Participation Support
There are various way to reduce the cost of participating in Evolution 2026. Funding is available for eligible individuals at different career stages, from different parts of the world, and for those planning to attend the hybrid meeting either virtually or in-person. Explore participant support options below, and check back regularly for updates.
SSE Caregiver Grant
The SSE Caregiver Grant is meant to assist members who have additional needs and responsibilities that can inhibit participation at the annual Evolution meeting. This award provides up to $500 to SSE members that need assistance in covering caregiver costs while attending the meeting in person or virtually. A "caregiver" is broadly defined and includes people caring for children or dependent adults (including adult children with a disability or elderly relatives), and people in need of personal assistance; this award can be spent as the awardee wishes to facilitate attendance. Learn more and apply here. Deadline: March 15, 2026.
SSE Graduate Student and Postdoc registration waivers
This program provides registration waivers equal to the amount of the early registration rate (the rate prior to April 4) for graduate students and postdocs for the in-person portion of the Evolution meeting. The intention of these awards is to facilitate attendance by those who need the support, regardless of other external funding. Applicants must send their advisors a separate form the advisor must complete to confirm the applicant's financial need. Applicants must be members of SSE, must not have received this award in the previous year, and if postdocs, must be fewer than 6 years post-PhD without a permanent position. Recipients will receive a discount code for early meeting registration. Learn more and apply here. Deadline: March 15, 2026.
Global Membership Assistance - Meeting Participation
SSE is pleased to offer free registration for the virtual portion of the meeting to SSE members who reside in one of the 152 countries and territories eligible for the Global Membership Assistance program. Eligible members should request a discount code using the form on the Membership page. If you are not yet a member of SSE, please join before completing the form. Please apply as soon as possible if you plan to attend the meeting. Learn more and apply here.
ASN Graduate Student Travel Award
More information coming soon
SSB Travel Funds for Early Career Systematists
Grad student and postdoc members of SSB can apply for funds via the Early Career Travel funds program. Applications closed February 27.
Volunteer Travel Awards
Volunteer travel awards: In return for working two ~4h shifts, graduate student members of one or more of our societies can receive a rebate equal to 100% of the regular early student member registration fee. Applications are made during conference registration (viewable in February) and the deadline is March 26, 2026. Recipients will be randomly selected from among the list of applicants and will be informed by Apr. 2, 2026 at the latest (i.e. prior to the April 4 early registration deadline). Registration fees must be paid in advance and the rebate will be processed after the meeting, subject to satisfactory completion of assigned duties.
SSE Undergraduate Community (UCE) at Evolution Program
The UCE program sends undergraduate students to the in-person portion of the meeting. At the meeting, students will (i) present a poster, (ii) receive mentoring from graduate students, postdocs, and faculty, and (iii) participate in a Professional Development Workshop. See here for more details. Applications closed Jan. 20, 2026.
SSE International Travel Stipends
These stipends are for researchers from select countries to attend the in-person portion of the meeting. Recipients receive meeting registration and funds for transportation to the conference, meals, and lodging. All career stages are eligible, and preference will be given to students and early-career researchers. Check your eligibility and apply. Applications closed January 30, 2026.
The SSE Caregiver Grant is meant to assist members who have additional needs and responsibilities that can inhibit participation at the annual Evolution meeting. This award provides up to $500 to SSE members that need assistance in covering caregiver costs while attending the meeting in person or virtually. A "caregiver" is broadly defined and includes people caring for children or dependent adults (including adult children with a disability or elderly relatives), and people in need of personal assistance; this award can be spent as the awardee wishes to facilitate attendance. Learn more and apply here. Deadline: March 15, 2026.
SSE Graduate Student and Postdoc registration waivers
This program provides registration waivers equal to the amount of the early registration rate (the rate prior to April 4) for graduate students and postdocs for the in-person portion of the Evolution meeting. The intention of these awards is to facilitate attendance by those who need the support, regardless of other external funding. Applicants must send their advisors a separate form the advisor must complete to confirm the applicant's financial need. Applicants must be members of SSE, must not have received this award in the previous year, and if postdocs, must be fewer than 6 years post-PhD without a permanent position. Recipients will receive a discount code for early meeting registration. Learn more and apply here. Deadline: March 15, 2026.
Global Membership Assistance - Meeting Participation
SSE is pleased to offer free registration for the virtual portion of the meeting to SSE members who reside in one of the 152 countries and territories eligible for the Global Membership Assistance program. Eligible members should request a discount code using the form on the Membership page. If you are not yet a member of SSE, please join before completing the form. Please apply as soon as possible if you plan to attend the meeting. Learn more and apply here.
ASN Graduate Student Travel Award
More information coming soon
SSB Travel Funds for Early Career Systematists
Grad student and postdoc members of SSB can apply for funds via the Early Career Travel funds program. Applications closed February 27.
Volunteer Travel Awards
Volunteer travel awards: In return for working two ~4h shifts, graduate student members of one or more of our societies can receive a rebate equal to 100% of the regular early student member registration fee. Applications are made during conference registration (viewable in February) and the deadline is March 26, 2026. Recipients will be randomly selected from among the list of applicants and will be informed by Apr. 2, 2026 at the latest (i.e. prior to the April 4 early registration deadline). Registration fees must be paid in advance and the rebate will be processed after the meeting, subject to satisfactory completion of assigned duties.
SSE Undergraduate Community (UCE) at Evolution Program
The UCE program sends undergraduate students to the in-person portion of the meeting. At the meeting, students will (i) present a poster, (ii) receive mentoring from graduate students, postdocs, and faculty, and (iii) participate in a Professional Development Workshop. See here for more details. Applications closed Jan. 20, 2026.
SSE International Travel Stipends
These stipends are for researchers from select countries to attend the in-person portion of the meeting. Recipients receive meeting registration and funds for transportation to the conference, meals, and lodging. All career stages are eligible, and preference will be given to students and early-career researchers. Check your eligibility and apply. Applications closed January 30, 2026.