Resources and Funding for Travel and Attendance

Attending the 68th Annual Drosophila Research Conference is an amazing chance to share your work, meet fellow scientists, and get inspired—but we know it can also be a big expense. We’ve pulled together some easy, practical ways to stretch your budget so you can focus on enjoying everything the conference has to offer.

Download: Roadmap to Philly

GSA Membership

Make sure your GSA membership is up to date, or apply for membership, to obtain both abstract submission and registration discounts! Your membership is good for one year and will be active within 20 minutes of completing payment. Plus, check out all other benefits afforded to Society members.

Travel Awards and Funding

Check out each award page for application requirements so you’re prepared to submit materials as soon as each award opens. Each requires at least one recommendation letter, so make sure you start your application early to avoid any delays!

Undergraduate Students

August 3–October 1

Victoria Finnerty Undergraduate Travel Award: This award supports travel costs for undergraduates presenting at Dros 2027.

Opening in October

GSA Undergraduate Travel Award: This award supports travel costs for undergraduates presenting at and attending a GSA Conference.  

Postdocs and Early Career Faculty

August 3–September 17

DeLill Nasser Award for Professional Development in Genetics: Get $1,000 to support participation in a conference or laboratory course (graduate student or postdoc).

August 3–October 22

The Hugo Bellen and Catherine Tasnier Drosophila Neurogenetics Lecture: Present your outstanding work in the field of genetics as applied to neuroscience in Drosophila and earn a cash prize of $5,000 (graduate student, postdoc, or early career faculty).

August 3–November 12

Larry Sandler Award and Memorial Lecture: Present your work at the Dros 2027 opening session; meeting expenses covered (postdocs).

Hotel and Travel

For all career stages and attendees, hotel triple and quad rooms are available at the Marriott Philadelphia Downtown! Split the total room costs with up to three roommates. Limited availability. 

Additionally, a limited number of rooms are available for undergraduate and graduate students with a financial need. You must have submitted an abstract and registered for Dros 2027, and must complete an application. You can find additional information and an application form, when available, in the Hotel and Travel page.

Tips for Saving

1. Register early—Register for the conference ahead of the early registration deadline (January 12, 2027) to save $100s. 
2. Book early—Make sure you book flights, transportation, and accommodations early to avoid price hikes.
   1. Check out Google Flights to map out possible flight routes and explore pricing trends.
   2. Explore our Hotel and Travel page for transportation options, including public transportation near the venue.
   3. Explore budget airlines, buses, or trains. Consider a roadtrip with your lab! 
3. Pack light—Avoid checked baggage fees by packing only the essentials in a carry-on.
4. Take advantage of hotel room amenities—Rooms at the Marriott feature amenities like toiletries, a mini fridge, and large workspaces.
5. Save on meals—There are several grocery stores walking distance (10 minutes max) from the hotel (see map below); purchase prepared meals or food items as well as snacks and beverages to keep your energy levels up during the day. The Reading Terminal Market offers over 80 specialty shops and restaurants where you can find all types of meals at different price points. 

 

Maximize your conference experience

1. Network strategically—Use the App chats and direct messaging capabilities to message other attendees you’re excited to meet; schedule a coffee or lunch meetup or walk with them to a session. The App will be live in January 2027.
2. Browse professional development and networking events and mark your calendar or sign up early (where required).
3. Check out the virtual GSA Job Board as well as an onsite job board near the conference’s Registration Desk area, featuring open positions with relevant contact information.
   • You can also wear “On the job market” or “Hiring in my lab” buttons to signify to other attendees your status in the job market. 
   • And don’t forget to check out group chats in the App for job postings and to let attendees know you are actively searching for a job.
4. Visit Posters to be able to converse more closely and in detail with fellow scientists about their research, career or academic journeys, and possible collaborations. 
5. Take advantage of the Poster Invitation Program—GSA Members can invite up to three people to come view your poster. They will automatically be sent an email with your poster information. Additional program details will be available once abstract assignments have been made.