PS Conference Travel Grants

The Paleontological Society recognizes the importance of educational and research practices that foster diversity and inclusion. We value the contribution of diverse opinions, strategies, and experiences at the sessions, short courses, and workshops that we sponsor at meetings of the Geological Society of America and the North American Paleontological Convention and other conferences (such as SACNAS and NABG) as they are an integral part to the advancement of our field.

PS GSA Connects 2025 Travel Grants
The Paleontological Society is providing a limited number of additional travel grants to support PS members attending the GSA Connects 2025 conference. Any PS member with financial need who has submitted an abstract to the conference is eligible to apply, but priority will be given to members whose funding has been impacted by recent U.S. federal policy changes.

Funding Amount

Up to $800 per award for PS members presenting at GSA Connects 2025

Eligibility:

• Applicants should be members of the Paleontological Society
• Applicants should be presenting at GSA Connects 2025
• Applicants must not have sufficient departmental or lab funds to travel to GSA Connects 2025

Application Linked Below

Application here!

Application and Review Process

Applications for the PS GSA Connects 2025 travel grants are due on August 7, 2025 (11:59pm EST). Applications will be reviewed by the PS Diversity and Inclusion Committee. Awards will be granted based on available funding. Priority will be given to applicants whose funding has been impacted by recent changes to recent federal policy and funding priorities.

PS D&I Conference Travel Grants

Many of our colleagues who work extensively on inclusive educational and research practices might not qualify for research-based funding for conference travel from their home institutions. In addition, colleagues from groups underrepresented in paleontology, in a career transition (between undergrad and grad, grad to post-doc, post-doc to position), or in adjunct, teaching, museum, or part-time positions are often the most vulnerable and most likely to leave paleontology and science. It is crucial that we ensure that these members are able to attend and participate in our meetings as well as network with community members who can provide the support and mentorship that is needed in these critical transitions or positions. Thus, the Paleontological Society is offering competitive conference travel grants to help offset the expenses of eligible PS members from underrepresented and/or at-risk groups who would be unable to attend these meetings without this travel support.

Funding Amount

Up to $1200 per award for in person attendees and $250 per award for online attendees

Eligibility

• Applicants should be members of the Paleontological Society.
• Applicants should identify as members of a historically underrepresented group, OR be in a career transition (between undergrad and grad school, grad school to post-doc, or post-doc to position), OR belong to an at-risk group not listed here (to be explained by the applicant in their application).
• Applicants must not have sufficient funds available to them for travel to conferences due to the nature of their employment (e.g., adjunct, teaching, museum, or part-time positions).  Students from labs or departments with conference travel funding for students should not apply.

Application Linked Below

Application here! 

Application and Review Process

Email questions and completed applications to The Paleontological Society Diversity and Inclusion Committee. Applications for fall conferences are due midnight (11:59 pm eastern time) on June 1^st of each year.  Applications for spring and summer conferences are due midnight (11:59 pm eastern time) December 1^st of each year. The Paleontological Society Diversity and Inclusion Group will review applications and award grants according to available funding.

If you have any questions about applications or the submission process for grants, please contact [email protected]