In recognition of the importance of academic exchange, SOBP annually selects distinguished Early Career Investigators from North American institutions to be a part of our Travel Fellowship Award program. Travel Awards recognize excellence in scholarly activity by junior researchers by providing the opportunity to attend the annual meeting and participate in special programming for the awardees. Applicants qualify based on their home institution. e.g. a person currently studying at a US institution but whose primary affiliation is an international institution should apply for the ECI-International Award. Individuals from any university, department or institute in the US, Canada or Mexico, who meet the criteria, may submit an application. Applicants must be within ten years of completing their terminal research degree or within ten years of completing their medical residency at the time of application. Exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis when the applicant provides a compelling reason for a prolonged trajectory toward the start of their scientific career. Academic faculty with rank higher than "Assistant Professor" (or equivalent) are not eligible to apply. Applicants who have established independent funding such as R-type awards may be deemed too senior for the Early Career Investigator-Domestic awards. Applicants do not need to be published to apply. Publications will, however, add to the value of the application. A letter of nomination by the Department or Program Chair or faculty mentor is required. A NIH biosketch (preferred) or short curriculum vita must also be submitted. Please visit the award's website for more information.