APPLICATION FOR THE DR. ELIZABETH A. HAYS TRAVEL AWARD
FLORIDA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES ANNUAL MEETING
PURPOSE OF THE HAYS TRAVEL AWARD
The Florida Academy of Sciences (FAS) provides travel support to eligible college and university students and recent graduates who will present research at the FAS Annual Meeting. This program is supported by the endowed Dr. Elizabeth A. Hays Travel Award Fund.
The Dr. Elizabeth A. Hays Travel Award was established in 2010 through a bequest from the estate of longtime Florida Academy of Sciences member Dr. Elizabeth “Betty” Hays (1940–2009), Associate Professor of Physiology at Barry University. Dr. Hays served the Academy for 18 years, including as Secretary from 2003–2009, and shared the Academy’s commitment to encouraging student participation. The endowed fund continues her legacy by helping students and recent graduates participate in and present their research at the FAS Annual Meeting. Academy members and others may also contribute to the endowment to help support future presenters. Learn more about Dr. Hays, the Travel Award, and opportunities to contribute to the fund.
ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible for a Hays Travel Award, an applicant must:
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Be a current student or recent graduate of a college or university, including students participating through dual enrollment. Recent graduates are eligible when presenting research completed as part of their undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral studies. For purposes of this award, a recent graduate is an individual who completed their degree within 12 months of the Annual Meeting.
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Be an author or co-author of an accepted oral or poster presentation at the FAS Annual Meeting.
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Personally present the accepted work at the Annual Meeting. Applicants who are authors or co-authors but attend the meeting without presenting are not eligible for the Hays Travel Award.
Applications must be submitted using the online Hays Travel Award application form by the published deadline.
AWARD
FAS membership is not required to apply for or receive a Hays Travel Award.
Awards of approximately $100–$200, based primarily on travel distance and available funds, may be used for FAS membership fees or to help offset travel, lodging, and meal expenses associated with attending the Annual Meeting.
Annual Meeting registration is waived for Hays Travel Award recipients. Applicants should follow all published registration deadlines and should not delay registration while awaiting an award decision. If a recipient has already paid the registration fee prior to award notification, the registration fee will be reimbursed.
APPLICATION REQUIREMETNS
Applicants must provide:
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Proof of abstract acceptance for an oral or poster presentation at the FAS Annual Meeting.
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Applicant, institution, faculty advisor, and presentation information.
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A map showing the travel distance from the location from which the applicant will travel to the Annual Meeting.
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A brief impact statement describing the significance of attending and presenting at the FAS Annual Meeting and how participation will contribute to the applicant’s academic, research, or professional development.
ATTENDANCE AND RETURN OF AWARD FUNDS
Hays Travel Award recipients are required to attend the FAS Annual Meeting and personally present the oral or poster presentation associated with their application. If a recipient does not attend and present at the Annual Meeting, all Hays Travel Award funds received must be returned to the Florida Academy of Sciences.
