Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply?

Please visit our apply page to apply online.

What will I be requested to supply?

Please see the description of the application steps in the apply page. Please make sure you have all the material ready before you start the online application process, as you will not be able to save and resume your application later.

Who can I contact for more information?

Please contact ectravelgrants@nature.com with any questions.

Who is eligible to apply?

Full eligibility criteria are described on our about page.

Who is on the judging panel?

The judging panel comprises both professional editors and practising scientists. We have tried to ensure that our selection panel includes a broad and diverse range of experiences. When deciding the composition of our panels we carefully considered factors including gender, geography, subject expertise and whether they were the first member of their family to join academia.

How will you ensure a fair assessment process?

To ensure that all applicants are treated fairly, we will make initial assessments against a consistent set of criteria as described on the about page. We anticipate that the broad and diverse range of experiences of the panel members, who will make an assessment based on a consistent set of principles, will enable a fair process.

When is the deadline for applications?

Applications close on October 26th 2020.

When will the winners be announced?

The winners will be announced during early December 2020.

When will the grants funds be provided?

Grants will be paid directly towards the recipient’s chosen training organization within 60 days of confirmation that their application has been successful.

Are there time restrictions on the use of grant funds?

Recipients should attend their training before the end of 2021.

Why are only early career researchers eligible to apply?

The Communications journals are committed to championing the cause of early career researchers and we have written before about the challenges they face, including competition for funding. We believe that it is vital to support their development for the future of science.

Why have you chosen to support training?

Access to essential training opportunities is especially important for early career researchers. While in previous years the programme supported attendance of an international conference, given the current limitations on travel, we’ve decided to support training opportunities, which can include taking a training course, or attending a virtual conference or workshop.

Do applicants have to have published research in Springer Nature journals to be eligible?

There is no requirement for applicants to have published in, to have reviewed for, or to intend to publish in the Communications journals or any other Springer Nature journal.

Will the Communications journals publish research from grant recipients?

There is no expectation or requirement that recipients submit any research to a journal owned or managed by Springer Nature. The editorial decisions of any journal editor are discretionary and based on the validity and suitability of a manuscript for that journal and as such are entirely independent of the awarding of this grant.

What happens if the circumstances of grant recipients change and they are unable to attend the training specified within their application?

Whilst the grants are offered to provide support for training as specified by the applicant, we realise that circumstances can change. We ask that any recipients contact us as soon as possible if for any reason they are not able to attend the training we agreed to fund/already funded in order to find a personalized solution.