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 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 |
The 2012 deadline was 17 February. Details of the 2013 scheme will be announced in Novemer 2012 |
Medical students will be accepted at the end of their intercalated studies, but not during their elective period.
Further details can be found here. |
| The Wellcome Trust |
The 2012 deadline was 17 February. Details of the 2013 competition will be announced in autumn 2012 |
Further details can be found here. |
| The Sanger Institute |
Applications are invited from 28 November until 28 February each year |
Placements are potentially available across the full spectrum of the Institute's activities.
Further details can be found at the 'Undergraduate' tab here. |
| The Biochemical Society |
The 2012 deadline was 13 February.
The 2013 deadline will be in February, see website for contact details |
For projects of a molecular bioscience nature.
Further details can be found here. |
| John Innes Centre |
The 2012 deadline was 10 February.
There is a mailing list for future programme info - see website. |
Further details can be found here. |
| Experimental Psychology Society |
The submission deadline is usually in March, and proposals should be submitted before then. |
Further details can be found here. |
| The Physiological Society |
The 2012 deadline was 1 April. The 2013 deadline will be announced in due course |
For students who have completed at least two years’ full-time study in a higher education institute.
Further details can be found here. |
| RNID |
The 2012 deadline for expression of interest was 2 April, and 31 May for the full application. 2013 details will be released in due course |
For students wishing to conduct research on hearing, deafness and tinnitus.
Further details can be found here or here. |
| Society for Endocrinology |
The 2012 deadline was 12 March.
2013 details yet to be announced
|
Further details can be found here. |
| Amgen Scholars Programme |
The 2012 deadline was 1 February. Details of the 2013 programme will be announced in autumn 2012 |
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 |
The 2012 deadline was 17 February. Details of the 2013 programme will be announced in due course |
For undergraduates who have completed at least two years of university study. Further details can be found here. |
| The Zurich Biology Undergraduate Summer School |
The 2012 deadline was 1 March. Details of the 2013 programme TBC |
For undergraduates in life sciences to perfom a significant research project. Further details can be found here. |
| EPFL Summer Research Program |
The 2012 deadline was 6 February. Details of the 2013 programme TBC |
For students enrolled in a degree program in biology, physics, chemistry, bio-engineering, or computational sciences. Further details can be found here. |
| Université de Lausanne Summer Undergraduate Research Programme |
The 2012 deadline was 5 February. Details of the 2013 programme will be available mid-late November |
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 |
The 2012 deadline was 13January. Details of the 2013 programme TCB |
A 10 week programme for scientists, engineers, and mathematicians interested in neuroscience. Further details can be found here. |
| Harvard Stem Cell Internship Programme |
The 2012 deadline was 6 February. Details of the 2013 programme TBC |
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) |
The 2012 deadline was 22 February. Details of the 2013 programme TBC |
Further details can be found here. |
| University of Tokyo Research Internship Program |
The 2012 deadline was 16 March. Details of the 2013 programme TCB |
Further details can be found here. |
| The Weizmann Institute of Science - Kupcinet-Getz International Science School |
31 December |
Further details can be found here. |
| UCL Summer Studentship |
The 2012 deadline was 23 March. Details of the 2013 programme TBC |
Further details can be found here. |
| Scripps Immunology and Microbial Science Summer Internship |
The 2012 deadline was 30 January, but early applications are strongly encouraged |
Further details can be found here. |
| Royal Meteorological Society |
13 July 2012 |
For students under 30 years of age. 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.
