Trainee Support Funds
Trainee Support Funds
Support for Biochemistry Trainees
Trainee Emergency Support Fund
Mission
We want to support the full range of people succeeding in science, and we recognize that everyone has a different level of financial security. Therefore, an endowed fund has been created to help meet emergency financial needs of Biochemistry students and postdocs. These emergency funds are from personal donations by individuals in the department and friends of the department along with department matching funds. Applying for these funds is based on community trust, and the expectation that only trainees with serious and emergent financial needs will apply. To help ensure that funds will be available for future trainees, we ask that those who benefit from the fund consider donating an equivalent amount at some point after the emergency has resolved. The funds received may be taxable to the recipient, but are not subject to tax withholding. It is the individual’s responsibility to determine if taxable and ensure proper handling.
Emergencies are defined as unmet individual basic needs of food, safety, healthcare and shelter, and critical needs to continue in school/research that are unmet by salary/stipend and after exhausting other possible resources, including the option of student loans.
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Funding limitations
The Emergency Fund may be used to pay for financial hardship from an emergency, accident, or unplanned event. Funds can also be used to offset a recent emergent expense within the last 30 days. Examples include:
• Emergency housing assistance
• Medications and other costs related to medical care (self or family)
• Safety needs (i.e. changing of locks; need for temporary housing)
• Replacement of essential personal belongings due to fire, theft, or natural disaster
• Travel costs related to death or illness in the immediate family
• Costs related to childcare
• Unexpected necessary legal fees and costs associated with essential travel or immigration delaysThe Emergency may NOT be used to pay for the following:
• Academic-related costs, including but not limited to: Study abroad costs, Books, Conference/research travel
• Non-essential utilities (i.e. cable) or household costs not related to damage or theft
• Parking tickets or other legal/criminal fines
• Costs for entertainment, recreation, non-emergency travel, or other non-essential expensesEligibility
- Current graduate student (enrolled in at least 3 credit hours) or postdocs (full-time) within the University of Utah Department of Biochemistry
Demonstrate financial hardship from an emergency, accident, or unplanned event
Have considered other resources and found that other resources are insufficient or not available in a timely manner. Other resources include, but are not limited to: FAFSA, if eligible*, Utah specific emergency funds*
* We urge applicants to consider these sources for additional needs, beyond what can be provided rapidly by the emergency fund.
How applications are evaluated
Rotating committee of faculty and students that evaluates the application (1-2yr term). There will be one faculty member designated as the Chair of the committee.
Determination will be based on these criteria:
- Current student or postdoc within core or affiliated labs of the University of Utah Biochemistry Department
Priority given to students/postdocs whose continuation in UU Biochemistry may be at risk because of unexpected expenses
Have submitted supporting information (receipts, bills, etc.)
Have not previously received UofU or Biochemistry emergency funds
Approximate time to evaluate requests = 3 full business days
Optional repayment
Although not required, if trainees are able to repay/replenish the funds at some point in the future, they can gift the funds through the Biochemistry gift-giving portal, and indicate “Biochemistry Emergency Trainee Fund” in the 'Special Instructions' tab.
- Current graduate student (enrolled in at least 3 credit hours) or postdocs (full-time) within the University of Utah Department of Biochemistry
Trainee Childcare Support Fund
Mission
Biochemistry Trainees often face challenges in balancing their academic and professional aspirations with their family responsibilities. Attending conferences and professional training is critical for career advancement, networking, and staying current in their fields. However, for students with children, the cost of childcare can be a major barrier, preventing them from fully participating in these essential opportunities. The Trainee Childcare Support Fund is designed to bridge this gap. This fund provides financial assistance to trainees, helping to offset childcare, or other necessary related expenses while they attend professional events. By alleviating this burden, the fund will empower students to advance their education and careers without creating financial stress. Your support for this fund directly impacts the lives of trainees, fostering their success and ensuring they can fully engage in opportunities that enhance their future. Together, we can create a more inclusive academic environment where all students, regardless of their care giving responsibilities, can thrive.
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Funding limitations
Expenses covered by the fund may include, but are not limited to:
- Travel of child/dependent to meeting site with parent/guardian
- Travel of another caregiver to meeting site or parent/guardian’s home
- Offsetting costs of on-site care at meeting
- Offsetting costs of at-home care outside of normal working hours of the parent/guardian
- Recipients must verify that funds requested for child/dependent care are due to travel for university business and are above and beyond already incurred expenses (e.g. standard daycare or caregiver expenses)
- Maximum $500 to be requested
- It is encouraged to check the conference or society website for additional support options
- The funds received may be taxable to the recipient but are not subject to tax withholding. It is the individual’s responsibility to determine if taxable and ensure proper handling.
Eligibility
- Current graduate student (enrolled in at least 3 credit hours) or postdocs (full-time) within the University of Utah Department of Biochemistry
- Dependent care request must be for attendance at a future meeting/conference
- Trainee is expected to submit an abstract for a poster or oral presentation at the meeting/conference
- First review for support will be in early November 2025 for meetings that start on/after Dec 1, 2025.
How applications will be evaluated
There will be a rotating committee of faculty and students that evaluates each application. There will be one faculty member designated as the Chair of the committee.
Determination will be based on these criteria:
- Current student or postdoc within core or affiliated labs of the University of Utah Biochemistry Department
- Priority given to students/postdocs whose attendance at a professional meeting/conference is at risk because of dependent care obligations.
- Impact of the meeting/conference on the professional development of the trainee
- Preference will be given to those who have not previously received Biochemistry dependent care travel funds.