NHLI Foundation Travel Awards

The National Heart and Lung Foundation and the Michael Alberman Travel Award endowment support travel awards for NHLI researchers for the purpose of presenting at conferences or attending scientific workshops in the fields of cardiovascular and respiratory research. With the recent renewal of funding from the Foundation we are now particularly keen to support more proposals for UK/EU conferences, as well as virtual conferences.  Applications to attend destinations outside the UK/EU must be particularly well justified.  In addition, co-funding for non-UK/EU conferences is encouraged.

There will be 3 deadlines throughout the year (approximately every 4 months) and applicants are encouraged to apply well in advance.  Proposals for meetings which have already taken place or will commence before the decision date will not be considered under any circumstances. 

Applicants can also apply for funding to cover extra-ordinary costs relating to caring responsibilities even if other costs are not required when presenting at such meetings e.g. costs related to caring for dependents, such as parents or funds required to cover additional childcare costs whilst attending a meeting.

After attending a conference those in receipt of a travel award are expected to provide a report detailing the conference proceedings and how the event relates to their own research.  This document will be used to communicate to their colleagues within NHLI as well as to the Foundation.  This report should be written within one week of returning from the conference attended and submitted by email to nhlires@imperial.ac.uk.

Eligibility

You must be an NHLI Postdoctoral Research Associate, Research Assistant, PhD student, research nurse, technician undertaking research or a teaching fellow.  Research Fellows may only apply if their funding does not offer the opportunity to include travel costs, but not if those fuds have already been used. In all cases you must hold an appointment which extends at least 2 months beyond the date of conference you are applying to attend and be an employee of Imperial College.  (The scheme is not open to those holding honorary appointments).

Costs can include:

• Airfare, rail or other travel as appropriate (including local travel)
• Hotel or other accommodation (including AirBnB)
• Meals/subsistence
• Registration fees
• Extra-ordinary costs relating to caring responsibilities

Costs cannot include: 

• Expenses which have already been incurred
• Research expenses, departmental costs or bench fees
• Contributions towards salaries
• Equipment
• Training courses
• Collaborative research visits
• Medical insurance
• Excess baggage costs
• Expenses due to cancellations – not liable for costs if activity is cancelled.
• Shipping costs
• Visa charges
• Work permits
• Immunisations
• Poster printing

Travel awards will be paid via an expense claim with appropriate receipts up to the amount of the award and in line with College expenses policy.

Extra-ordinary cost related to caring responsibilities awards

For example, costs related to caring for dependents, such as parents or funds required to cover additional childcare costs whilst attending a meeting. The limit for these awards is flexible and will be determined on a case-by-case basis, but are expected to be kept to a minimum reasonable amount. 

If you require further information or have any queries please contact Alun Owen on a.owen@imperial.ac.uk.

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