Postdoctoral Professional Development Small Grants Program

The Graduate School designed this grant program to help UMass Amherst postdoctoral researchers pursue professional development opportunities that may not otherwise be supported through traditional postdoc funding mechanisms. Postdoctoral researchers may request up to $500 to support professional development activities that fall outside normal engagement in research. Examples of allowed activities include attendance at a summer teaching institute, learning a new skill/technique, adding an extra day to a disciplinary meeting in order to attend an affiliated professional development workshop, or attending other career development events. Applicants may not request support for salary, research supplies, general attendance at disciplinary meetings, travel to study sites, visits to collaborators, or other costs incurred in the normal course of research.

Award and Eligibility Criteria

  • All UMass Amherst full-time postdoctoral researchers, regardless of discipline or funding source, are eligible.
  • The proposed activity must take place during the term of appointment at UMass Amherst.
  • The maximum award amount is $500 and postdocs may receive one award annually. In the event of limited funds, priority will be given to those who have not previously received an award.
  • Applicants must obtain PI approval prior to submitting the application

Application Submission and Review

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until funds are depleted. Decisions will be based on the appropriateness of the activity and the applicant's narrative about how the activity will support their professional goals. Applicants must obtain PI approval to apply prior to applying and all materials must be submitted through the online application form. Please be prepared to upload a one-page document that:
•    Explains how this activity will help you advance your training or career
•    Provides a detailed budget, with expenses limited to those incurred by the professional development activity. If applicable, indicate matching funds provided from other sources.

Reporting and Reimbursement Policies

Awardees will be reimbursed for expenses (up to $500) upon activity completion and submission of the final activity report. Reimbursement will follow standard University procedures.

Questions

Questions can be directed to the Graduate School. (opd [at] grad [dot] umass [dot] edu (opd[at]grad[dot]umass[dot]edu)).