The IBS is excited to support Region events and global collaboration!
In addition to our member-focused grant programs, the IBS offers funding to Regions and Networks who apply. As is the case with our member grant programs, our Region grants are offered through a competitive process.
Education Fund
This fund results in grant funding to IBS Regions to help defray the costs of bringing speakers, students and innovative programming to conferences held in those Regions. Educational activities supported by this fund include, for example, the development of online video and audio courses as well as Short Courses. Through the oversight provided by the Education Committee, Society members’ educational needs are satisfied locally, and Regions are strengthened.
Representative Council Inter-Region / Network Funding Program
Since 2016, this program has offered a funding mechanism for local conference activities on a more formal and regular basis. There are many possible activities that could be funded under the program, so regions should be creative in their proposals. For instance, inter-regional activities like organizing a symposium or a workshop at a conference being organized by a scientific organization other than the IBS could be funded which would also increase the outreach activities of our society. The guiding principle is that the activity must involve and encourage inter-region interaction. The expectation is that there should be some contribution, maybe in-kind, from the participating regions and some general benefit to the Society at large.
Applications for the first half of 2026 (January 1 - June 30) are being accepted through 30 September 2025. Region / Network leaders should send applications for your conference (In-Person) to regions@biometricsociety.org with a copy to Representative Council Chair Tim Friede and Executive Director Peter Doherty.
IBS Representative Council Inter-Regional Activities Funding Program - Guidelines
Amount: The Executive Board currently allocates a budget to this funding program every year. Each activity award is subject to a maximum of $5,000.
Eligibility: Applications can typically be submitted twice a year: by March 31 for activities that are scheduled to start in the second half of the same year (July 1 – December 31) and by September 30 for activities scheduled to start in the first half of the following year (January 1 – June 30).
- Regions or Networks should send their proposal for a Network or inter-Regional activity to the Taskforce of the Representative Council, using the email(s) shown here.
- In general, a Region or a Network can apply for only one activity in a single funding round. Deviations from this rule need a particular justification.
- Regions or Networks must demonstrate how funded activities will reinforce links between regions.
- In the proposal Regions/Networks should give a detailed explanation of the financial needs, the scientific value and, of course, the potential benefit to the IBS as a whole.
- The Taskforce, with assistance from the IBS International Business Office, will be responsible for managing the review process.
- The outcome of applications will be sent to the Regions/Networks within one month.
- Confidentiality of the reviews is assured.
- Successful proposals must provide a meeting report and photographs following the activity, which shall be published in the Biometric Bulletin and may also be used in social media communications. Suggestions for other benefits to the Society (like webinars, videos of key sessions for the conference/workshop website) are welcomed and encouraged.
- Please note that (a) priority will be given to new activities and (b) Regions can apply for repeated activities no more frequently than every other year.
- When rank-ordering proposals, consideration will be given to:
- Merit
- The activity itself – such as forming a new Network, Network activities, or inter-regional activities,
- Benefit for Society as a whole – webinars, etc., and
- Activities for Young Statisticians
- Regarding uses for the funding, travel expenses and costs for lodging may be reimbursed.
- Conference fees should be an in-kind contribution offered by the Region or Network submitting a proposal.
Taskforce of the Representative Council
The Taskforce will:
- be appointed by the Chair of the Representative Council for a two-year period
- include 5-6 members of the Representative Council (incl. Chair)
- be approved by the whole Representative Council
Guidelines for Applications