Howard G. "Skip" Knuttgen International Scholar Award

In Honor of Remarkable Leadership and Contributions to ACSM and the International Community of Sports Medicine and Exercise Science – An Extended Recognition Commencing in 2020 until 2025. 

Howard G. “Skip” Knuttgen International Scholar Award encourages creative approaches to promote the acquisition of technical expertise and/or scientific knowledge by professionals through an international exchange. Award recipients from the United States and Canada are required to travel to an institution outside of the United States or Canada. Award recipients from countries other than Canada and the United States are required to travel to an institution in the United States or Canada. It is the responsibility of every applicant to choose a host scientist who is a member of ACSM.  

Toward this end, any professional activity that can be shown to advance the professional standing and reputation of scientists will be considered for funding. Although it is anticipated that most proposals will be for research-based activities, requests for other types of support, if they are shown to advance the goals stated above, will be considered. Preference will be given to applicants in the early stages of their careers. 

Eligibility: 

• ACSM membership is NOT a requirement. 

• Any professional in a discipline recognized by the American College of Sports Medicine and with at least a Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent. 

• Applicants must plan to engage in a professional activity that will advance the professional standing and reputation of scientists. Though many proposals will be for research-based activities, requests for other types of support will be considered 

• Applicants must choose a host scientist who is a member of ACSM. ACSM will not match applicants with potential host scientists. 

• Applicants must have a valid passport that expires more than six months after the end of the planned visit.  

Proposal Evaluation:  

In reviewing the proposals, the committee will consider:  

• The likelihood that the activities will open avenues for professional growth of the applicant (Importance of the visit section of the application form);  

• The intrinsic quality of the proposed research activity (Objectives and Activities sections of the application form);  

• Evidence that the project can be successfully completed (CV of applicant and host).  

Applicants who can demonstrate that completion of this training will serve to develop new research and professional opportunities in their home country will be given preference. 

Award Conditions (Note: Conditions are different based on country of origin)  

Non-USA/Non-Canada Professional Visiting USA or Canada-  

• The visit to the host institution should be organized to coincide with the ACSM Annual Meeting so that the selected candidate can attend the conference in the year the award is given.  

• The duration of the visit to the host institution can range from 1 to 2 months depending on the goals of the proposed project and be completed prior to December 31 in the year the award is given.  

• Awards are NOT transferable to other host institutions.  

• ACSM will provide financial support for the following: 

• Economy round-trip air transportation between the scholar’s country of origin, the ACSM Annual Meeting and the host institution at a cost not to exceed $2000.00 USD. The award recipient will be responsible for any airfare costs exceeding $2000 USD;  

• Lodging and living stipend of $1,500 USD; 

• Medical Health Insurance for a maximum of 2 months.  

• Free registration to the ACSM Annual Meeting and four (4) nights complimentary lodging for the ACSM Annual Meeting.  

• NOTE- The award recipient must attend the ACSM Annual Meeting. However, if he/she cannot arrange for the institutional visit to occur immediately before or immediately after the Annual Meeting, he/she may travel to the host country at another time during the year. Should this occur, ACSM will only provide the financial support listed below. Any additional funds required to complete the two separate trips to the USA or Canada would be the responsibility of the award recipient.  

• NOTE: Due to US tax laws, the recipients must provide copies of travel receipts (e.g. lodging receipts, food receipts, travel documentation receipts, etc.) which total at least $1500 USD before an award check will be provided in the amount of $1500 USD to cover the lodging and living stipend. Receipts should also be provided separately for the air transportation and health insurance costs. 

Professional from the USA or Canada Visiting Outside of the USA or Canada-  

• The visit to the host institution should be organized to begin and conclude by December 31 in the year the award is given. The award recipient is also required to attend the Annual Meeting that same year. 

• The duration of the visit to the host institution can range from 1 to 2 months depending on the goals of the proposed project.  

• Awards are NOT transferable to other host institutions.  

• ACSM will provide financial support for the following:  

• Economy round-trip air transportation between the scholar’s country of origin and the host institution as well as economy round-trip air transportation between the scholar’s city of residence within the US or Canada and the ACSM Annual Meeting. The total of both round-trip tickets may not exceed $2000.00 USD. The award recipient will be responsible for any airfare costs exceeding $2000 USD;  

• Lodging and living stipend of $1,500 USD;  

• Medical Health Insurance for a maximum of 2 months.  

• Free registration to the ACSM Annual Meeting and four (4) nights complimentary lodging for the ACSM Annual Meeting.  

• NOTE: Due to US tax laws, the recipients must provide copies of travel receipts (e.g. lodging receipts, food receipts, travel documentation receipts, etc.) which total at least $1500 USD before an award check will be provided in the amount of $1500 USD to cover the lodging and living stipend. Receipts should also be provided separately for the air transportation and health insurance costs. 

Reporting And Acknowledgement Of Support  

Awardees will be asked to submit a brief report within one year of the conclusion of the visit. Sections of these reports may be used by ACSM to promote the program and build support for the fund among our sponsors.  

Any publication (including abstracts) or creative endeavor arising from work supported by the award should acknowledge the International Scholar Award Program of ACSM. 

Responsibilities of the Host  

• The host will help secure housing for the scholar. Costs for this housing will come out of the stipend provided directly to the scholar.  

• The host must assist the scholar with obtaining any VISAs or travel documentation required by the host country. If the Scholar is traveling to the US, he/she must have a J1 type IAP-66 Visa. A copy of this Visa application is provided by the host institution. Prior to applying for the visit, the scholar must confirm that the host institution has the ability to provide this type of visa or other travel documentation required by the host country.  

• ACSM will purchase health insurance through the host institution if it is available through the host institution. The host for the scholar will provide contact information to the University’s health services to investigate health insurance options. 

• The host will ensure that the scholar is notified of any institution, local, state, and/or federal COVID-19 policies or guidelines which may affect the scholar’s visit.