Thanks to the generosity of several donors, GIA has funds available for reimbursement of travel/hotel expenses incurred by presenters (oral or poster) at the 2006 Gemological Research Conference who demonstrate appropriate need.

The conference will be held Aug. 26–27, 2006 at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego, immediately before the 4^th International Gemological Symposium, Aug. 27–29, at the same location.

The funding will be limited to a maximum of $500 for presenters attending from locations in the U. S. and Canada, and $1,000 for those from other countries. Eligibility, based on financial need and the technical merit of the proposed presentation, must be applied for in advance. Click here to apply. The deadline for submitting travel grant applications is Jan. 1, 2006. Applicants will be notified by Jan. 15, 2006. Final eligibility for travel reimbursement will be contingent upon submitting an acceptable abstract by the March 1, 2006 deadline.

To obtain reimbursement, grantees will be required to submit receipts and a summary of claimed expenses. If these materials are received by Aug. 1, 2006, reimbursement can be made at the conference. Reimbursements will be made by check or wire transfer.

GIA thanks Kazanjian Bros., Dr. Alfred A. Levinson, and Sundance Diamonds for their generosity in funding these grants.

For details and online registration for both the GRC and Symposium, click here.