NSF support for US-based researchers
Support from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) is available to assist US-based researchers participating in PLS 15. The funding is intended to cover travel and accommodation expenses.
Applications for NSF travel support should be submitted to:
Alex Kruckman akruckman@wesleyan.edu
Please include the following information with your application:
- Your affiliation and career status (e.g., graduate student, postdoc, tenure-track faculty, etc.).
- An approximate travel budget, including the total amount of funding requested.
- Please indicate whether you are a US Citizen. Note that non-citizens are eligible for funding, see below.
The total amount awarded to each participant will depend on the number of applications received; however, awards are expected to be at least $1000 per person.
Participants will make their own travel and accommodation arrangements and will be reimbursed after travel, subject to NSF regulations summarized below.
Who is eligible
The NSF considers any recognized member of the U.S. scientific community — regardless of nationality — eligible for travel support, provided that they are performing academic work in the United States.
In particular:
- Applicants must be affiliated with a U.S. institution (for example, a PhD student at a U.S. university or a postdoctoral researcher at a U.S. research institute).
- Eligibility depends on institutional affiliation, not citizenship.
- For reimbursement purposes, recipients will typically need a U.S. Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
Travel regulations (NSF requirements)
NSF funding is subject to U.S. federal travel regulations (Fly America Act and related policies).
Air travel
- Flights funded by NSF must normally use U.S. flag air carriers.
- For travel between two foreign cities (e.g. Vienna–Athens), travel on an EU-based airline is permitted under the Open Skies Agreement, provided the travel is within/between EU countries.
- A non-U.S., non-EU airline may not be used if a U.S. or EU carrier is available.
- If no U.S. carrier serves a route, travelers must fly a U.S. airline to the farthest interchange point possible, and may use a foreign carrier only for the remaining segment. In such cases, travelers must document that no U.S. airline (including code-share flights) was available.
Required documentation for reimbursement
NSF auditors require clear documentation of payment, compliance, and participation.
Airfare documentation
Participants must provide an itemized passenger receipt including:
- ticket number,
- confirmation of payment,
- carrier/flight code (showing U.S.-carrier compliance when required),
- economy/coach fare class.
Premium or business upgrades must be paid separately by the traveler.
Fly America / Open Skies documentation
When applicable, participants must also submit:
- a Fly America Act Exception form (e.g. “Open Skies – European Union”), and
- documentation showing that no U.S. carrier served the relevant route, if claiming that exception.
Proof of conference participation
Participants should retain:
- the conference program listing their participation,
- boarding passes,
- conference registration receipt or badge documentation.
Lodging and local transportation
- An itemized hotel bill (“folio”) showing zero balance is required.
- Alcohol and room service expenses are not allowable.
- Receipts are required for significant transportation expenses (generally over $75), and retaining all receipts is recommended.
- Expenses paid in foreign currency should include documentation of the USD amount charged (bank statement or exchange-rate record).