J-WAFS Travel Grants for Water Conferences
J-WAFS is now accepting applications for travel grants. See below for information and deadlines.
J-WAFS offers travel grants for MIT graduate students to attend major water sector conferences. This year, J-WAFS is offering travel grants for students to attend Stockholm World Water Week, UNC Water & Health Conference, or the International Water Conference.
The travel grants support learning and networking opportunities for outstanding MIT graduate students who are pursuing careers in the water sector, whether in academia, non-profits, government, or industry.
J-WAFS anticipates awarding five or six outstanding students with funding to cover conference registration and travel expenses to attend the conference of their choice (out of the three options). The travel grants are supported by gifts to J-WAFS from our Research Affiliate companies, Xylem Inc. and GoAigua.
Eligibility: Students eligible to apply for the travel grants must currently be full-time MIT graduate students whose research, academics, and other activities demonstrate a commitment to addressing water quality, water supply, or related public or private sector challenges around water use, sustainability, and access, as well as an interest in pursuing a career in the water sector.
Students selected for support are responsible for making their own travel arrangements, and if they don’t hold a U.S. passport, they are responsible for determining visa requirements and applying in a timely manner for any needed visas to enter Sweden (as well as any transfer countries en route). In addition, given current MIT international travel advisories, non-U.S. passport holders should consult with the International Students Office to obtain the latest travel and visa guidance.
Funded students are expected to maintain a daily journal at the conference, in which they record and reflect on their experiences there, including sessions attended, people they meet or engage with, any interactions with Xylem, what they are learning, and how the conference influences their thinking about their research or career aspirations. Upon return, the J-WAFS communications team will request a summary of each student’s experience as well as photos to be used in the J-WAFS’ newsletter, correspondence with the funders, and other materials. The funded students will also be asked to acknowledge their appreciation to Xylem and GoAigua for the gift that is supporting this funding opportunity and any additional opportunities provided during the conference.
Deadlines:
- Monday, May 11, 2026 for Stockholm World Water Week
- Monday, August 24, 2026 for the UNC Water & Health Conference
- Monday, September 14, 2026 for the International Water Conference
Please review the 2026 call for applications by clicking below.
