Mission: The International Travel Award – Sullivan Family Endowment Fund provides funds for International Fisheries Members that reside outside of the USA and Canada for activities that support the IFS goals of promoting worldwide fishery educational, organizational, and research efforts; and fostering the exchange of information and technical assistance among fishery professionals. 

Purposes: This award prioritizes travel IFS and AFS sponsored events – in 2024 this includes the World Fisheries Congress in Seattle, USA and the American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii. Only funding for future events (preferably at least one month after the application deadline) will be considered for the general applicant pool. Students, researchers, and professionals during the early stages of their careers may be given preference.  As funds are limited, priority will be given to eligible applicants requiring only partial support (e.g., airfare, registration, lodging, or per diem). The average award is US$500. Full support may be considered on a case-by-case basis, but please be aware that you may need to supplement the funds with other sources to meet all travel requirements. Funding will primarily support individuals who maintain a permanent residence outside of the USA and Canada.

Application for the American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting 2024: The International Travel Award supports attendance at the American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting in Honolulu. An International Travel Award application must be completed online (https://goo.gl/forms/twrnddHpvdPsksa22). A CV or resume and an itemized budget must be provided.  Additional supporting documents may be included such as a cover letter, whether you have a valid Visa to enter the United States, additional budget information, or additional information about the funding request (conference website, workshop itinerary, informational flier, etc).

Selection Criteria: Proposals may be reviewed by other scientists in appropriate fields solicited by the IFS Executive Committee. Recipients of awards will be selected on a competitive basis. Decisions will be made primarily on meeting the program’s criteria, need, justification, research promise, scientific method, and academic and professional achievement. Indigenous Peoples, students, researchers, and professionals during the early stages of their careers may be given preference. Submission of an application acknowledges the applicant’s acceptance that the decision of the Executive Committee is final. In any given year, the IFS may choose not to award any grants from the Fund.

Deadline: The deadline for award applications is 24 May, 2024 to the AFS Annual Meeting in Honolulu.

Notification: Each selected recipient of the International Travel Award will receive an official letter or email notification about the award within one month after the application deadline.  Awards will be announced by the Section President. In extenuating circumstances, other requests may be considered at other times of the year.  Please contact the IFS Executive Committee to inquire.

Awarded Funds: An award may be made directly to the recipient either a) in advance of or, b) after expenses have been incurred, or c) to the recipient’s affiliated institution in repayment for funds already expended in anticipation of the award. In all cases, the award recipients shall provide receipts to the IFS Treasurer that document the expenditure of the award funds.