Working in a laboratory allows students to experience how science progresses in the real world.
It is particularly useful for those thinking about working in the field of research; not only offering a chance to develop practical skills, but also providing an opportunity to work alongside established scientists, meet new people and share ideas.
The information provided here is largely for Undergraduates. For those seeking funding for an MPhil or PhD in Cambridge, please visit the Graduate School of Life Sciences website.
All individual bursary schemes have their own specific eligibility criteria; it is wise to read these carefully.
Application deadlines vary, but if you are considering applying
to a scheme abroad, be mindful of the time it takes to obtain a
visa, especially if you are planning to visit the USA.
Most schemes are highly competitive.
The following is far from an exhaustive list of the available research funding, but gives an idea of the opportunities available. If you are interested in attending a particular institution it is always worth checking if they run their own programmes. For specific departments at Cambridge University, please visit the individual websites.
| Institution |
Deadline |
Information |
| The British Society for Plant Pathology |
1 April |
For students considering a research career and seeking experience in a plant pathology lab. Further details can be found here. |
| The Society of Biology |
Various |
The Society of Biology run several studentships, most of which are designed for students in their second year.
They also list other industy-run placements here. |
| The Genetics Society |
31 March |
For students interested in gaining research experience in any area of genetics.
Further details can be found here.
|
| Society for General Microbiology |
Various |
Harry Smith Vacation Studentships and other sources of funding. Further information is available here. |
| The Wellcome Trust |
The 2013 deadline was 15 February. Check website for 2014 deadline. |
Further details can be found here. |
| The Sanger Institute |
Applications are invited from December to February each year. Please check website for exact dates. |
Placements are potentially available across the full spectrum of the Institute's activities.
Further details can be found at the 'Summer Placements' tab here. |
| The Biochemical Society |
14 February 2014 for the 2014 programme |
For projects of a molecular bioscience nature.
Further details can be found here. |
| John Innes Centre |
Applications will open in October 2013. Refer to website for deadline. |
Further details can be found here. |
| Experimental Psychology Society |
1 March 2013
The submission deadline is usually in March, and proposals should be submitted before then. |
Further details can be found here. |
| The Physiological Society |
1 April 2013 |
For students who have completed at least two years’ full-time study in a higher education institute.
Further details can be found here. |
| RNID/Action on Hearing Loss |
8 April 2013 |
For students wishing to conduct research on hearing, deafness and tinnitus.
Further details can be found here. |
| Society for Endocrinology |
11 March 2013
|
Further details can be found here. |
| Amgen Scholars Programme |
1 February 2013 |
For students not in their final year, an 8 week research project culminating in a symposium.
Further details can be found here.
|
| The Vienna Biocentre Summer School |
17 February 2013 |
For undergraduates who have completed at least two years of university study. Further details can be found here. |
| The Zurich Biology Undergraduate Summer School |
1 March 2013 |
For undergraduates in life sciences to perfom a significant research project. Further details can be found here. |
| EPFL Summer Research Program |
31 January 2013 |
For students enrolled in a degree program in biology, physics, chemistry, bio-engineering, or computational sciences. Further details can be found here. |
| Universite de Lausanne Summer Undergraduate Research Programme |
31 January 2013 |
Aimed at students who have completed their 2nd or 3rd year. Medical students welcome. Further details can be found here. |
| Janelia Farm Undergraduate Research Programme |
15 January 2013 |
A 10 week programme for scientists, engineers, and mathematicians interested in neuroscience. Further details can be found here. |
| Harvard Stem Cell Internship Programme |
6 February 2013 |
Internship programme for research experience in a cutting-edge stem cell science laboratory. Further details can be found here. |
| Caltech Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) |
22 February 2013 |
Further details can be found here. |
| University of Tokyo Research Internship Program |
1 March 2013 |
Further details can be found here. |
| The Weizmann Institute of Science - Kupcinet-Getz International Science School |
31 January 2013 |
Further details can be found here. |
| UCL Summer Studentship |
22 March 2013 |
Further details can be found here. |
| Singapore International Pre-graduate award |
There are deadlines every two months for the different cycles of the programme. See website for details. |
Research opportunities for two to six months for science or engineering students. Further details available here |
| Royal Meteorological Society |
Various |
For students under 30 years of age. Further details can be found here. |
| Comparative Clinical Science Foundation Bursary |
31st March 2013 |
For intercalating Medic or Veterinary students. Please see PDF for info or visit the website. |
| Fund |
Deadline(s) |
Details |
| Balfour Fund and Studentship |
6 January and 14 June 2013 |
Original research in Biology, especially Animal Morphology.
Further details can be found here. |
| Balfour-Browne Fund |
19 April 2013 |
For research advancing the study of entomology.
Further details can be found here |
| John Stanley Gardiner Studentships |
19 April 2013 |
For research advancing the study of zoology. Further details can be found here. |
| J Arthur Ramsay Fund |
28 May 2013 |
For research in experimental zoology.
Further details can be found here. |
| S P H Johnson Summer Vacation Bursaries |
30 April 2013 |
For second year NST or MVST students who intend to read Part II Genetics as
their final year option.
Further details can be found here. |
| J.R.S. Fincham Bursary for Summer Vacation Research |
17 May 2013 |
A small bursary for Part IB students who intend to read Genetics in their final year. Further details can be found here. |
Your project supervisor or Director of Studies may know of other sources of funding. It could be worthwhile to ask them about:
Extremely comprehensive information about external funding for research, travel etc is available from ResearchResearch. Subscription is required.
Whilst without financial reward, volunteering can be incredibly fulfiling for you as an individual and can changes the lives of those involved with the organisation you volunteer for.
