APS Distinguished International Researchers in Areas of Conflict (DIRAC)
The APS Distinguished International Researchers in Areas of Conflict (DIRAC) program aims to support physicists from conflict-affected regions — whether students or established professionals — whose research or studies have been disrupted, helping them stay connected to the global physics community.
The APS DIRAC program is accepting applications from Sept. 2, 2025 to Oct. 31, 2025.
The DIRAC program will serve international students, post-docs, and researchers by enabling both virtual and in-person opportunities for:
- International researcher collaboration: Researchers may collaborate internationally and conduct research to retain their connection to the global physics community. In addition to enabling a visit to a research laboratory or supporting a virtual collaboration, APS will provide support to cover the cost of awardees to publish their research, integrate them into the online APS communities focused on their physics sub-discipline, and connect them to career resources.
- Student networking and research presentation: Students from regions of conflict may network and present research at physics conferences virtually or in-person. If travel is possible, they may also visit universities and labs related to their scope of study. In addition, students may participate in summer research opportunities or internships at research facilities or enroll in a mentorship program to support their educational journey as rising physicists.
Rules and eligibility
Collaborative visits are encouraged for a period of at least one month, and awards for travel may range from $2,000 - $5,000 to enable longer visits. We anticipate that hosts can also provide in-kin support (e.g., housing or other support).
If virtual collaboration is selected, awards may range up to $1,000.
Students applying for conference participation support must be enrolled or have recently graduated from a university physics program.
For any questions about eligibility or the application process, please contact the International Affairs team.
Process and selection
For students, the following requirements are needed to submit your application:
- CV
- Personal statement: A description of the potential impact of the opportunity on your career of less than 400 word (maximum) that includes a narrative on your circumstances in a conflict zone and access to scientific resources (e.g., internet, laptop).
Proposal plan:
- A description of and program for any additional physics-related visits (e.g., to universities, institutes, etc.), as well as your intended physics conference participation and a budget and justification for requested resources of up to $5000.
- Letter of reference from a professor or research advisor.
- In-person travel requirements: For in-person travel, you must also include a description of your passport and your ability to travel from your current location (e.g., required travel documents, access to airport).
For researchers, the following requirements are needed to submit your application:
- CV: Include your education history, work history, publications, and presentations.
- In-person travel requirements: For in-person travel, you must also include a description of your passport and your ability to travel from your current location (e.g., required travel documents, access to airport).
- Proposal: Explain in detail of the role of the principals in the collaboration and the expertise or facilities that each co-applicant brings to the proposal. Please also include a brief description of 200 words or less of how the collaboration became established and a list of up to five of the most relevant publications of each of the two co-applicants, including papers co-authored by the co-applicants, if relevant. Your proposal should also include a statement of financial support from an appropriate representative, if other funding sources are leveraged. Additionally, you should submit an outline of potential benefits of the collaboration, with emphasis on the positive impacts to junior scientists, students, or postdocs and likely venues for sharing the results of the work, such as anticipated conference presentations or manuscripts. Proposals must also include a description of the travel plan and budget with a justification, or if this collaboration is virtual, please include a description of the virtual collaboration plan and the intended use of funds.
- Letter of reference: From a research advisor or professor
The applications will be reviewed on criteria such as:
1. Scientific merit
2. Potential impact upon a career
3. Potential benefits to students or young physicists
4. The conflict zone (access)
Establishment and support
The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation generously supports this award.