BHS Student Grant Scheme

BHS Student Grant Scheme

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: British Herpetological Society
Amount: Up to £300
Last Updated: October 14, 2025

Summary

The BHS Student Grant Scheme, established in 1947 by the British Herpetological Society, provides small grants up to £300 to support students in herpetological research. Aimed at promoting scientific interest in herpetology, the scheme encourages projects with clear objectives and conservation applications. Eligibility includes undergraduate and master’s students, while PhD candidates can apply if their research concludes within one year. Preference is given to projects benefiting conservation efforts and those based in developing countries.

Overview

Established in 1947, the British Herpetological Society is one of the most prestigious such societies of its kind in the world. The society's Herpetological Journal is ranked as one of the leading scientific publications devoted to herpetology. BHS Student Grant Scheme The Scheme offers small grants, normally not exceeding £300 (approximately US $450), to current students, and is principally aimed at supporting fieldwork and other research costs. The Scheme is intended to promote a scientific interest in herpetology through short, well-defined research projects with clear aims and demonstrable applications to our understanding of herpetology, and/or to herpetofauna conservation. The objectives, methodologies and ethical standards of projects should be consistent with the aims of the Society. For example, work involving euthanasia must present a strong case, such as a clear conservation benefit.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. The scheme is open to students and research projects in any country, but applications from countries where funds are relatively easy to obtain (e.g. the USA) may be at a disadvantage. Undergraduate and masters-level postgraduate students are the intended focus of the Scheme, but PhD students will be eligible if the research is completed within one year.Applicants do not have to be BHS members, though this is encouraged.

Ineligibility

Proposals where the BHS contribution is small and unlikely to be significant (e.g. Operation Wallacea expeditions) are unlikely to receive support, particularly if the application does not meet the criteria. Generic requests for funding will not be supported.