IBC Travel Awards

About the Travel Awards Fund

During IBC years (i.e. even-numbered years), the International Biometric Society Awards Fund Committee offers a program to assist IBS members from Lower- or Middle-Income Countries (LMIC) who seek to participate in the next International Biometric Conference. These awards reduce financial barriers and ensure our scientific programs reflect the diversity, perspectives, and expertise of our global community.

(Note: For information related to funding for travel to IBS Region and Network events, check back in late 2026.)

Guidelines for Travel Support

Award Amount

Up to $3,000 USD may be awarded to individuals to cover all or partial expenses related to IBC 2026 travel, lodging, and registration. This is a competitive process, and not all applicants will receive funding.

Eligibility:

Applicants must be IBS members at the time of application and for at least 12 months prior to the date of application.

Applicants must be reside in a Lower-or-Middle Income Country (LMIC) at the time of the application. Lower- or Middle-Income Countries are defined by the World Bank (see: https://datahelpdesk.worldbank.org/knowledgebase/articles/906519-world-bank-country-and-lending-groups).

Previous Travel Fund award winners may apply if a travel award was not received from IBS in the previous four years. Regardless, preference will be given to those who have not received a travel award in the past.

How to Apply

The application process for travel to the 2026 International Biometric Conference is expected to open in late January, 2026. As of 30 January, 2026, final adjustments are being made to the application portal. We will notify those eligible as soon as the application portal opens. Click Here to apply during the open application period only. If you have any questions, please send a message to ibs@biometricsociety.org.

A Word about IBS and Region Financial Support

Much of the funding provided through this program will come directly from the International Biometric Society.

However, some Regions, Networks, institutions or even individuals may decide to become involved in the funding of Lower Middle-Income country members to attend this event.

Applicants are encouraged to first reach out to their home institutions or their IBS Regions and Networks regarding any level of support they may be able to provide. Regions are encouraged to specify to applicants how many awards they are able to fund, what can be funded, and any other criteria for applicants. Communication with your home Region not only allows the IBS and Regions to make the most of available funding. It also encourages individuals to establish ongoing connections with local Regions.