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.
This page provides information about research funding opportunities for undergraduate students. For those seeking an MPhil or PhD in Cambridge, please visit the Postgraduate School of Life Sciences website.
General information
Each individual bursary scheme has its own specific eligibility criteria, which should be reviewed carefully.
Application deadlines vary. If you're applying to a scheme abroad, you should also factor in the time required to obtain a visa, particularly if you plan to visit the USA.
Opportunities outside Cambridge
The following is not an exhaustive list of the available research funding. If you are interested in attending a particular institution, it is always worth checking if they run their own programmes.
The British Society for Plant Pathology (BSPP)
The undergraduate vacation bursary supports work on agreed research projects during the summer vacation.
Find out more: BSPP Undergraduate Vacation Bursary
The Genetics Society
Summer studentship for undergraduates interested in a career in genetics.
Find out more: Genetics Society Summer Studentship
British Division of the International Academy of Pathology (BDIAP)
Research project scholarships for undergraduate medical students.
Find out more: BDIAP Student Electives
The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR)
Cancer research experience summer scholarships.
Find out more: ICR Undergraduate Summer Scholarship Scheme
Association of Clinical Pathologists (ACP)
Funding of up to £5000 to support medical students in laboratory medicine-related intercalated degrees.
Find out more: ACP Student Research Fund Website
Royal College of Pathologists, Pathology Summer School
A free two-day Summer School held in London.
Find out more: RCPath Summer School website
Amgen Scholarships
The Amgen Scholars Programme welcomes scholars from universities across Europe. European Programme applicants must have a strong record of academic performance and an interest in pursuing a Ph.D.
Find out more: Amgen Scholars Europe Programme
UK Stroke Research Workshop
An annual in-person workshop held in the UK. A full bursary funded by the Jane White Stroke Research Fund (covering registration fees, accommodation and dinner as well as £100 towards travel) is available for medical students.
Find out more: UK Stroke Workshop website
Experimental Psychology Society
Awards will be made to members of the Society and provide up to 10 weeks’ support (a £375 per week stipend) for their nominated undergraduate in the summer vacation immediately prior to their final year. They should be planning a research career in experimental psychology.
Find out more: Undergraduate Research Bursary webpage on the EPS site.
Funding within the School of Biological Sciences
For specific departments in the School, please visit their individual websites. Some opportunities are listed below:
Evelyn Trust Summer Studentship
For pre-clinical medical students wishing to pursue a clinical research project in Cambridge over the summer period. Three bursaries of £1,000 each are available for 6-week-long projects. These studentships are organised by the School of Clinical Medicine. Please contact clinical.dean@medschl.cam.ac.uk to find out more.
UKRI MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB)
The LMB Student Placement Scheme is aimed at undergraduate students who are considering a future in academic research and wish to gain hands-on experience of research and a true feel of what it is like to work in a lab. Up to 12 internships are available for 8 to 13 weeks, usually between July and September. You will join one of the research groups at the LMB and carry out original research, working alongside LMB scientists with full access to world-class research facilities.
Find out more: MRC LMB Student Placement Scheme website
Sainsbury Laboratory Undergraduate Summer Research Programme
Undergraduate students can take part in an 8-week research project within one of the research groups of the Sainsbury Laboratory. Students should be considering a future in scientific research and wish to gain hands-on experience of research in a lab. You will contribute to research in wet lab and / or modelling teas integrating biology, physics and mathematics. We welcome students studying any relevant science degree, including biology, mathematics, physics, genetics, biochemistry, animal science or computational modelling.
Find out more: SLCU Undergraduate Summer Research Programme website
Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute Undergraduate Summer Research Programme
This 8-week programme aims to inspire bright and ambitious undergraduates to start their careers in cancer research. The programme provides immersive hands-on research experience, with students able to work on their own research project in one of our world-leading research groups.
Find out more: CRUK Undergraduate Summer Research Programme website
Finding other sources of funding
Your project supervisor or Director of Studies may know of other sources of funding. You can ask them about opportunities from the various national bodies for academic disciplines (Royal Societies, British Councils, etc) or industry contacts linked to the project you are looking to work on. For example:
