20 Aug 2024

MLSFF Terms and Conditions for Grants

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility requirements for grants are tailored to support the unique goals of the Minoritised Life Scientists Future Forum (MLSFF). These criteria vary by grant type—Travel Bursary and Registration Fees Grant—and are designed to support the participation of diverse individuals in the life sciences field. Full details on eligibility are available on grants pages of the Future Forum website, and we encourage applicants to review these requirements carefully. 

Application Process

For the Future Forum Travel Bursary Awardees are required to upload scanned original receipts and complete the online expense claim form for reimbursement. Claims for travel should reflect the most economical options available, such as standard class public transport.

Personal meals or expenses outside of the conference provided meals are not covered within any of the grants.

It is the responsibility of the awardee to ensure that all expenses claimed are within the guidelines of the grant. Ambiguous or exceptional expenses should be pre-approved to ensure eligibility. All reimbursements will be made in GBP or Euros to the awardee’s bank account, following the submission of necessary documentation.

Documentation and Proof of Expenses

 Claims lacking sufficient documentation or proof of expenses are subject to rejection. This policy is enforced to maintain the integrity and proper utilisation of grant funds. Applicants are therefore advised to carefully gather and submit all necessary supporting documents with their claim to prevent any discrepancies or funding denials.

Reporting and Accountability

Post-event reporting requirements are outlined on the specific grant web pages on the Future Forum website. These may include providing testimonials, writing articles, or other forms of documentation that detail the experience and benefits gained from the grant.

Dispute Resolution

MLSFF and AMI are committed to ensuring a fair and unbiased evaluation of all applications, guided by a set of established criteria. Due to the volume of applications and the rigorous nature of the review process, we are not in a position to offer individual feedback for each application. In the event of a grant application being unsuccessful, applicants are advised that decisions made by MLSFF are final and are not subject to appeal. This policy is integral to maintaining the efficiency and integrity of the grant selection process. It ensures that the grant allocation is conducted in a transparent and equitable manner, respecting the constraints of the review process and the need for timely decision-making.

In the event of a dispute arising from a grant claim, a structured resolution process is in place to handle such issues effectively. Initially, grantees are encouraged to seek direct resolution through communication with the grant administration team ([email protected]). If this does not resolve the issue, the dispute can be escalated via the Future Forum Steering Committee for further review. This committee will examine the matter in detail, considering all relevant information and perspectives.

Repayment Clause

In the event of non-compliance with grant terms, misuse of funds, or failure to complete the project, grantees are required to repay the full amount of the grant. This obligation also applies if the grant is used for purposes other than those approved or if the grantee provides false or misleading information during the application process.

Revocation Clause

MLSFF & AMI reserve the right to revoke a grant if the grantee violates the terms of the agreement, engages in unethical or illegal activities, or misuses the grant funds. Upon revocation, all disbursed funds must be returned, and the grantee may be barred from future funding opportunities. The decision for revocation is final and is made at the discretion of the MLSFF Steering Committee, based on the evaluation of the grantee’s adherence to the grant’s terms and conditions.

Penalties for Fraudulent Claims

MLSFF & AMI take a strong stance against fraudulent applications. If an applicant is found to have deliberately submitted a fraudulent application, this will result in immediate disqualification from the current and all future MLSFF grants. Additionally, such actions may lead to a ban from future events. These measures are necessary to uphold the integrity of the grant process and to ensure fairness for all applicants.