ASM-FEMS Mäkelä-Cassell Travel Award for Early-Career Scientists

The ASM-FEMS Mäkelä-Cassell Travel Award for Early Career Scientists supports the reciprocal exchange of 1 member from each organization to present their research at the other organization's main conferences, ASM Microbe and FEMS Congress. The award is designed to benefit early career scientists from both organizations by giving them the opportunity to present their work overseas and experience the best of microbiology in the partner country. This award recognized future leaders in microbiology by supporting travel for early career scientists to present a poster of their research.

Program Details

Up to €4,000 for 1 selected current member of a FEMS Full Member Society that will travel to ASM Microbe 2026, includes complimentary registration. FEMS will select the member attending ASM Microbe 2026. If the cost of travel is under €4,000, the remaining funds may be used to cover other expenses related to meeting attendance.

Eligibility

To qualify for consideration, the applicant must be or provide:

A current member of a FEMS Full Member Society.
A microbiologist active in research and current Ph.D. (or equivalent) student or recipient of Ph.D. within the past 5 years. (Note: periods of maternity/paternity leave, special leave or illness do not count toward this definition).
Scientific abstract not previously published or presented at another conference.
Curriculum vitae (CV), including scientific focus area.
- Include the name of the FEMS Member Society and membership number in the CV.
Two letters of nominations on institution letterhead written by the department chair and principal investigator or immediate director.
Applicant statement providing a brief overview (limit 500 words) of qualifications and how the travel award supports scientific research.

Travel award funds are non-transferable and will be provided following the conclusion of ASM Microbe 2026 upon confirming awardee’s attendance at the meeting.

Apply

Deadline Extended—Travel Awards applications will be open from Wednesday, Oct. 15-Monday, Dec. 8. Applicants will be notified if they are selected to receive an award by Wednesday, Dec. 17.

Apply

Learn More

See a full list of FEMS Full Member Societies.

Travel Award ASM-FEMS Mäkelä-Cassell Travel Award for Early-Career Scientists