Student Assistance Scheme

Deadline will be the same as the abstract deadline for the annual meeting unless otherwise advised
The purpose of this scheme is to promote student interest in and attendance at British Microcirculation and Vascular Biology Society meetings by providing financial assistance.
  1. Eligibility

A ‘student’ is defined here as a person studying for a primary degree (BSc, BA or primary medical degree) OR a postgraduate student studying for a higher research degree (MPhil, MSc, PhD), irrespective of the source of income of the individual (ie. whether a research student, research assistant or technician). The student must be a member of the Society, ie. have paid the reduced membership subscription or enclose a membership application form and fee together with the Grant Application. BMVBS student members may apply for these grants once per year.

 

  1. Value of individual grant

The grant is intended to cover the direct costs of attending a BMVBS Scientific Meeting (namely travel by the cheapest route, standard accommodation and registration) and to allow the student to attend the Society’s dinner in order to promote integration into the scientific community.

 

  1. Total sum of grants

The total sum set aside annually for this purpose will be £250, or some larger sum depending on the current financial circumstances of the Society. If there are several applicants and the total sum applied for exceeds the sum allocated by the Treasurer, grants will be allocated on the basis of competition (see 5 below).

 

  1. Method of application

Applicants must complete (a) a Student Assistance Scheme (SAS) Grant application form (see below), and enclose (b) a letter of support from his/her supervisor (no requirement for the supervisor to be a BMVBS member) stating the reasons for needing the grant and the perceived value of the meeting to the student, and (c) a copy of any abstract(s) submitted. Any questions should be directed to Honorary Secretary (andrew.benest@nottingham.ac.uk)

 

  1. Method of competitive award of grants

On the day after the abstract deadline, the Secretary will send copies of the SAS application forms and letters of support to the Local Organiser and the Treasurer. The Local Organizer, the Secretary and the Treasurer will constitute a sub-committee to determine the ranking of the applications, and will award grants on the basis of the ranking. Factors to be taken into account in the ranking process will include whether the applicant:

(i)  has submitted an abstract for the meeting (although this is not a prerequisite for the award) and         whether the abstract makes a positive contribution to the meeting;

(ii)     is involved in a microvascular research project;

(iii)    is a research student on a low income/grant

 

  1. Decision deadlines

The SAS sub-committee will reach a final decision two weeks after the abstract deadline and the Secretary will inform each applicant of the decision. Successful applicants will have their registration fee and other payments refunded (original receipts needed) after the meeting.