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These grants support scientific ecological research where there are limited alternative sources of funding. Small projects can be awarded up to £5,000 and early career ecologists can apply for funding up to £20,000.

Objectives

We support projects where there is a clear ecological science focus to the work; any other aspects, i.e. sociology, economics, etc., must be clearly integrated into the ecology and scientific goals of the project. The grants are to support work of the highest international standard and applicants need to show how the work will advance ecological science.

Research grants are to provide funding:

• for new and innovative ecological research
• for pump priming projects
• to help early career ecologists to establish an independent research career in ecology

• Eligibility and Conditions

  Small Research Grants, up to £5,000:

• These grants are given to individuals, not organisations.
• Only current BES members may apply.
• Applicants cannot use a Research Grant to fund a component of a larger, already funded study. We understand that there may be additional contributors to the project, but our contribution must make up the majority of the project funding, or form a recognisable and distinct component which would otherwise not take place.
• Funding is not available for work that will form part of a degree/masters/PhD/fellowship. Those with fellowships and PhDs that only cover their salary, are eligible to apply.
• Applications to take part in an expedition will not be considered (e.g. Operation Wallacea). We shall, though, consider applications for a stand-alone research project which take place during an expedition.
• Applicants are responsible for obtaining all relevant permits and permissions required to undertake the proposed work.
• Projects can take place anywhere in the world. Applications for projects based outside the UK should demonstrate liaison with collaborating organisations, local environmental agencies, NGOs and/or communities within the country the project is taking place.
• This grant will not fund attendance to a conference.
• This grant will not fund publication costs.
• We will not award more than one grant to any one applicant in any one year, and no more than three grants in any five year period.
• Failure to submit a satisfactory report at the end of a grant will mean the grantee is ineligible to apply for further grants.

• Large Research Grants, over £5,000 up to a limit of £20,000:

• These grants are given to individuals, not organisations.
• Only current BES members may apply.
• From January 2020, all applicants who apply for a Large Research Grant are required to have been a member of the BES for at least two years (January 2018) when they submit their application.
• Grants are limited to ecologists at an early stage in their career. ‘Early career’ is defined as less than 5 years full time equivalent research position post- Ph.D. or -D.Phil. experience according to the date of your graduation certificate.
• It is the responsibility of the applicant to make their eligibility clear on the application form, with any relevant employment details and career breaks clearly outlined. This should be added to the ‘Additional Information’ at the end of the CV section of your application form.
• The investigator must have a Ph.D. or D.Phil., or have submitted a thesis that will have been examined by the time the application is submitted.
• The investigator must demonstrate that the project is distinct from other current research activities, or if there is any overlap, that it would substantially extend their existing research into new and distinct areas.
• The investigator should undertake at least part of the research him/herself.
• Funding is not given to individuals who already have full time permanent academic positions in universities or equivalent positions in research institutes.
• Those who have received a Large Research Grant  previously, are ineligible from applying again.
• Applicants cannot use a Research Grant to fund a component of a larger study – we understand that there may be additional contributors to the project, however our contribution must make up the majority of the project funding, or form a recognisable and distinct component which would otherwise not take place.
• Applicants are responsible for obtaining all relevant permits and permissions required to undertake the proposed work.
• Projects can take place anywhere in the world. Applications for projects based outside the UK should demonstrate liaison with collaborating organisations, local environmental agencies, NGOs and/or communities within the country the project is taking place.
• We accept career breaks taken due to family commitments, ill health and caring reasons. Please see our Career Break Statement below.
• Costs for travel funds to attend a conference and present work relevant to the project will be considered. The name of the conference and a justification for attendance should be highlighted within the application (this does not include attendance to a BES meeting).
• Requests to cover publication costs will NOT be considered.
• On accepting a Large Research Grant, applicants agree to join our Review College for a minimum of 3 years.

Get More Details at:

https://www.britishecologicalsociety.org/funding/research-grants/