Skip to main content

The John B. Graham Student Medical Student Research Travel Award was established to support University of North Carolina medical students who are invited to present research at regional, national, or international scientific meetings. Travel awards are funded by the UNC Medical Alumni Association through its Loyalty Fund.

In providing this opportunity, the goals of the John B. Graham Student Research Society are the following: to promote student interest in clinical and basic science research, to recognize outstanding student achievement in medical research, and to encourage UNC medical students to present research beyond the confines of the UNC School of Medicine.

COVID-19 Update: There are currently no restrictions for JBG Travel Awards. If you are unsure about COVID-related travel restrictions and regulations, please contact the VPs of Research Opportunities.

There are a limited number of travel awards available for the academic year to cover expenses up to $500. Completed applications can be submitted year-round and will be reviewed by the Travel Award Selection Committee at quarterly meetings.

The travel award deadlines for consideration are: November 15th, March 15th, and August 15th. If the deadline happens to fall on a weekend or holiday, then the application is due on the next business day.

APPLICATION INFORMATION

Consideration for awards is based on the quality of original work to be presented, the potential for advancing the student’s career, and the need for funding. A student may receive only one travel award during his or her medical school career. Only current John B. Graham (JBG) members are eligible for travel awards. Students become members after presenting a research project at Student Research Day. Students may apply for funding for past travel to present research at a conference within the past calendar year, but preference will be given to students applying for funding for any upcoming conference. Applicants will be notified if they are approved for funding within three weeks after the deadline date. Current JBG board members are eligible for travel awards.

Funding is in the form of reimbursement for expenses, including travel, registration fees and housing up to $500. Applicants are asked to provide or estimate their expenses on their application. If you are approved for the award, original receipts are necessary for reimbursement. To receive reimbursement, applicants must also submit a one-page summary of their research meeting experience with an emphasis on their presentation. If you are applying for a previously attended conference, please provide documentation of your costs that were not reimbursed by other sources.

A complete application includes:

  • a copy of the accepted abstract (on which the student should be first author);
  • a copy of the invitation to present or confirmation letter from the meeting;
  • a letter of support from the student’s research preceptor describing the student’s role in the project and telling what, if any, funding support (i.e., grant or departmental award) is available to the student for travel.

Please submit your application or further questions to the VPs of Research Opportunities.