The ACM/IFIP International Middleware Conference 2019 (Middleware '19) is the twentieth in an established series of conferences that serve as a major forum for the discussion of innovations and recent scientific advances in middleware systems with a focus on the design, implementation, deployment, and evaluation of distributed systems, platforms and architectures for computing, storage, and communication. Highlights of the conference include a high quality single-track technical program, invited speakers, an industrial track, panel discussions involving academic and industry leaders, poster and demonstration presentations, a doctoral symposium, tutorials and workshops. Middleware 2019 has received generous support from the US National Science Foundation (NSF) and industry sponsors to provide a limited number of student travel grants to the conference. Travel grants are intended to significantly broaden participation at Middleware.

All students, graduate or undergraduate, with or without an accepted Middleware paper/poster/demo/workshop paper are eligible. Student presenters with funding available from their advisors will be given less preference. Middleware particularly seeks students from traditionally underrepresented groups in computer science to apply.

Due to distinct funding origins, the grants are different for: (1) students located in U.S. institutions, and (2) students located elsewhere. Yet, the application process is the same.

• U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) will support grants for students located in U.S. institutions. These grants will be in the range of $500-$1500, based on applicant need and availability of funds. Note that the travel grants will be in the form of a reimbursement after the expenses have been incurred. The details on submitting receipts will be provided to grant awardees.
• Sponsors will support grants for students located in non-U.S. institutions (elsewhere on Earth). Commensurate to funds available, the travel grant funds will normally be given after the conference. In exceptional cases, it may be given ahead of the conference, if critical for attendance. In those circumstances, you will need to make the case in your application. Depending on availability of funds, we plan to cover registration fees (student rate) and more, if funds are available.

Travel grant applications are due October 20th. To complete the application you must:

• Fill out the following application form.
• Ask your advisor to email a recommendation letter to middleware19grant@gmail.com with the subject heading “Middleware 2019 Travel Grant: Advisor Letter”. The recommendation letter should include: (1) The applicant’s status in the institution; (2) An explanation of why the applicant would benefit from attending Middleware as well as how he/she could contribute to the conference; and (3) The applicant’s current funding status and why the applicant is in need of the travel grant.

If you have any questions about the student travel grants, please email the Travel Grants Chair, Aniruddha Gokhale.