This page provides a sample of some of the types of available research funding in the UK for biology and life sciences.
This includes research in animal health and welfare, biomedical research and diet and health, stem cell and technologies underpinning medicine, biotech engineering and methodologies, sustainable agriculture and land use, synthetic biology and systems biology.
The BBSRC is a non-departmental public body that promotes research relating to the understanding of biological systems. Their partnering awards promote the exchange of young post docs between the UK, USA, China, India & Japan, and International workshops involve collaborations with any other country. Their European Research Area Networks (ERA-Nets) provides a means of coordinating national research policies and activities.
The HFSP supports innovative and interdisciplinary basic research and aims to encourage research into biological problems. They provide Research Grants to support teams of scientists from different countries. Their Fellowship Programmes are aimed at young scientists who wish to change their field of research.
EMBO is funded predominantly by the European Molecular Biology Conference (EMBC), an intergovernmental organisation. Practical courses provide young researchers with advanced training. Workshops provide scientists from different fields an opportunity to discuss common themes. Conferences strengthen European scientific communities and fellowships are intended for post-doctoral and collaborative research. Their Young Investigator Programme promotes Europe’s best scientists in the early stages of their research careers
The ESF is an association of national science-funding organisations that aim to promote quality science at a European level. Their EUROCORES scheme enables researchers in different EU countries to develop collaboration. Their Exploratory Workshops enable scientists to examine scientific issues. Research Conferences enable scientists and young researchers to meet for discussions and are open to scientists worldwide.
The Trust is an independent charity funding research to improve human and animal health. Programme grants provide support for international research. Project Grants provide funding for projects in basic and clinical sciences. Through their Flexible Travel Awards scientists have opportunities for mobility, collaboration and interdisciplinary research.
The European Commission’s 7th Framework Programme (FP7) has several themes under its Cooperation programme that touch upon the biotechnology and biology sciences
Proposals in these areas must involve some trans-national cooperation.
The purpose of the programme is to promote the mobility of European researchers towards the Chinese research and development area. The STF China is the pilot phase of a European Community action offering fellowship positions in China.
The RSE is an independent and non-party-political, educational charity, registered in Scotland. Their International Programme is a joint project scheme with the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NNSF). Designed to facilitate international collaboration between researchers based in Scotland and China in the field of biological sciences.
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