Tips for a successful BSI Conference Travel Grant application

The BSI Conference Travel Grant offers a valuable opportunity to support members' attendance* at important scientific meetings both in the UK and internationally. Whether you’re presenting your latest research or aiming to build new collaborations, this grant can help cover travel and related costs, with maximum awards currently set at £500 for travel within the UK, £700 for European travel, and £1,000 for travel elsewhere in the world. Our travel grants are one of the top benefits available to BSI members and are a key reason to join if you aren’t already a member. Access to funding like this is available exclusively to BSI members - become a member today to become eligible.

To help you succeed, here’s a straightforward, step-by-step checklist, plus some tips to make your application stand out and ensure you don’t miss any vital details! 

First things first, let’s check you’re eligible for the BSI Conference Travel Grant:

  • Are you a current paid-up BSI member?
  • Have you held BSI membership for at least one year (two consecutive subscription payments)?
  • Are you in one of the eligible membership categories: Full, Early Careers, or Postgraduate? (Unfortunately, undergraduate members are not eligible for this grant)
  • Have you received a BSI Conference Travel Grant in the last 12 months? (If yes, you are unfortunately not eligible)
  • Is your application for a scientific conference or seminar (not a lab visit or skills course)?
  • Is your application for a scientific conference or seminar not organised by the BSI? (Please note, there are separate BSI Regional & Affinity Groups Conference Grants and BSI Congress Travel Grants to provide support to members’ to attend these events)

Next, ensure you have completed these essential steps for your application

Make sure all required sections of the online application or application form are fully completed, and that all supporting documents are uploaded. If your application is not complete, it will be rejected.

What you MUST include in your application. Checklist: Conference abstract uploaded (the one you submitted to the event), Signed letter of support from your supervisor/head of department uploaded, Clear, specific reasoned statement on why this conference matters to your research/career, Recent research achievements listed, Cost breakdown and proof of financial need provided (include other funding applied for), All personal details completed, Proofread for clarity and accuracy, Submitted before the deadline

Make sure you are specific about your activity and its impact

When you apply, be clear about what you want to do (which conference, and if you’re presenting), how much it will cost, and why your work matters. It's important to explain how attending will benefit your career and what success will look like for you, such as building collaborations or developing confidence in public speaking/scientific discussion. Make sure your application and your supervisor’s letter answer these questions so the panel can easily see the value of supporting you.

Top tips for a winning application

  • Tailor your application: Make it clear why you’re applying to the BSI specifically, not just for any travel grant
  • Be proud of your achievements: Don’t undersell yourself. Highlight your contributions and impact, as reviewers want to see your potential
  • Ask for feedback: Have your supervisor review your application before submission. They can help you emphasise strengths and spot gaps
  • Be clear and concise: Assume your reviewers may not be specialists in your exact field. Define key terms and keep your explanations straightforward
  • Proofread carefully: Spelling mistakes and unclear writing can instantly weaken your application. Ask someone outside your field to read it for clarity
  • Provide complete and accurate information: Missing documents or incomplete statements are the most common reasons for rejection

Final steps before submission

  1. Double-check every item on our handy checklist above
  2. Take a final look to confirm that you have clearly explained your activity, its impact, and how this opportunity will benefit your research and career
  3. If you are not submitting via the online application system, save your application form as a PDF and email it along with your abstract and supporting documents to membership@immunology.org
  4. Submit before the deadline

By following this checklist and these tips, you’ll maximise your chances of success and help the BSI Grants panel review your application as quickly as possible. Remember: the more information you provide, the more convincing your application will be. Good luck!

Click here for more information on the BSI Conference Travel Grants.

Start application

*This grant scheme is open to paid-up BSI members from the Full, Early Career, and Postgraduate categories who have held membership for a minimum period of one year (two consecutive membership subscription payments).