Biology Undergraduate Research Bursaries

New for 2012!

The Biology Undergraduate Research Bursaries Programme run by the Society of Biology in conjunction with the British Ecological Society, British Pharmacological Society, Genetics Society, Society for Endocrinology, Society for Reproduction and Fertility, The Physiological Society with the support of the Nuffield Foundation.

Nature of Awards

The purpose of the awards is to give experience of research to undergraduates with research potential and to encourage them to consider a career in scientific research.

The awards provide support for the student at a rate of £180 per week, for a period of between 6 and 8 weeks. The Society of Biology does not pay overheads nor offer research expenses except in exceptional circumstances. The bursaries produce no National Insurance contribution liability.

Eligibility

• Researchers in the Biological and Biomedical Sciences at universities and research institutions within the UK are eligible to apply.
• Postdoctoral researchers and new lecturers, early in their careers are also encouraged to apply, and should note this on the application form.
• Only one application should be submitted by a supervisor.
• Strictly no more than four awards will be made to an individual department or subject area within multidisciplinary departments or schools. Please bear in mind that this is a national scheme with a limited number of bursaries.
• Students will take up the award during the summer vacation in the middle years (i.e. 2/3, 2/4 or 3/4) of their degree. Applications on behalf of first- or final-year undergraduates, or graduates, will not be considered.
• Medical students, and medical students studying for intercalated science degrees, are not eligible for these awards.
• Mature students are eligible to apply, but must not have a previous degree in any subject.
• Students must be registered at a UK institution for the majority of their undergraduate science degree.
• Bursaries will not be awarded for projects that are a part of degree work or expeditions, or that take place overseas for more than 50% of the project time.

• If successful the supervisor will be required to join the appropriate Learned Society (British Ecological Society, British Pharmacological Society, Genetics Society, Society for Endocrinology, Society for Reproduction and Fertility and The Physiological Society) at the appropriate grade, please see the individual Society’s websites for further information on membership fees. The Society of Biology will also offer all successful students 2 year’s membership for the price of 1 to the Society of Biology if they sign up by Direct Debit.

How to apply

The closing date for receipt of applications is 5pm Friday 30th March 2012.

Full guidelines and an application form can be downloaded by clicking on the links below.

• Bursary Guidelines
• Application Form

There are 60 awards available and we expect a large number of applications therefore please ensure that you read these guidelines carefully before submitting your application.