The STLE NextGen Fund invites members, industry partners and friends of tribology to help develop the next generation of tribologists and lubrication engineers. Your tax-deductible gift to the fund will support the following programs and initiatives.
Funding Opportunities
STLE Early Career Awards
These awards recognize the technical achievements of students, young researchers, and junior-level academic faculty and provide financial support for attendance at the STLE Annual Meeting.
Robert Erck Presentation Awards (Student and Early Career Research Posters)
Tomorrow's ideas and talent in the field of tribology research are on display as students and early career professionals participate in special sessions held at STLE technical conferences. They share their latest research with peers and are judged by a conference committee with recognition awards bestowed upon the best posters.
Local Section Support
In partnership with local sections, STLE provides matching funds to sections providing scholarships to students interested in STEM.
Tribology STEM Camp
Each year during the Annual Meeting, STLE hosts area high school students for hands-on tribology and lubrication experiments led by engineers and scientists from the STLE community. Students are introduced to career opportunities in the field.
Presidential Awards Program
The STLE Presidential Council administers academic scholarships and fellowships that support field-related research projects for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing an advanced degree or a career in tribology or lubrication engineering. Since 1995, STLE has given out $182,000 to more than 40 recipients to support career opportunities in the field. Scholarships and fellowships include the following:
The E. Richard Booser Scholarship (undergraduate students)
The Elmer E. Klaus Fellowship (graduate students)
The Jeanie S. McCoy Scholarship (female students)
STLE NextGen Fun Run/Walk
Come join us for the STLE NextGen Fun Run/Walk at the 2026 STLE Annual Meeting: Innovating Through Tribology & Lubrication and make a difference while getting some exercise! This high-energy event raises funds for the STLE NextGen Fund—supporting scholarships, student and early career programs, and future tribology leaders. Partnerships are now available!
STLE Annual Meeting Participation and Travel Grants
STLE recognizes the importance of supporting our community and understands that financial assistance may be required for participants to attend the 2026 STLE Annual Meeting: Innovating Through Tribology & Lubrication, May 17-21, 2026, in New Orleans, Louisiana (USA).
To address this need, STLE is pleased to offer travel grants specifically designed for attendees who may face financial challenges in attending the STLE Annual Meeting. These grants aim to expand access and provide opportunities for industry professionals to participate in the premier event for the tribology and lubrication engineering field. As part of this new initiative, STLE has committed a $10,000 contribution to the NextGen Fund and is actively seeking additional support from the community to further expand the travel grant program.
Through this program, attendees will receive individual grants of up to $1,000 to support their travel and participation in the Annual Meeting. Whether you’re an early-career engineer, an academic researcher, or an industry innovator, STLE is committed to helping professionals in the field enhance their technical knowledge and establish connections with peers at the meeting.
Application Submissions
Eligibility requirements and applications for travel grants will be available on the STLE Annual Meeting website at www.stle.org/annualmeeting starting in January 2026.
Travel Grant Corporate Sponsorships
STLE is actively seeking corporate partners to collaborate on expanding this initiative. Companies that provide five or more $1,000 travel grants will be recognized as key supporters of professional development and industry advancement.
Travel Grants Needed
$1,500 – One grant
$5,000 – Four grants
Sponsor benefits include:
*Recognition during the STLE Annual Meeting in New Orleans, including signage and visibility at the President’s Awards Luncheon/Business Meeting on Tuesday afternoon, May 19th.
*Year-round acknowledgment through STLE’s digital channels, publications, and outreach campaigns.
*Direct impact on the next generation of tribologists and lubrication engineers.
This new program reflects STLE’s ongoing commitment to empowering professionals, celebrating community, and advancing the field through inclusive engagement.