Travel Awards for Early Career Researchers from Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Overview
Through a special funding allocation from the International Organizing Committee of the 20th International Forum for Back and Neck Pain Research in Primary Care and a generous contribution from the Hong Kong Physiotherapists' Union (HKPU), we are pleased to offer financial support to 13 Early Career Researchers (ECRs) from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), across all professional backgrounds, to attend and present at the Forum in Hong Kong.
Primary Care Spine Research Early Career Travel Awards (n=11)
The Hong Kong Physiotherapists' Union Global Emerging Scholar Awards (n=2)
This initiative aims to promote global inclusivity, foster cross-cultural collaboration, and support promising researchers from LMICs to present their work, network with leading global experts, and participate in this milestone forum in Hong Kong.Award Details
Number of Awards: 13 in total
Value: USD $1,250 each.
Purpose: The award includes a complimentary full conference registration waiver, with the remaining balance provided to offset travel, visa, and accommodation expenses.Eligibility Criteria
The awards are open to eligible Early Career Researchers from all professional backgrounds.
Applicants must fulfill the following criteria:
Geographic Eligibility:- Must be a citizen of, and currently residing/working in, a LMIC (as classified by the World Bank).
Career Stage:
- Priority will be given to current research students (e.g., Honors, Master's by research, MPhil, or PhD students).
- Early Career Researchers (ECRs) who are within 5 years of obtaining their PhD are also eligible and warmly invited to apply.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following documents (in English, combined into a single PDF file):
Personal Statement / Essay (Maximum 500 words) addressing:- Motivation: Why you wish to attend the 20th International Forum in Hong Kong?
- Contribution: How your research/perspective will contribute to the forum and scientific discussions?
- Relevance: Why this forum is important to your professional development and spine pain research in your home country/region?
- Financial Need: Why the travel grant is necessary for you to attend?
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Maximum 2–3 pages, highlighting education, relevant research experience, and key publications/presentations.
- Proof of Status:
- For Students: A copy of a valid student ID card or an official letter of enrollment from your university.
- For ECRs: A copy of your PhD certificate/conferral letter (dated within the last 5 years) and current proof of institutional employment.
Selection & Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be reviewed by an independent selection panel based on the following weighted criteria:
Criteria Description Weight Motivation & Impact Clarity of purpose, articulation of how attending will benefit the applicant's research career and local community/institution. 30% Contribution to Forum Academic merit, relevance of the applicant's research area to primary care spine research, and potential contribution to discussions 30% Demonstrated Need Extent of financial need and justification for why external funding is essential to make attendance feasible. 25% Academic Potential Overall academic track record and potential relative to career stage (as shown in CV). 15% Note: In case of equally ranked scores, priority will be awarded to eligible research students over post-PhD researchers.
Important Dates & Submission
Application Deadline: 15 October 2026
Notification of Results: 31 December 2026
How to Submit: Please submit your application package (in single PDF) and your abstract via the online abstract submission portal.
Application:
Apply for a Travel GrantInquiries
For questions regarding the travel grant or application process, please contact the Forum Secretariat at enquiry@IBNP2027HK.com.
We look forward to receiving your application and welcoming you to Hong Kong!