Vacation Studentships Grant

Vacation Studentships Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Microbiology Society
Amount: Up to £4,500
Last Updated: March 11, 2026

Summary

The Harry Smith Vacation Studentships, offered by the Microbiology Society, provide funding for undergraduates to engage in microbiological research during the summer. Eligible applicants must be Full or Full Concessionary Members of the Society and have a PhD or senior research position. Each studentship includes a stipend of £331 per week for up to eight weeks, with additional funds available for research costs. This program enhances research experience for both students and supervisors.

Overview

The Society offers a limited number of awards to enable undergraduates to work on microbiological research projects during the summer vacation. Applications must be made by the project supervisor on behalf of a named student. The scheme provides an insight into the world of research for students and gives early- and mid-career scientists the opportunity to gain supervision experience. Eligible membership categories: Full and Full Concessionary Members Minimum membership: two consecutive membership subscription payments required What is covered by the grant? For students: The studentships provide a stipend of £331 per week for a period of up to eight weeks (minimum six weeks). An additional sum of up to £400 for specific research costs may also be awarded. For supervisors: The studentship application process will give supervisors the opportunity to develop their grant writing skills. Successful supervisors will also be able to advance their project management, leadership and supervision skills as they mentor undergraduates during the summer project. Supervisors will gain experience in managing laboratory budgets and monitoring expenditure, and at the end of the studentship they will be able to develop their evaluation and reporting skills.

Eligibility

We've imported the main document for this grant to give you an overview. You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Full or Full Concessionary Members of the Society working in a Higher Education Institution, research institute or Small- or Medium-sized Enterprise (SME - as defined by Companies House) in the UK or Republic of Ireland. Applicants will act as the project supervisor and should be PhD qualified or hold a senior research or academic position. A minimum membership period of one year (two consecutive subscription payments) applies.Applications must be made on behalf of a named student. The student must be registered for their degree at an institution in the UK or Republic of Ireland. Students may be undertaking an undergraduate degree in any area of biosciences or medical, dental or veterinary science. Students should have completed a minimum of two years of study on the programme, but not have started their final year at the time they take up the studentship.We recommend that principle investigators encourage early- or mid-career laboratory members (e.g. postdoctoral researchers, new lecturers and similar stage researchers in other sectors) to apply for studentships independently in order to gain vital supervision experience. You must be a member of this organization to apply for this award - become a member. Project supervisors must be Full or Full Concessionary Members of the Society.

Ineligibility

This scheme does not support members of iGEM teams to undertake their iGEM project.Studentships will not be awarded for projects that are part of degree work.