The Endocrine Society is once again inviting early-career women scientists to apply for the Mara E. Lieberman Memorial Travel Grant. Designed to honor the legacy of Mara E. Lieberman, the award provides a $500 travel stipend plus complimentary registration for the Society’s flagship gathering, ENDO 2027, which will take place in Toronto, Canada from June 5 to 7. Recipients also gain free entry to the Early Career Forum (ECF), a dedicated platform for networking and professional development. This year the application process has been streamlined: candidates simply select the award option while uploading their abstract, eliminating a separate form.
What the grant covers and why it matters
The award consists of a $500 travel grant that can be deposited directly into a U.S. bank account or transferred via wire for international applicants. In addition, the winner receives a complimentary ENDO registration, which normally carries a significant fee, and full access to the Early Career Forum. These benefits collectively remove two major barriers—financial cost and registration hurdles—that often limit early-stage researchers from attending international conferences. By easing the burden, the grant encourages women to present their most compelling abstracts on a global stage, fostering visibility and collaboration across the endocrinology community.
Eligibility criteria and step-by-step application
To be considered, applicants must meet several concrete requirements. First, the abstract’s first and presenting author must be a woman who is a current member of the Endocrine Society; membership can be renewed or newly obtained for 2027. Eligible career stages include graduate students, post-doctoral fellows in their first through fourth year, and new faculty within the first two years of appointment. Importantly, the award is limited to in-person attendance at ENDO 2027 in Toronto, so remote participation is not accepted. Applicants self-nominate during abstract submission by selecting the “Mara E. Lieberman Award” option. The deadline for all submissions is Thursday, January 14. Once the abstract platform confirms receipt, the review committee evaluates submissions based on scientific merit and relevance to the Society’s mission.
Key dates, FAQs, and a look at past recipients
Beyond the January 14 deadline, prospective awardees should refrain from registering for ENDO until the winners are announced, as the Society will provide complimentary registration to the selected individuals. If you win, the travel funds are typically issued within six weeks after the conference, giving you ample time to cover transportation and accommodation. Frequently asked questions clarify common concerns: the award is a one-time opportunity—previous winners cannot reapply—and funds may be sent directly to the applicant’s institution if preferred. Late applications are only considered in exceptional circumstances, and no reviewer feedback is provided to unsuccessful candidates. The award also guarantees public recognition during the Excellence in Endocrinology Awards Dinner. Past winners include Elisabeth Ng (2026, Hudson Institute of Medical Research), Rajae Talbi (2025, Harvard Medical School), and Maria Camilletti (2024, National Scientific and Technical Research Council), highlighting the grant’s impact across diverse institutions worldwide.
For any lingering queries, participants can reach the grant committee at endo@. Whether you are a graduate student mapping your first conference journey or a new faculty member seeking broader exposure, the Mara E. Lieberman Travel Grant offers a tangible pathway to present your research, expand your network, and honor a pioneering figure in endocrinology.
