Unlike some other similar programs, Wellington’s International Conference Leaders’ Fund supports a wider variety of activities by researchers attending international conferences.
The aim of the fund is not just to have researchers attend international meetings, but to help them build a sufficient international profile to put in a strong bid to host the event in Wellington.
Therefore, funding supports conference registration and travel costs as well as the organisation of networking events or workshops by applicants around their chosen international meeting.
Applicants are also funded over multiple years, aligning with the bid cycle of the international meeting.
“International conferences are often secured through strong relationships and trusted reputations within global academic and professional networks,” said Business Events Wellington manager, Loryn Blaikie.
“Wellington is home to exceptional researchers whose expertise is recognised around the world. This fund helps remove a barrier by supporting them to engage more regularly with international associations, build their profile and ultimately strengthen Wellington’s ability to attract global conferences.”
Business Events Wellington says 88 per cent of applicants from the first two rounds of the fund have received support, either from Business Events Wellington or through Tourism New Zealand’s Conference Assistance Program. On average, successful applicants have received NZ$10,000.
So far the fund has allocated NZ$50,000 in support for researchers from Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington and the University of Otago Wellington to engage with international associations and their meetings.
Interested and eligible applicants have until November 15 to submit expressions of interest to be considered for the fund. Candidates will then be invited to complete an application, with a late January deadline.
With the fund launched only a year ago, previous successful applicant, Dr Rachel Low, from the School of Psychological Sciences at Victoria University of Wellington, said the support has helped her make headway on an international event bid.
“The International Conference Leaders’ Fund enabled me to attend an international relationship psychology conference in Glasgow where I connected with other scholars in my field,” said Low.
“At the conference, I also met with the president and conference committee, which was crucial to progressing our bid to host a future conference.
“These opportunities would not have been possible without this funding and I am thankful to Business Events Wellington for their generous funding and support.”
