+ Eligibility Requirements

Essential criteria:

• You must be a member of ASM for a minimum of two (2) years at the application closing date.
• Members who have previously received this award are not eligible to apply within five (5) years.
• You must be actively involved in teaching microbiology or a related discipline at the tertiary level.
• You must intend to attend an international conference with a significant focus on microbiology education, teaching practice or the scholarship of learning and teaching.

Special Circumstances:

While the stated criteria guide the evaluation process, the committee may exercise discretion in considering additional relevant information provided by an applicant. Any such information must be included in the application materials and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

+ Application Requirements

Applications must include:

• Evidence of submission (or intended submission) of an oral presentation, poster or other scholarly contribution to the selected conference.
• • If the presentation has already been accepted, include confirmation of acceptance.
• • If acceptance is pending, provide evidence of submission.
• • If conference submissions have not yet opened, provide a brief statement outlining your intended presentation and expected submission timeline.
• A brief justification (maximum ½ page) outlining why the selected conference will benefit your professional development and teaching practice.
• A curriculum vitae (maximum 2 pages).
• A letter of recommendation from the applicant's Head of Department (or equivalent) confirming the applicant's involvement in teaching and support for attendance at the conference.
• The names and contact details (including email addresses) of two referees.
• A brief synopsis (maximum 1 page) describing your teaching philosophy, educational interests, and how attendance at the conference will enhance your contribution to microbiology education within Australia.

+ Conditions of Award

• The award is valued at up to AUD $3,000.
• Payment of the award is conditional upon the recipient presenting at the selected conference.
• Applicants are expected to maintain appropriate travel insurance. The award does not cover insurance costs.
• The recipient must submit a short report outlining the outcomes of the travel, together with a statement of expenditure (supported by receipts where appropriate), within one month of returning to Australia.
• The recipient is encouraged to share their experiences with the ASM education community through an appropriate forum following completion of their travel.

+ Award Review Committee

Applications will be assessed by the ASM Executive Committee and a member of the Education Special Interest Group. Assessment will be based on:

• Demonstrated commitment to excellence in microbiology teaching.
• Quality and relevance of the proposed conference presentation.
• Potential benefit of conference attendance to the applicant's professional development.
• Likely impact on microbiology education within the applicant's institution and the wider ASM community.

Closing Date for applications: 31 March