The MDPI Water Travel Award is an annual opportunity designed to support and recognise early-career researchers working in the broad field of water science. The award encourages PhD students and postdoctoral researchers to present their latest research at international academic conferences and expand their professional networks.
The award is offered by the MDPI journal Water, an international, peer-reviewed, open-access journal covering a broad range of topics related to water science, technology, management, and governance.
Three researchers will be selected for the 2027 award cycle.
Region
Global
Researchers from around the world are eligible to apply, provided they meet the programme’s eligibility requirements.
Areas of Research
The award is open to research covering various aspects of water, including:
- Water science
- Water resources management
- Water technology
- Water governance
- Hydrology
- Water quality
- Climate change and water
- Sustainable water management
- Environmental science
- Water security
- Other relevant areas related to water research
Who Can Apply?
The award is open to:
- PhD students
- Postdoctoral fellows
Applicants must also have plans to attend an international conference in 2027 where they will present their research through either:
- An oral presentation, or
- A poster presentation
The conference and proposed presentation should be relevant to the applicant’s research and the broad scope of water-related research covered by the journal.
Award Benefits
Each of the three selected winners will receive:
- CHF 800 prize
- An electronic certificate recognising the award
- A voucher to waive the Article Processing Charge (APC) for one submission to the journal Water, subject to peer review
- The APC waiver voucher is valid for one year
The award also provides an opportunity for early-career researchers to increase their academic visibility and expand their professional networks through participation in international scientific conferences.
Application Requirements
Applicants are required to submit supporting information and documents, including:
- Information about the international conference they plan to attend
- The abstract they intend to submit or present
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- List of previous publications
- A justification letter describing the focus and significance of their research (maximum 800 words)
- A recommendation letter from their supervisor, research director, or department head confirming their current status as a PhD student or postdoctoral researcher
Applicants should ensure that all required documents are prepared before submitting their application.
Application Deadline
31 October 2026
Winner Announcement
31 December 2026
Three winners will be selected for the award.
About the Award
The Water Travel Award was launched in 2018 to encourage junior scientists to share their latest research at international academic conferences. By supporting conference participation, the award aims to help early-career researchers increase their visibility, communicate their findings, and build connections within the international water research community.
This opportunity is particularly relevant to PhD students and postdoctoral researchers working on water-related topics, including water resources, climate change, hydrology, environmental management, water governance, and sustainable development.
