Brunel University - The Vice-Chancellor's Travel Prizes

The Vice-Chancellor's Travel Prizes

You will receive up to about 585 EUR (500 GBP) to cover the costs of travelling to an academic conference abroad. This includes travel and accommodation costs, as well as the conference registration fee. If you deliver a presentation at a leading international conference and demonstrate outstanding performance across all assessment criteria, the grant amount may be increased to approximately 875 EUR (750 GBP). Brunel University London awards 25 of these prizes in each round. You may win one prize per academic year and a maximum of two during your entire time at Brunel University.

Who can apply

• Degree level: You are a PhD student at Brunel University London and are studying full-time or part-time.
• Field of study: Open to all research participants.
• Nationality: All nationalities can apply.
• Where you go: The money is intended for a conference abroad. The conference dates must fall within your official maximum registration period.
• Timing: The conference must take place after the deadline you have applied for. You cannot receive financial support for a journey you have already undertaken.
• Your record: You are a high-achieving PhD student and take part in Brunel’s in-house research events, such as the 3 ‘Minute Thesis’ or the poster conference.

How to apply

You are applying to the Graduate School at Brunel University. Your supervisor must submit a letter of support, which must be received by the application deadline. There are four application rounds per year; you are therefore advised to apply early rather than just before the deadline. The selection process takes into account the quality of your research and the clear added value you offer to the conference – for example, by delivering a presentation or chairing a session.

How realistic are your chances?

This prize is open exclusively to PhD students who are already enrolled at Brunel University, meaning that the pool of entrants is limited to a single university. With 25 awards per round, the chances of winning within this group are quite good. You can improve your chances by taking on a clear, active role at the conference and participating in Brunel University’s internal research activities. Applying early and obtaining a letter of recommendation from your supervisor in good time are also advantageous.