British Ecological Society Small Research Grants 2026 @British Ecological Society

Overview

The British Ecological Society (BES) offers Small Research Grants of up to £5,000 to support high-quality, innovative ecological research projects where alternative funding is limited. This scheme aims to empower scientists at various career stages to pursue impactful, independent research.

Eligibility

Applicants must be individual researchers holding active BES membership. Projects must not exceed 12 months. Funding is not available for undergraduate or master’s degree research, fellowship-related research, or expedition participation alone. Researchers working outside their home country must demonstrate collaboration with local organizations. A researcher cannot receive more than one grant per year or three grants within a five-year period. PhD students may apply under specific conditions, ensuring the research is distinct from their funded PhD project and not a "top-up" for salary-only funding.

Benefits

Grants of up to £5,000 are available. Eligible costs include essential travel, research assistance, necessary small equipment (up to £2,000 per item), consumables, and justified living/subsistence costs. Funding is not provided for equipment over £2,000, institutional overheads, applicant salary supplementation, tuition fees, conference attendance, publication fees, bench fees, or departmental vehicle hire.

How to Apply

Applications require two reference statements submitted via the Flexigrant system: a personal statement from a supervisor/mentor and a supporting letter from the host institution. Undergraduate or master’s applicants need confirmation that the research is not part of their degree. Applications cannot be submitted until both references are completed. All funded research outputs must acknowledge the British Ecological Society.

Deadline

The application deadline is 10 March 2026.