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The British Ecological Society Studentship Scheme

Please note that this grant is closed for applications in 2008. Please visit this website in early 2009 for information on the running of this scheme post 2008. 

This grant was created as continuation funding for Early Career Project Grant award winners, helping them carry out innovative or important research of a pure or applied nature through funding studentships under their supervision. The studentships will also develop young ecologists through carrying out important research work that will result in papers being submited for publication. The studentships will be for up to three years duration.

Only Early Career Project Grant award winners who were awarded their grants in the previous 5 years and who have submited adequate final reports to the BES will be eligible to apply for this grant.  

The award will be an annual award of up to £75,000 for a three-year studentship. This studentship will only be open to students registered with previous BES Early Career Project Grant award winners.

Submission of annual and final reports will be expected from students it will be seen as the responsibility of supervisiors to ensure these are submited and to manage the funding side of the award.

Background:

The applicant must show that the studentships work will be distinct from other current research activities or if there is any overlap, that it would substantially extend the existing research in to new and distinct areas. Significant outputs should be achievable within the three year period. Extension funding will not be available for this grant.  A brief report must be submitted annually and a final report is required in year three.

Awards will not exceed £25,000 per annum. Money may also be requested for consumable or recurrent costs, travel and subsistence or to purchase small items of equipment, which are essential for successful completion of the studentship. Equipment costs should not exceed 20% of the total amount requested. Money may not be requested for large items of equipment, overheads, to supplement the salary of the applicant or other personnel involved in the project (except the student), or to cover replacement costs of the applicant.

Applications will be assessed by a panel of experts drawn from within and outside BES Committees, on the scientific excellence of the project and the performance and potential of the applicant and student (where one has been put identified).  One grant is expected to be awarded annually.

Applicants will be advised of the outcome of their application by the mid December.

Value of the award:
up to £25,000 per annum for a maximum of three years

Closing date:
This grant is currently closed.

Application:
Application to be submitted electronically by form , along with a letter of support for the studentship placement from the supporting institute. Letters from supporting institutes can be submitted by email, fax or post separately to the application form but must be signed.

Application forms and requested accompanying documents to be emailed to: grants@britishecologicalsociety.org

Conditions:

1) That only BES Early Career Project Grant winners awarded within the last 5 years are eligible to put candidates forward for this support.
2) That a letter of support from the host institute indicating that the studentship can be held at their institute be submitted along with the application.
3) That the studentship must be based at the host University / Research Institute.
4) That applications be made by the intended supervisor of the studentship.
5) That each studentship last a maximum of three years.
6) Where possible applications should include details of the student who will do the work. However, it will still be possible to apply for a grant without an identified student as long as the position is filled no more than 6 months after the award is made.
7) Priority will be given to applications that have already identified a student.
8) That requests for additional support beyond the award amount will not be considered.
9) That a maximun of £500 per annum may be included in the budget for attendance at scientific conferences but this can be accrued to subsequent awarding years if not used.
10) That a modest travel stipend may be included for travel within Europe as part of this grant.
11) Students may be individuals with current academic postings, however, they must have been employed by the University / Research Institute for less than three years.
12) A maximum of 3 applications may be received in any one round by the same University department or Research Institute.
13) That requests for additional support beyond the award amount will not be considered.
14) Limited international travel will be considered where there is strong justification.
15) Students should aim to have achievable results after the three year period.
16) It is hoped that studentships will result in papers being submitted for publication after the three-year period.
17) Repeat applications for essentially the same project will be rejected.
18) Applications can be no longer than 4 pages in length, excluding letters of support.

Committee responsible for the grant: Studentship Panel

To view previous grant reports and to download a report template please visit the report section of our website. Reports should be no more than 8 pages long.

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