Every year, IAMCR provides travel grants to support early-career scholars in media and communication, particularly those from low- and middle-income countries. These grants make it possible for members with accepted papers to overcome financial barriers and take part in IAMCR’s global academic dialogue. At IAMCR 2025 in Singapore, the programme helped participants share their research, connect with peers from across the world, and build meaningful professional networks.
The grantees’ testimonials highlight the transformative impact of these opportunities. From first-time international presenters to long-time IAMCR members, scholars spoke of how the grants enabled them to engage with diverse perspectives, refine their work through constructive feedback, and foster collaborations that extend beyond the conference. Many emphasized the value of inclusive participation, which strengthens both academic communities and the broader pursuit of social and environmental justice. Their experiences illustrate how IAMCR travel grants not only support individual researchers but also contribute to a more equitable and connected global research community.
"As a first-time participant in a major international conference, Xiaomin approached the experience with a mix of excitement and nerves. It was not only her first time attending IAMCR, but also her first time delivering a full academic presentation in English at an international conference. The travel grant made her participation both possible and meaningful, giving her the opportunity to join an inspiring global community of culture and communication scholars."
Paper title: “Environmental Narrative and Global Resonance in Digital Rural Life: A Multimodal Critical Discourse Analysis of Li Ziqi’s YouTube Videos”
Submitted to: Popular Culture Working Group (now Section)
"The experience allowed me to present my work to an audience of esteemed professors, scholars, and fellow researchers from around the world. Sharing my findings and receiving critical insights greatly enriched my paper and broadened my understanding of communication research in environmental justice. The diversity of voices and perspectives at the conference affirmed the power of inclusive academic discourse."
Paper title: "Community-Led Advocacy: Effective Communication Strategies for Environmental Justice Initiatives: A Case of Mau Forest in Kenya"
Submitted to: Environment, Science and Risk Communication Section
"Environmental Justice [the conference's theme] is not only a matter of academic research but a concern of all of us: climate change is probably the most important menace that humanity as to face; and at the same time, we struggle with extractivism, lost of biodiversity, social inequalities, forced migration, undermining of human rights and the growing of alt right and dictatorial governments. In this context it is almost necessary the call for bringing voices of all around the world in a conversation about Environment, Justice and the different experiences and solutions shared by scholar and civil society."
Paper title: "Unsustainable Tourism: Rising Awareness Through a Local Comic Book"
Submitted to: Comic Art Working Group
"What I am particularly glad about, is the way IAMCR manages to highlight the researcher community from the Global South, which otherwise may get overlooked at the global fora. (...) Connecting with other scholars whose work may intersect with yours is always fascinating and can lead towards fostering long-term collaborations. I believe that it is a good way to also give back to your own discipline and to create a long-lasting impact."
Paper title: "Climate Change is ‘Hear’ and Now: A Study of Climate Podcasting by Indian News Outlets"
Submitted to: Environment, Science & Risk Communication Section
"One of the most informative features of the conference was the various sessions on environmental communication. These underlined the importance of strategic media framing, participatory storytelling, and local-global knowledge exchange in raising public awareness and encouraging action on climate change. The presentation on digital activism was equally fascinating, providing worldwide perspectives on how communication technologies are used for environmental justice and youth participation."
Paper title: "Empowering Women Through Digital Entrepreneurship: The Impact of Social Media on Economic Development in Bangladesh"
Submitted to: Gender and Communication Section
"Presenting my research at this conference allowed me to engage with fellow scholars and practitioners who share a commitment to social justice and inclusion. [...] I learned about innovative strategies that leverage media to mobilize communities, raise awareness, and drive policy changes. These insights will undoubtedly inform my future research and advocacy efforts, as I seek to promote inclusive narratives that consider the experiences of those with disabilities in environmental discourse."
Paper title: "Climate Change and the Exacerbation of the Disability-Poverty Nexus in Zimbabwe"
Submitted to: Inclusive Communication and People with Disabilities Working Group
"As an early career researcher, the highlight of my year is always the opportunity to attend the IAMCR conference to learn and share with great minds in my study area. Meeting established scholars and fellow early career academics during IAMCR Singapore 2025 was fulfilling. I am particularly grateful to the many scholars who gave me invaluable feedback and suggestions on my research".
Paper title: Climate and environmental justice in Sub-Saharan Africa: New perspectives using the socio-cultural model for communicating development via community radio
Submitted to: Participatory Communication Research Section
"I am a member and have participated in IAMCR Conferences since 2010 […] Unfortunately, it is difficult to obtain support for all the investments we have to make in relation to travel and accommodation, especially when there is a significant distance to the country hosting the conference. Thus, the IAMCR Travel Grant is essential to provide full or partial support for the participation of Conference participants, contributing to greater geographical, social, economic, epistemological and, why not, ontological diversity".
Paper title: "Implementation of Ombudsmen’s Office for Audiences in Argentina and Mexico: a social demand for the Right to Communication"
Submitted to: Ethics of Society and Ethics of Communication Working Group
"I have been actively engaged not only in the field of religion but also in comics and mobile media studies. This experience provided me with valuable opportunities to interact with scholars working in these areas and gain insights into current academic research trends. Additionally, I was able to directly connect with the managerial teams of leading academic publishers, including SAGE, Springer, and Taylor & Francis".
Paper title: "Exploring Sacred Ecology in Media Narratives: An Analysis of the Coverage of Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, Prayagraj (Allahabad), India"
Submitted to: Religion and Communication Working Group
"The session where I presented my paper, 'When Trust Divides: Scandals, Populists, and the Fragility of Democratic Legitimacy', was intellectually stimulating, but what made it especially meaningful was meeting Aeron Davis of Victoria University of Wellington. Nearly two years ago, I had reached out to him while considering postdoctoral opportunities. To my surprise, after my presentation, he approached me. He seemed familiar at first glance—and then it clicked: indeed, it was him. That moment of recognition and exchange felt like a full circle in my academic journey".
Paper title: "When Trust Divides: Scandals, Populists, and the Fragility of Democratic Legitimacy"
Submitted to: Political Communication Research Section
University of Haripur,
Pakistan
"As a female researcher from a developing country like Pakistan, I consider myself lucky to be selected for this award that will remain a source of motivation for me to keep striving for research and professional development. I want to encourage my fellow researchers, especially women from the Global South countries, to pursue their dreams and apply for this grant"
Paper title: "Role of Accountability Forums in Analyzing the Performance of a Media Regulatory Authority: Insights from a Global South Country"
Submitted to: Law Section