The CIES International Travel Award (ITA) for Distinguished Service in Educational Reform was established in 2009 under the presidency of Gita Steiner-Khamsi—through an endowment from George Soros and the Open Society Institute (OSI)—and consolidated in 2012 under the presidency of Ratna Ghosh to encourage distinguished researchers and practitioners from the Global South to participate in CIES conferences. Launched at the 2009 annual conference, the endowment attempts to facilitate the participation of international education experts who serve in countries where international projects are implemented. The application deadline for the ITA is November 14, 2025, at 11:59 pm ET

Conference participants with distinguished service to the field, and in particular educational reforms are invited to apply. The award is available for anyone residing outside the U.S., and preference is given to those from or working in low and middle-income countries and the purpose is to support travel costs. Candidates who have received the award in the past are not eligible.

To complete the application for the ITA Award, submitters will need to upload three files (.docx or PDF) via this application form.

The three required documents should be created before you begin the application, as you will not be able to save the information and return to it later. The required materials are:

1. A 500-word personal statement of your service in educational reform
2. A copy of your conference proposal abstract, only (not the full paper or presentation); and
3. Your resume or curriculum vitae.

The CIES Conference Support fund provides some support funds to attend the CIES Annual Meeting. The application deadline for CIES 2026 conference support is November 14, 2025 at 11:59 pm ET. As part of the annual CIES budget process, the CIES Board of Directors voted to allocate funding to assist members in need of conference support funds toward conference registration discounts. We are also seeking funding to provide on-site childcare for individuals facing financial need.

• Conference Registration Discounts: Available through a one-time discount code for online registration, which will reduce the cost of early bird registration. If you already registered, and receive support after, a refund will be issued back to you.
• Childcare: Limited funding will be available for those requiring assistance. If alternative support options are unavailable, we encourage you to apply

Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for need-based funding (conference discounts, childcare):

• Conference Participation: Applicants must have a role in CIES 2026 (presenter, discussant, or chair). In-person attendance is required.
• Additional Source of Funding: Applicants must not have other sources of funding including reimbursement or compensation for registration fees, travel expenses, or support (in-kind or financial.)
• Current Membership: A paid CIES membership for 2026 is required. 

To apply for conference support funding, please complete this form by November 14, 2025, at 11:59 pm ET. This deadline is firm and will not be extended.

Applications will be reviewed by the CIES Treasurer and representatives from the UREAG, Gender and Education, Social Policy and Engagement, and New Scholars Committees. Notification will be sent by November 20, 2025.

Recipients of the awards will be provided with more details upon receipt.

For questions, contact the OED at oed@cies.us