British Ecological Society
Grants for education, research and outreach in ecology
Principal Office: UK
The British Ecological Society (BES) was established in 1913 to promote and foster the study of ecology. The Society currently has about 5,000 members around the world.
The Society’s core activities are publication of research results in ecology, support of scientific meetings, and promotion of ecological awareness through education at all levels.
BES offers grants and awards with the aim of promoting research and training in ecology. Some of them directly or indirectly fund international work.
Grant Programs for Agriculture, Energy, Environment, Natural Resources
1 — Research Grants. The BES makes grants to support scientific ecological research where there are limited alternative sources of funding. The grants are available to BES members anywhere in the world.
Small projects can be awarded up to £5 thousand, and early-career ecologists can apply for funding up to £20 thousand.
About grants for research
2 — Ecologists in Africa. Grants aim to support ecologists in Africa to carry out innovative ecological research. Eligibility extends to scientists who are citizens of African countries, and who have at least an MSc or equivalent degree.
The maximum grant is £8 thousand for research, and up to an additional £2 thousand to fund professional travel.
About grants for ecologists in Africa
3 — Grants for Training and Travel. These grants support the training and development of students and post-graduate research assistants, or their equivalent.
The grants are made to applicants who have at least a BSc or equivalent degree, and who work or study at universities and research institutions in subject areas within the scope of the BES. Grants of up to £1 thousand are available.
4 — Outreach Grants. These grants are made to members in order to promote ecological science to a wide audience.
Applications should promote and engage the public with the science of ecology, not purely focus on nature conservation purposes. Grants of up to £2 thousand are available.
About grants for outreach
5 — Honors, Awards, and Prizes. The BES sponsors several awards, prizes, and competitions to honor achievements in the study of ecology and related disciplines. Many of these are open internationally, and many offer nominal cash prizes.
About honors, awards, and prizes
APPLICATION (for 1-2-3-4-5 preceding): For each award scheme, the BES publishes calls for proposals and provides guidelines regarding how to apply or nominate. The information includes eligibility requirements, calendar dates for submission, and the Society’s criteria for evaluating proposals.
Many of the grant programs are restricted to BES members. The Society explains how to apply for membership.
Link to membership application
Geographical Distribution of Grant Activities in Developing Countries
Worldwide
Grant seekers should consult the full listing of BES grants and awards for the possibility of others not mentioned by name in this profile.
Example applications of previous awardees offer valuable insights to interested applicants.
The BES also supports a gratis books scheme to provide ecology and conservation books in developing countries.
The BES provides contact information for its staff and office in London.