Conference Grants Application - marking scheme 2025/6

Applications will be reviewed and scored independently by at least three Nutrition Society Trustees, Advisory Council Members and/or Science Committee Members.

A total of 50 marks will be awarded by each of the assessors. These marks will then be combined. 

The application will be marked out of 50, and marks will be awarded for the: 

• Conference details: 10 marks: The proposed conference, meeting, or workshop will be considered suitable for the topic/abstract being presented, how the event is relevant to the applicant, and how it demonstrates the advancement of the science of nutrition

• Value for money: 10 marks: Proposed travel and accommodation costs will be considered for relevance to the area/time of the conference. Demonstration of the ability to co-fund and/or show best value should be considered. 

• Scientific excellence: 20 marks Abstracts will be considered based on the quality of the communication in terms of its relevance to nutritional science, the substance of its results, and its originality.  Marks will also be awarded for the following:
  • Clear use of data, statistics, and results
  • Objectives/conclusion/methodology clearly shown
  • Originality of work
  • Sufficient support by references
  • Results clearly presented
  • The abstract should be clear and not confusing

• Personal impact: 10 marks; demonstration of how attending the proposed conference/event will positively impact the individual's career development and/or future career aspirations in nutritional science (or an appropriate related discipline).

Following initial scoring by all Assessors, the applications will then be ranked by Stage of career (10 marks) as follows: 3^rd and 4^th year PhD 10 marks; 1^st & 2^nd year PhD 5 marks, MSc (Taught/Research) 5 marks.

The applicants with the highest aggregate scores will then be considered for a conference grant. The amount of grant funding awarded will be dependent on the allocated funding available.