Laboratory Exchanges

The g2p2pop RCN provides up to five laboratory exchanges of up to $3,000 each year. This funding is made possible by support from the National Science Foundation. Apply for a laboratory exchange using the RCN Lab Exchange Application.

What is a laboratory exchange?

Laboratory exchanges cover travel expenses for students and early-career researchers to travel from their home institution to a lab at another institution where they would like to conduct research, learn something new, and collaborate with the researchers in the host lab. Laboratory exchanges uphold the primary aim of the RCN: to assemble a diverse, interdisciplinary, multi-institutional, multinational network of scientists to tackle the urgent challenge of predicting how populations and species of vertebrates will respond to a changing climate by integrating knowledge across levels of biological organization.

Why do a laboratory exchange?

Collaborate with a host laboratory to learn new skills and network with different scientists! A laboratory exchange can help you write a proposal or a paper, learn new math or laboratory techniques, analyze samples with the host lab’s equipment and oversight, or conduct other collaborative projects. The RCN can help fund your research goals by funding your travel to the host lab.

Who qualifies for a laboratory exchange?

Early-career researchers — such as university undergraduate and graduate students, and postdoctoral scholars — that are members of the RCN. Members outside the United States are encouraged to apply as well, so long as their application is in English.

How do I apply to receive funds for a laboratory exchange?

Check out the details in the RCN Lab Exchange Application

When/how will I find out if my laboratory exchange was funded?

Laboratory exchange applications are evaluated on an ongoing basis (upon receipt). We encourage you to apply at least several months before the planned travel will take place. You will be contacted by the RCN upon applying, and we will keep you updated on the status of your application.