The purpose of this assistance program is to assist members of the Canadian Society of Zoology who have natural caregiver functions (e.g., care of young children) and income that restricts their ability to attend the CSZ annual congresses. We will test this program at the 2019 Congress in Windsor with the intention of setting up a long-term program in the future.

Terms of Reference

Objectives

This supplement is intended to assist members of the Canadian Society of Zoology who act as a natural caregiver (e.g., care for young children or persons with disabilities) and for whom additional personal expenses incurred in attending a Convention may make it difficult for them to attend the CSZ Annual Convention. This is a travel supplement based on real needs and preference will be given to caregivers who are in the early stages of their scientific careers.

This program will provide funding to members of the CSZ and aims to reduce travel expenses associated with participating in the CSZ Annual Convention. This assistance is not intended for participation in other congresses. The amount granted will depend on the funds available and vary according to the financial needs expressed and the distance to be travelled. Aside from the availability of funds, there are no restrictions on the number of supplements that could be offered to either of the CSZ annual congresses.

These supplements may be added to the student or postdoctoral fellowships offered by the CSZ and any institutional or external support provided to cover travel costs to attend the Conference.

Value

The aid provided will be a maximum value of $500. The value of the aid will depend on the number of eligible applications received and the funds available. The sums granted may be used to reduce the associated (but not limited) costs to guarding during the Congress, the travel expenses of another natural caregiver at the venue of the Congress, additional childcare costs for a child who is not present on the premises of the Congress, special family arrangements, etc.

Spring

CSZ funding comes from membership fees and Conference registrations.

Frequency

This program should be offered annually during which there is an annual CSZ Conference. Aside from the availability of funds, there are no restrictions on the number of supplements that can be granted for a given Convention. Supplements will not have to be awarded each year.

Eligibility

To be eligible, an applicant must:

• Be a formal member of the SCZ

• Be a natural caregiver for whom this role means additional personal costs and a need for financial assistance to attend the CSZ Annual Conference

• Be the first author of an oral or poster presentation during the Congress.

Please note that some parental or compassionate arrangements may include requirements that ensure that an individual cannot work (and who may associate participation in a professional Convention with “work”). Applicants are responsible for ensuring that this supplement does not violate their conditions of leave.

Application Procedure

Applications should include:

• A cover letter including

  • A statement confirming the eligibility

  • Information about the candidate’s career stage and current position

  • An overview of commitments and arrangements as a natural caregiver

  • A brief statement on why the presence at the next CSZ Congress is important for its career development

• A budget detailing the total costs of attending the Conference and clearly indicating the additional costs associated with caregiver expenses

• The list of other sources of funding available to assist the candidate to participate in the annual CSZ Conference (confirmed or potential).