Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Travel Grants

Is there an application deadline?
No, applications for travel grants may be submitted at any time, but must reach the Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds (B.I.F.) at least 6 weeks before your proposed departure date.

Does B.I.F. support conferences, symposia or the presentation of own papers?
No, these are reimbursed for B.I.F.’s PhD fellowship holders only.

Does the travel grant include registration fees for courses?
Yes, registration fees for courses are included.

Which nationalities are supported?
We support any nationality, provided the following criteria are met: you are a citizen of an overseas country (e.g. USA, India, China) who will pursue the PhD project in Europe, or you are a European citizen. The latter applies to citizens from all European countries, including the states of the former Soviet Union, Turkey and Israel. For example, we support French or German citizens when they use the travel grant to work e.g. in France, Germany, the UK or the USA. We support e.g. Indian or Chinese citizens or citizens from North and South America when they use the travel grant to work in a European country.

Can a travel award be used in all European countries?
Yes, there is no restriction within Europe.

Are bench fees provided?
No, bench fees are not provided.

When and how is the granted money transferred?
Upon approval of the travel grant, the money is usually transferred to a bank account named by the applicant. Bank particulars can be sent via e-mail, fax or surface mail. We require the name and address of the bank, bank code number and account number. If the bank is outside Germany, we also require its complete IBAN number and its SWIFT-BIC code (or sort code or fedwire number).
Due to difficulties in the past, we do not transfer money to certain countries. In such cases, the granted sum will be transferred to the European supervisor, who will then assist the applicant with the travel costs, and will hand over the money upon the applicant’s arrival at the university or institution.

What is the procedure if the departure date is postponed?
Just send an e-mail to secretariat@bifonds.de informing us why the trip was postponed and stating the new departure date.

How often does B.I.F. award a travel grant to the same scientist?
It is possible to be awarded more than one travel grant. However, only one travel grant will be awarded within a period of 12 months.

Can a travel grant be extended, and if so, how often?
A travel grant can be extended provided that its total duration does not exceed 3 months.

Can the final report be submitted via e-mail?
Yes, we accept an e-mail version of the final report.