6

I received a funding offer from a conference overseas (as a PhD student), which includes accommodation and travel. I was wondering whether it is ethical to combine this business trip with a personal vacation? That is, to arrive e.g. a week or two before the conference (and of course pay for lodging in this "personal segment" from my own funds) and just get to know the country where the conference is held? Is it acceptable to email the organizers asking whether I'm permitted to come early? (This is needed to make sure that the airfare for such an early arrival is still reimbursable.)

I understand that this can be treated as an abuse of the conference's money, but on the other hand, it does not make any financial difference if I come earlier (however, see the remark below). And I'm still going to keep attending the conference as my main purpose. Moreover, coming earlier may result in purchasing a cheaper plane ticket (around 200 USD cheaper), in which case the conference's funds will only benefit.

Improve this question
2
  • 3
    As a PhD student this should be OK (as answered below). For PhDs in corporate or national lab positions, you should look at the relevant policies - for my lab, there are strict limits on mixing business and leisure travel, particular for foreign travel.
    – Jon Custer
    Commented Mar 20, 2019 at 20:42
  • 2
    All labs I've ever been in, everybody does this. Even faculty (tho they usually take a few extra days and not a week, due to full schedules)
    – penelope
    Commented Mar 21, 2019 at 13:38

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
10

Yes, it is typical to take personal time before or after a conference. Funding from your university would not usually mind.

Conference funds may be a little less flexible, so you should certainly check with them. With evidence in hand it will be cheaper for them, I find it unlikely they would decline.

Improve this answer
6

This is generally acceptable, but might be forbidden in a few places. It isn't an ethical concern, however. As long as you are clear in how you use the funds, properly separating expenses and as long as you fulfill the obligations of conference attendance you should be fine (ethically).

But if there is someone appropriate that you could check with, it might be wise to avoid questions later.

It would, of course, be unethical (and possibly illegal) to use the funds and not attend the conference as expected.

Improve this answer

You must log in to answer this question.