The Paton Historical Studies Fund Grant

The Paton Historical Studies Fund Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: The Physiological Society
Amount: Up to £1,000
Last Updated: December 24, 2025

Summary

The Paton Historical Studies Fund, established by Sir William Paton in 1990, offers small grants aimed at promoting research and engagement in the history of modern physiology. With approximately £2000 available for each award round, applications for projects up to £1000 are welcomed. This fund supports diverse activities such as archival visits, lectures, and publication costs, ensuring alignment with the donor's vision to advance the understanding of physiological history.

Overview

NOTE: Applications will be considered annually, the deadline normally being 31 January. The Paton Historical Studies Fund An opportunity for Members to discover more about the history of physiology. We are offering small grants to promote research or engagement activities in the history of modern physiology. Background In July 1990 Sir William Paton FRS, an eminent pharmacologist and former Secretary of The Physiological Society, donated £5000 to promote the study of the history of physiology; this sum was matched by The Society. In his original letter Sir William suggested ‘(1) setting up a Historical Studies Fund; (2) that the fund should be to promote the study of the history of physiological experiment and discovery; (3) that it should attempt promotion by any means The Society, sees fit – meetings, a lecture, travel or actual maintenance awards, materials etc’ How much funding is available? Approximately £2000 is available for each award round, and individual applications for costed projects of up to £1000 will be considered by the History & Archives Group. Previous funding has been used for travel to, and use of, relevant archives; publication costs or contributions towards such; a history workshop at an IUPS meeting; a photograph competition and exhibition. What can be funded? In keeping with the donor’s original intentions, a wide range of projects, activities and approaches will be considered. These could include, inter alia, visits to a relevant archive (use of The Society’s own archive at the Wellcome Library in London is particularly encouraged) as part of an on-going research project; arranging a lecture or series of lectures; preserving and/or cataloguing a collection of equipment; conventional or digital publication costs; conducting and finalising oral history interviews etc. The History & Archives Group will consider any activity in keeping with the donor’s intentions. Intending applicants may discuss their ideas with The Society’s Honorary Archivist and/or the Chairman of the History & Archives Group.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Who can apply?Any category of Member or Fellow of The Society You must be a member of this organization to apply for this award - become a member.