Recognition &
Support
WCI 2025 is committed to supporting the next generation of itch researchers through competitive grants, awards, and recognition programmes.
IFSI Travel Grants 2025
The International Forum for the Study of Itch is proud to offer travel grants to support early-career researchers presenting abstracts at WCI 2025. Travel grants are intended to assist with airfare, accommodation, and registration costs.
A limited number of grants are available and awarded on a competitive basis by the IFSI Grants Committee. Applications are reviewed independently of abstract submissions.
Successful grantees are required to present their accepted abstract (oral or poster) and submit a short congress report to IFSI within 30 days of the congress.
Grant Details
Grant Amount
Up to €1,500 per recipient (economy travel + accommodation)
Number of Grants
Approximately 20–30 grants available (subject to IFSI budget)
Application Deadline
June 15, 2025 (simultaneous with abstract deadline)
Notification
Recipients notified by July 2025
Who Can Apply
Students & PhD Candidates
Currently enrolled PhD students or MD/PhD candidates with an accepted abstract at WCI 2025.
Postdoctoral Researchers
Postdoctoral fellows within 5 years of their doctorate with an accepted abstract for oral or poster presentation.
LMIC Researchers
Researchers from lower-middle-income countries are especially encouraged to apply, regardless of career stage.
Important Eligibility Conditions
Selection Criteria
Applications are assessed by the IFSI Grants Committee based on the following criteria, in order of weighting:
Scientific Merit (40%)
Quality and originality of the submitted abstract and research project.
Relevance to Congress Themes (30%)
How directly the research aligns with the WCI 2025 scientific program themes.
Financial Need (20%)
Demonstrated financial need and limited institutional travel funding available.
Geographic Diversity (10%)
Priority given to applicants from underrepresented regions and LMIC countries.
Application Process
Submit Abstract
Submit your research abstract via the online portal by June 15
Complete Application
Tick the travel grant box and complete the supplementary form
Await Review
Applications reviewed by the IFSI Grants Committee in June/July
Receive Award
Successful applicants notified in July. Funds transferred prior to congress
WCI 2025 Awards Programme
WCI 2025 recognises outstanding scientific contributions across multiple categories.
Young Investigator Award
Awarded to the top 3 early-career researchers presenting at the Young Investigator Session on Day 3. Winners present their work to the full congress audience.
Prize: Certificate + €500 | €300 | €150
Best Oral Presentation Award
Awarded to the highest-scoring oral abstract presentation as assessed by the scientific committee during the congress.
Prize: Certificate + €400
Best Poster Award
Awarded across four thematic categories for the most outstanding poster presentations as voted by the scientific committee and delegates.
Prize: Certificate + €250 per category winner
IFSI Lifetime Achievement Award
Presented at the Closing Ceremony to a distinguished scientist who has made an extraordinary, sustained contribution to the field of itch research over their career.
Nomination by IFSI Board
Apply for a Grant
or Award
Submit your abstract to be automatically considered for the WCI 2025 travel grant programme and congress awards.
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