BES: Small Research Grant

BES: Small Research Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: British Ecological Society (BES)
Amount: Up to £5,000
Last Updated: November 06, 2025

Summary

The BES: Small Research Grant supports innovative ecological research with funding up to £5,000. Open to all ecologists globally, it particularly encourages early career researchers. The grant aims to advance ecological science by integrating various disciplines, ensuring that projects are scientifically robust. Applicants must demonstrate a clear focus on ecological science and justify costs related to their research, which can include reasonable travel and essential equipment. Membership with BES is required for eligibility.

Overview

Small Research Grant These grants support scientific ecological research where there are limited alternative sources of funding. Small projects can be awarded up to £5,000. 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. This grant aims to support work of the highest international standard. Applicants will need to show how the work will advance ecological science. This grant is open to all ecologists across the world, regardless of their career stage, but we welcome applications from early career ecologists, in particular, to help establish an independent research career in ecology. Early career in this instance, is defined as anyone completing their PhD or being in the first five years of their ecologist/research career (not including career breaks, please see statement at the bottom of this page for more information on what is considered a career break). This grant can be used for new and innovative ecological research, such as novel approaches in a well studied site, or established approaches in a novel site. Funding Selected projects can be awarded up to £5,000. There are no restrictions on where applicants come from or where they conduct their research work. Reasonable travel costs will be supported. All costs must be clearly justified within the budget section. Any costs that are not justified will not be considered. Funding is available for the employment of casual and short-term assistance (short term defined as no longer than 11 months), which conforms to the national minimum wage. The purchase of small items of equipment which are essential for the successful completion of the project and consumable or recurrent costs are also acceptable. Living costs and subsistence will be covered where this is essential to the project being completed. These costs need to be justified within the budget section to be considered.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Must have BES membership. These grants are awarded to individuals, not organisations. Projects should not be longer than 12 months.Applicants are responsible for obtaining all relevant permits and permissions required to undertake the proposed work. Projects can take place anywhere in the world. For projects outside the country where the researcher is based, they must demonstrate liaison with collaborating organisations, local environmental agencies, NGOs and/or communities within the country where the project is taking place.Further eligibility criteria for PhD students:PhD students with access to research funding can not use this grant as a ‘top-up.’ PhD students can apply for funding for research that is seperate from their currently funded PhD research. PhD students who only have their salary covered can apply to fund a distinct research component of their PhD. You must be a member of this organization to apply for this award - become a member.

Ineligibility

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 unavailable for work that will form part of an undergraduate degree, masters degree or fellowship.Applications to take part in an expedition will not be considered, for example ”Operation Wallacea,” We shall consider applications for a stand-alone research project that takes place during an expedition.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.Funding is not available:For single items of equipment costing more than £2,000. For overheads. To supplement the salary of the applicant. To cover tuition fees. To cover conference fees or publication costsWe will not cover the salary of the principal researcher, bench fees or the direct costs for hiring departmental vehicles.