ICNP 2022 Call for Travel Grant Applications

The purpose of the Travel Grant Program of ICNP is to encourage junior researcher participation in the conference by partially funding the travel costs for those who would otherwise be unable to attend. Depending on fund availability, Ph.D. students and postdoctoral researchers will be considered for travel support (although priority will be given to Ph.D. students). People from underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged to apply. The program is made possible by several grants including that from the US National Science Foundation (NSF). In selecting applicants for travel support, preference will be given to those who satisfy one or more of the following criteria:

• Applicants who are co-authors of accepted papers and posters who are not giving the presentation at the conference.
• Applicants who are authors of papers submitted but not included in the program.
• Applicants in early stages of their Ph.D. studies without alternate means of support.
• Applicants who are first-time attendees or students from under-represented groups.
• Applicants presenting a main paper, workshop paper, poster, or demo. However, authors who will present their papers in the main program may not be given a high priority because their travel cost should be mainly covered by the PIs of their research groups.

The factors above represent our rough prioritization. We also take into account extenuating circumstances that are discussed in statements and letters. Applicants are expected to show evidence of a serious interest in computer networking, as demonstrated by coursework and project experience. ICNP particularly encourages the participation of women and members of underrepresented minorities.

We plan to support each awardee up to $1500. However, the actual amount will depend on the applicant’s estimated expenses, our budget, and the number of applications.

Note that most grants will be given to applicants who plan to attend in person. Applicants who plan to attend remotely will be considered only based on availability of remaining funds.

How to Apply

The following information should be submitted:

• A CV with complete contact information and correct email address. If you are a US-based student, you must also state your visa status, including those on student visas (F-1, J-1, etc.).
• A short personal statement (no more than 1 page) that indicates the applicant will attend ICNP 2022 in person or remotely and includes information that the applicant feels is relevant to support his/her case. This includes why the conference attendance is important to the applicant's research and career development. The applicant should mention any papers or posters they submitted or had accepted, and whether they are presenting any work (including if it is in the main track, workshop, poster, or demo). It must include the estimated expenses for attending the conference (total, and breakdown by conference registration, travel, lodging, and meals). If the applicant will be unable to attend without a travel grant, please explain why this is the case. If the applicant has applied for any other funding support, please make this clear in the personal statement.
• A letter from the advisor (or a faculty contact if the applicant does not have an advisor), which:
• Applicants who are first-time attendees or students from under-represented groups.
• Applicants presenting a main paper, workshop paper, poster, or demo. However, authors who will present their papers in the main program may not be given a high priority because their travel cost should be mainly covered by the PIs of their research groups.
• A letter from the advisor (or a faculty contact if the applicant does not have an advisor), which:
  1. Confirms the applicant’s good standing in the institution;
  2. Explains why the applicant would benefit from attending ICNP as well as how they could contribute to the conference;
  3. Explain the current funding status and why the applicant is in need of the travel grant;
  4. If the application is a co-author of an accepted paper, the advisor should indicate whether other co-authors will be attending the conference and who is presenting.
  5. States whether the advisor can cover the remaining cost of the travel if a travel grant is awarded.

Applications that do not include the above items will not be considered. The expectation is that a student travel grant will significantly offset airfare, shared hotel accommodation, and registration. It may not fully cover these expenses.

Submit your application by emailing: icnp2022travelgrant@gmail.com

The advisor’s letter can be sent either with other material by the applicant or separately by the advisor.

Important Notes about Reimbursement

Funds can only be used toward registration, travel, sustenance and lodging at the conference hotel. In order to support as many students as possible, the amounts awarded will defray, but may not necessarily cover all costs. Students and their advisors are strongly encouraged to secure additional funding from other sources. Funds will be disbursed only in the form of reimbursements for actual expenses. A receipt is required for any expense reimbursed (e.g., registration, airfare, and hotel receipts).

NOTE: Students supported with NSF-provided funds MUST fly on a US carrier. We will let each awardee know if they will be supported by NSF funds.

For reimbursement, the student must submit the following information:

• Original receipts for travel, lodging, and conference registration. For travel receipts, please include boarding passes and/or receipts for train/cabs. For lodging, please include a receipt from the hotel in addition to the online hotel reservation.
• If you are a US citizen, a completed W-9 form.
• If you are in the US on a F-1/J-1 visa, a completed W-8 form.
• A sheet that lists all the expenses.

An application for this travel grant is an implicit acceptance of these terms.

Important Dates

Additional Information

Please pay attention to the following details about the travel grant application and reimbursement process:

• Please provide complete contact information. We will need to have your current mailing address. Please take into account any address changes you may have near the time of the stipend deadline, for example due to school breaks. You will be notified via email, so make sure your email address is correct on your application.
• The decision on student travel grants is made by the ICNP Student Travel Grant Committee; all decisions are final.
• Grant applicants should ensure that they have the proper travel documents (i.e., visas) to travel to and enter the United States, and to return to their home institution after the conference.

If you have any questions, please send them to the travel grant co-chair Chen Qian ( cqian12@ucsc.edu ).