At SIB, we believe your education shouldn’t stop at campus borders and that’s why we offer travel grants and funding to help undergraduates pursue biology experiences beyond Urbana-Champaign. Through opportunities like the Delcomyn International Study in Biology Award or other donor‑supported travel funds, you can get up to $500 (or more, depending on the program) to support travel to conferences, international courses, fieldwork, or other scientific meetings. Whether you want to attend a professional meeting, study biology abroad, or join a field expedition, these travel grants make it more accessible to turn your scientific curiosity into real‑world experience and build meaningful connections in the global scientific community.
Delcomyn International Study in Biology Award
Description: In 2008, Dr. Fred Delcomyn and Nancy A. Delcomyn established the “Delcomyn International Study in Biology Award” to benefit undergraduate students majoring in Integrative Biology who wish to take advantage of educational opportunities in biology outside the United States and Canada. Such activities may include but are not limited to research projects, intersession courses, or courses offered by the Organization of Tropical Studies, that are held outside of the United States of America
Eligibility:
- Current undergraduate student majoring in Integrative Biology or Integrative Biology Honors.
- A minimum GPA of 3.0.
- A research project approved by the SIB Director or acceptance to a course or conference outside the US or Canada.
- A statement (no longer than 2 pages) describing the research to be conducted and its significance, or the benefit applicant expects to receive by attending the international course or conference.
- A detailed budget. The budget should detail the cost of airfare and/or course costs. Funds will not be provided for lodging or meals.
- Letter of support from a faculty member.
Additional Information: Applications will be reviewed throughout the year as they are received by the School of Integrative Biology.
Questions may be directed to sib@life.illinois.edu
SIB Endowed Enhancement Fund
Description: A generous gift from an anonymous donor established the “SIB Endowed Enhancement Fund” to benefit biology related student opportunities outside the formal classroom. These opportunities may include internships, study abroad, domestic study and industry immersion.
Eligibility:
- Current undergraduate student majoring in Integrative Biology or Integrative Biology Honors.
- A minimum GPA of 3.0.
- A research project approved by the SIB Director or acceptance to a course or conference.
- A statement describing the research to be conducted and its significance, or the benefit applicant expects to receive by attending the international course or conference.
- A detailed budget. The budget should detail the cost of transportation and/or course or conference costs. Funds will not be provided for lodging or meals.
- Letter of support from a faculty member.
Additional Information: Applications will be reviewed throughout the year as they are received by the School of Integrative Biology.
Questions may be directed to sib@life.illinois.edu
SIB Undergraduate Enhancement Fund
Description: Generous gifts from our donors allow for the “SIB Undergraduate Enhancement Fund” to benefit student related opportunities outside the classroom. These opportunities may include study abroad, attendance of off-campus learning opportunities, and attendance at relevant professional meetings/conferences.
Eligibility:
- Current undergraduate student majoring in Integrative Biology or Integrative Biology Honors.
- A minimum GPA of 3.0.
- A research project approved by the SIB Director or acceptance to a course or conference.
- A statement describing the research to be conducted and its significance, or the benefit applicant expects to receive by attending the international course or conference.
- A detailed budget. The budget should detail the cost of transportation, course costs and/or other event specific costs. Funds will not be provided for lodging or meals.
- Letter of support from a faculty member.
Additional Information: Applications will be reviewed throughout the year as they are received by the School of Integrative Biology.
Questions may be directed to sib@life.illinois.edu
SIB Undergraduate Travel Awards
Description: Thanks to the support of generous donors, we can offer travel grants of up to $500 to undergraduate students traveling to a professional conference or scientific meeting.
Eligibility – Currently enrolled student in IB, IBH, or IPS Entomology. Travel must occur within 6 months of application.
Additional Information: Applications will be reviewed throughout the year as they are received. Applications will be accepted until funds for the year are exhausted.
Application Process: Submit the application electronically to the Undergraduate Awards Committee, sib@life.illinois.edu. Please use the subject line [YOUR NAME] Travel Awards.