McKinlay (16 April 1963 – 28 May 2009), a much-loved and highly respected member of the Australian and New Zealand Society for Mass Spectrometry. Carolyn made significant contributions to the Society’s operations, serving on the Executive Committee and as Public Officer.

This award supports mass spectrometrists in research support or technical roles to attend the biennial ANZSMS conference, with the goal of fostering greater engagement in research activities.

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Be employed in a technical or research support role at a university, government, commercial, or industrial laboratory in Australia or New Zealand.
2. Be actively engaged in supporting research using mass spectrometry and allied technologies.
3. Submit an abstract for consideration as a poster or oral presentation at the ANZSMS conference.
4. Be a financial member of ANZSMS at the time of application.

Not eligible:

1. Staff engaged in self-directed research (academics, staff scientists).
2. Individuals in purely administrative roles.

Applicants who do not meet all criteria may be considered at the discretion of the ANZSMS Executive Committee.

The Central Committee will offer a travel subsidy—known as the Carolyn McKinlay Travel Award—to eligible applicants to present their work at an ANZSMS conference. Awards will be paid upon attendance at the conference and are subject to a maximum amount (normally $1000), depending on location, with a standard amount awarded to attendees from the same location.

Applicants must submit the completed application form to the ANZSMS Secretary at least two months prior to the conference, along with:

1. A proposed abstract and title for presentation. The work must be relevant to mass spectrometry.
2. A letter or email from the applicant’s employer or line manager confirming:
   1. The applicant’s employment in a technical or research support role, and
   2. Any additional financial support being provided to ensure the award is directed toward uncovered travel expenses.