DSCD and AACC Student Travel Awards

We are pleased to announce the MECC 2026 DSCD & AACC Student Travel Awards. Students contributing to in-person activities at MECC 2026 and demonstrating financial need may be eligible for travel support. Subject to available funding, awards will provide complimentary student conference registration. If additional funding is available, selected conference-related travel expenses may also be partially reimbursed.

Eligibility

Applicants must have been enrolled as a student on or before April 20, 2026 (the initial paper submission deadline for MECC 2026) and must satisfy the following requirements:

  • Have been enrolled as a student on April 20, 2026.
  • Be the first author or the presenting author of an accepted paper, poster, or invited presentation.
  • Attend MECC 2026 and present the accepted paper, poster, or invited presentation in person.
  • Request reimbursement only for expenses that are not covered by other funding sources.

Priority Consideration

Subject to available funding, priority may be given to applicants who:

  • Are the first author and presenting author of an accepted paper, poster, or invited presentation.
  • Share conference lodging with another Student Travel Award applicant.
  • Participate actively in conference technical sessions and student events.
  • Join the DSCD mailing list and attend a DSCD Technical Committee meeting.
  • Demonstrate efforts to obtain additional travel support from other sources.

Students who are not already members of the DSCD mailing list will have the opportunity to join during the application process.

Travel Grant Applications Deadline: August 25th, 2026
Applications should include:

  • A completed application form, and
  • A recommendation letter from the student’s advisor.


Award recipients may be required to provide receipts and supporting documentation for reimbursement purposes.

Application Procedures

Please use this template link to prepare your application materials. Applications should be submitted through IFAC PaperCept Submission System by selecting:
MECC 2026 → Submit a contribution to MECC 2026 → “Student grant application” category.

Important:  Eligible student applicants are encouraged to wait until the Student Travel Award decisions are announced before registering for the conference. Eligible award recipients will receive complimentary student conference registration. Applicants are, however, encouraged to plan their travel arrangements (e.g., airfare and lodging) in advance to take advantage of lower travel costs.

For questions regarding student travel awards, please contact: