Deadline: 28-Feb-2026
The SEARCA Travel Grants Program provides up to USD 1,200 in funding for Southeast Asian researchers, social scientists, and graduate students to attend conferences and scientific forums in agriculture and rural development. The program supports knowledge sharing, networking, and collaboration to advance food security, climate resilience, and sustainable agricultural innovation.
Overview of the Program
The SEARCA Travel Grants Program is designed to enable agriculture and rural development professionals, social scientists, and graduate students from Southeast Asia to engage with the global scientific community.
The program provides financial support for participation in scientific conferences, workshops, and forums, helping grantees share research, establish professional networks, and foster collaborations that advance sustainable agricultural and rural development.
Purpose and Objectives
The program aims to:
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Strengthen Southeast Asian representation in global agricultural research and innovation
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Facilitate knowledge dissemination and dialogue among researchers, academics, and practitioners
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Promote collaboration that contributes to food security, climate resilience, and empowerment of agricultural stakeholders
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Support career development for emerging and mid-career researchers in the region
By connecting regional researchers to international platforms, SEARCA fosters scientific exchange that benefits communities and agricultural systems.
Funding Details
Each travel grant provides financial support of up to USD 1,200, which can cover:
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Conference registration fees
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Travel costs (airfare, ground transportation)
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Accommodation
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Related expenses for both in-person and online events
Priority is given to applicants presenting papers, although applications demonstrating strong potential for partnerships or development impact are also considered.
Who Is Eligible
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
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Be nationals of Southeast Asian countries
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Be professionals, researchers, social scientists, or graduate students in agriculture, rural development, or related fields
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Submit papers aligned with SEARCA’s priority themes, including:
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Agricultural development
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Food security
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Climate resilience
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Empowerment of agricultural stakeholders
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Priority Applicants
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Individuals presenting papers or research at conferences
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Projects or presentations that foster meaningful linkages, collaborations, or tangible development outcomes
Application Requirements
Applicants are generally required to submit:
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Conference registration and program details
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Abstracts or conference papers
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Budget breakdown of expected travel and participation costs
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Proof of Southeast Asian nationality
SEARCA evaluates applications based on relevance, potential impact, and alignment with program objectives.
Grantee Responsibilities
Recipients of SEARCA Travel Grants are expected to:
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Submit a publishable version of their research following the event
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Share insights with peers through seminars, webinars, or workshops
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Provide a travel report summarizing learnings, outcomes, and potential collaborations
These contributions ensure knowledge generated through the program is disseminated and benefits the wider community.
Why This Program Matters
The SEARCA Travel Grants Program is vital for Southeast Asian agricultural research because it:
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Elevates regional voices on global platforms
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Encourages the sharing of innovative solutions to agricultural and rural challenges
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Builds networks and professional partnerships for long-term collaboration
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Supports capacity building and professional growth for researchers and graduate students
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Strengthens knowledge exchange that can inform policy, practice, and development outcomes
Tips for a Strong Application
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Clearly demonstrate alignment of research with SEARCA priority themes
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Highlight the potential impact of the presentation or conference participation
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Provide a detailed and realistic budget
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Emphasize opportunities for networking, collaboration, and knowledge dissemination
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Ensure all required documents, such as abstracts and nationality proof, are complete
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Submitting incomplete applications or missing required documents
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Applying for events unrelated to SEARCA’s thematic focus areas
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Underestimating the potential impact of the participation
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Failing to provide clear justification for budget and travel needs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who can apply for SEARCA Travel Grants?
Agriculture and rural development professionals, social scientists, and graduate students from Southeast Asian countries.
How much funding is provided?
Each grant provides up to USD 1,200 to cover travel, registration, accommodation, and related expenses.
Are only paper presenters eligible?
Priority is given to presenters, but applicants who contribute to meaningful partnerships or development outcomes are also considered.
Can the grant support virtual conferences?
Yes. Funding can be used for both in-person and online events.
What is expected after attending the event?
Grantees must submit travel reports, share insights through seminars or webinars, and provide publishable versions of their work.
Are graduate students eligible?
Yes. Graduate students conducting research in agriculture, rural development, or related fields are eligible.
Which topics are prioritized?
Agricultural development, food security, climate resilience, and empowerment of agricultural stakeholders.
Conclusion
The SEARCA Travel Grants Program empowers Southeast Asian researchers and graduate students to participate in global scientific events, share their findings, and build networks that advance sustainable agriculture and rural development. By supporting knowledge exchange and collaboration, the program strengthens regional capacity, elevates voices in global dialogues, and contributes to innovation and transformation in agricultural systems.
For more information, visit SEARCA.
