This note is intended to clarify the situation for those of you that are
concerned.
First, for CNS*94 we were only able to provide a maximum of $200 for
travel. The reason for this was that an NSF grant we submitted for travel
was not funded. As a result, we had to take money from the registration
income for travel. We did this because the organizers felt it was
important to provide some funds to students. The result was actually to
make the funds very tight for advance organizing of CNS*95.
Second, we have again submitted at travel grant to NSF, and we are
optomistic about its success. NSF has encouraged us to request 3 years
instead of just one. This would mean that we can plan in advance, and know
what funds will be available.
Third, the grant we have submitted indicates the $$ figures shown in the
announcement. Of course, we do not know what the NSF review will decide.
But clearly, it would not be a good idea to announce numbers that are lower
than the amount requested in the grant.
Finally, given the situation, we have always tried to make it clear that
the final $$ amounts are dependent on forces beyond our control, and
therefore, students should make plans accordingly. The organizers would
much rather be able to state absolutely how much money will be available,
although even with a continuing grant, the $$ available depend on how many
students request travel support. It is for this reason that many, or most
meetings only provide travel support for invited speakers, whose numbers
are under the organizers control. However, the organizers of the CNS
meetings are very committed to doing everything we can to defray some of
the costs of attending the meeting by students. This includes spending
considerable time writing and rewriting grants, and redirecting funds as
necessary. Our hope is that a three year grant will provide some stability
for the future. Please write your congressmen (just kidding).
Jim Bower
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James M. Bower
Division of Biology
Mail code: 216-76
Caltech
Pasadena, CA 91125
(818) 395-6817
(818) 449-0679 FAX
NCSA Mosaic laboratory address: http://www.bbb.caltech.edu/bowerlab
NCSA Mosaic address for GENESIS: http://www.bbb.caltech.edu/GENESIS