Thanks to the generosity of several donors, GIA still has funds available for partial reimbursement of travel/hotel expenses incurred by presenters (oral or poster) at the 2006 Gemological Research Conference who demonstrate financial need. Applications will be considered as they are submitted, for as long as funds are available, until the abstracts deadline of March 1, 2006.

The funding is 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 will be based on financial need and the technical merit of the proposed presentation. Click here to apply. Final eligibility for travel reimbursement will be contingent upon submitting an acceptable abstract by the March 1 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., Alice Keller, the late Dr. Alfred A. Levinson, and Sundance Diamonds for their generosity in funding these grants.

The 2006 Gemological Research 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. For details and online registration for both the GRC and Symposium, click here. For questions and additional information, please contact conference co-chairs Brendan Laurs or James Shigley.