Apsa offers targeted travel grants to boost LGBT and disability representation at 2025 annual meeting
The American Political Science Association (APSA) has announced the offering of travel grants designed to support attendance at the upcoming APSA Annual Meeting & Exhibition, which is scheduled to take place from September 11 to 14, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. This year's conference theme, "Reimagining Politics, Power, and Peoplehood in Crisis Times," aims to foster discussion around contemporary challenges within the political science sphere.
The travel grants, capped at $300 each, are intended to assist individuals, particularly those who have had papers or posters accepted for presentation. Additionally, priority will be given to attendees who are engaged in service roles on LGBT-related committees or sections. The application deadline for these grants is set for June 29, 2025.
The APSA Annual Meeting is renowned for its extensive programmes that provide opportunities for attendees to engage with the latest developments in political science scholarship. Participants can expect a variety of formats including sessions, workshops, and networking events aimed at fostering collaboration among scholars. The conference also features an Exhibit Hall where the latest research and educational resources will be showcased.
In promoting the travel grants, the APSA Committee on the Status of LGBT Individuals in the Profession underscored the importance of ensuring representation and support for LGBT scholars and activists within the field. This initiative is part of a broader commitment by the APSA to facilitate equitable participation in professional gatherings and to enhance the discourse surrounding critical issues in political science.
In addition to providing travel assistance for LGBT individuals, other APSA committees are similarly dedicated to addressing diversity within the profession. For instance, the APSA Committee on the Status of Disability in the Profession focuses on advocating for political scientists with disabilities. Its responsibilities include monitoring the professional landscape for disabled scholars, promoting research relevant to disability issues, and developing inclusive curriculum materials. These initiatives reflect the APSA's overarching goal of fostering a diverse and inclusive environment within political science.
The 2025 APSA Annual Meeting promises to be a convergence of minds, encouraging innovative pedagogy and providing comprehensive professional development opportunities. Attendees will have the chance to connect with peers, cultivate research partnerships, and share groundbreaking ideas in political science, allowing for a rich exchange of knowledge that could influence future scholarship and practice.
As scholars prepare for the conference, they are encouraged to apply for the travel grants to support their participation, especially those directly engaged in the themes of LGBT rights and disability within political contexts. These grants not only assist in alleviating travel costs but also strengthen the presence of underrepresented groups within the political science community.
This initiative is part of the APSA's continuing efforts to build a more inclusive and equitable academic environment. With the upcoming meeting poised to address critical discussions on politics and power in challenging times, it is expected to attract a diverse array of participants who will collectively contribute to the evolution of political science as a discipline.