Call for Proposals: Conference Support Program

Deadline: 15-Apr-2026

The Conference Support Program provides partial funding for research-level mathematical science conferences to support participants from developing countries. Grants of up to €4,000 cover travel and accommodation for invited speakers and participants, promoting international collaboration and academic exchange, while requiring additional funding sources from organizers.

The Conference Support Program aims to facilitate participation from mathematicians in developing countries at regional and international conferences. It focuses on research-level mathematical sciences and supports academic exchange rather than professional training activities.

Objectives of the Program

The program seeks to:

• Enhance collaboration among mathematicians from neighboring and developing countries.
• Support research-level conferences with regional or international audiences.
• Provide financial assistance specifically for travel and accommodation for invited speakers and participants from developing nations.
• Encourage meaningful participation of researchers from developing countries.

Who is Eligible

• Conferences must be related to mathematical sciences.
• Events should have a regional or international audience.
• Must benefit mathematicians from developing countries.
• Focus must be on research-level academic exchange (training schools or professional development are not supported).
• Typically, conferences should be held in a developing country; exceptions may apply for conferences in developed countries if:
  • They include participants from developing countries.
  • Organizers secure matching funds equivalent to the requested grant.

Funding Details

• Maximum Grant: €4,000
• Typical Grant Range: €1,500 – €3,500
• Eligible Expenses:
  • Travel costs for invited speakers and participants from developing countries
  • Accommodation for invited speakers and participants from developing countries
• Ineligible Expenses:
  • Venue rental
  • Meals and catering
  • Administrative costs
  • Other non-participant-related expenses

Note: The program cannot be the primary sponsor. Organizers must demonstrate additional funding sources in the conference budget.

How to Apply

1. Verify Conference Eligibility: Ensure the event is research-level, related to mathematical sciences, and includes participants from developing countries.
2. Prepare Budget: Highlight travel and accommodation expenses for participants from developing countries. Include proof of additional funding sources.
3. Submit Application: Apply through the official program portal before the deadline.
4. Evaluation: Applications are assessed based on relevance to developing country participation, research-level focus, and feasibility of supporting travel and accommodation.

Tips for Organizers

• Clearly indicate the number of participants from developing countries.
• Provide a detailed travel and accommodation budget.
• Demonstrate additional funding sources for conference logistics.
• Ensure the conference content is research-focused and internationally relevant.
• Highlight collaboration and exchange opportunities for developing country mathematicians.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Requesting funding for venue, meals, or administrative expenses.
• Applying for professional training or non-research-level events.
• Not demonstrating additional funding sources.
• Failing to justify the participation of developing country mathematicians.
• Submitting incomplete budgets or participant lists.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who can benefit from the grant?
   Participants and invited speakers from developing countries attending research-level mathematical science conferences.
2. What expenses are covered?
   Travel and accommodation costs only.
3. What is the maximum funding amount?
   Up to €4,000 per conference, with typical grants ranging from €1,500 to €3,500.
4. Can the grant cover venue, meals, or administrative costs?
   No, these expenses are not eligible.
5. Can the program be the primary sponsor of the conference?
   No, additional funding sources must be demonstrated.
6. Are conferences held in developed countries eligible?
   Only if they include participants from developing countries and matching funds are secured by organizers.
7. Are professional training events eligible?
   No, the program only supports research-level academic exchange.

Why This Program Matters

• Promotes global collaboration in mathematical sciences.
• Supports research-level participation from developing countries.
• Encourages regional and international networking and academic exchange.
• Provides targeted financial assistance to enhance participation and knowledge sharing.

Conclusion

The Conference Support Program is a strategic funding opportunity for organizers of research-level mathematical science conferences to include participants from developing countries. By covering essential travel and accommodation expenses, the program fosters international collaboration, academic exchange, and capacity building in the global mathematics community.

For more information, visit International Mathematical Union.