British Ecological Society Small Research Grants 2026

The British Ecological Society (BES) continues its commitment to advancing ecological science through its Small Research Grants scheme. Designed to support high-quality, innovative ecological research, these grants provide funding of up to £5,000 for projects where alternative funding sources are limited. Round 1 of the 2026 competition opens on 12 January 2026 and closes on 10 March 2026.

Through this funding programme, the Society invests significantly in global ecological research each year, empowering scientists at different career stages to pursue impactful, independent research projects.

Grant Objectives and Scope

The Small Research Grants scheme supports projects with a clear and rigorous ecological science focus. While interdisciplinary approaches are welcomed, elements such as sociology or economics must be fully integrated into the ecological framework and scientific objectives of the project.

The programme prioritises:

• Research of the highest international scientific standard
• Projects that demonstrably advance ecological science
• Innovative methodologies applied to established sites
• Established methodologies introduced to novel ecosystems
• Research conducted anywhere in the world

Applicants must clearly articulate how their work contributes to ecological knowledge and scientific progress. The Society funds researchers globally, without geographic restrictions on applicant nationality or research location.

Eligibility and Conditions

Small Research Grants are awarded to individual researchers, not institutions. To apply, candidates must hold active BES membership at the time of application.

Key eligibility criteria include:

• Projects must not exceed 12 months in duration
• Grants cannot fund a component of a larger, already-funded study unless the BES contribution represents the majority of funding or constitutes a distinct, standalone research component
• Funding is not available for undergraduate or master’s degree research
• Fellowship-related research is not eligible
• Expedition participation alone (e.g., Operation Wallacea) will not be funded, although standalone research conducted during an expedition may be considered

Researchers conducting projects outside their country of residence must demonstrate meaningful collaboration with local organisations, NGOs, environmental agencies, or community partners.

The Society will not award more than:

• One grant per applicant per year
• Three grants to the same applicant within a five-year period

Failure to submit a satisfactory end-of-grant report will result in ineligibility for future funding.

Additional Criteria for PhD Students

PhD students may apply under specific conditions:

• Students with full research funding cannot use the grant as a “top-up”
• Funding may support research separate from an already funded PhD project
• Students whose funding covers salary only may apply for a distinct and clearly defined research component of their PhD

The proposed research must remain independent and not form part of funded fellowship work.

Funding Value and Allowable Costs

Successful applicants may receive up to £5,000. All budget items must be fully justified, as unjustified expenses will not be considered.

Eligible costs include:

• Reasonable travel expenses essential to project completion
• Casual or short-term research assistance (up to 11 months, compliant with national minimum wage regulations)
• Essential small equipment (individual items must not exceed £2,000)
• Consumables and recurrent research costs
• Living and subsistence costs where essential and justified

Funding is not available for:

• Equipment items exceeding £2,000
• Institutional overheads
• Applicant salary supplementation
• Tuition fees
• Conference attendance or publication fees
• Bench fees or departmental vehicle hire

The grant is strictly a research funding award, not a scholarship. Scholarship applications will not be considered.

All funded research outputs must acknowledge the British Ecological Society’s contribution in publications and publicity materials.

Reference Requirements and Application Process

Each application requires two reference statements, submitted via the Flexigrant system:

1. A personal statement from a supervisor, employer, or academic mentor
2. A supporting letter from the host institution or organisation where the research will be conducted

Undergraduate or master’s applicants must provide confirmation that the proposed research is not part of their degree programme. Applications cannot be submitted until both references are completed within the Flexigrant platform. Independent submissions via email or post are not accepted.

Applicants are advised to notify referees in advance to prevent submission delays.

Assessment Criteria

Applications are evaluated by three members of the BES Review College, a global network of over 350 reviewers. Proposals are scored based on:

• Scientific excellence and impact
• Clarity of ecological contribution
• Feasibility and methodological rigour
• Applicant capability and research promise
• Value for money and budget justification

Where projects are linked to existing funded research, applicants must clearly explain how the proposed work is distinct and independently organised.

Reviewers may not be specialists in the applicant’s exact field. Therefore, proposals should avoid excessive jargon and clearly explain objectives, methodology, and anticipated outcomes.

Supporting Global Ecological Innovation

The Small Research Grants programme reflects the British Ecological Society’s mission to nurture scientific excellence and global collaboration in ecology. By funding innovative and focused research initiatives, the Society helps generate knowledge that informs conservation, biodiversity management, climate resilience, and ecosystem sustainability worldwide.

Researchers seeking to explore new ecological frontiers, test innovative hypotheses, or apply established approaches in novel contexts are encouraged to apply before the March 2026 deadline.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering the funding. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.