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Hardship Grant

This grant is available for SfAM members (Full or Student) studying for an MPhil/PhD in applied microbiology under the direction of a supervisor who is also a SfAM member. The funds will be used to contribute towards university fees and the applicant can apply for up to £3000 per annum for three years maximum (full-time study or equivalent if studying part-time). A full application will have to be made every year with justification and detailed progression status to be considered for continuation of the award. Eligible persons will have no other source of funding and will normally be working, taking time out to study or be self-funded researchers. The applicant will also be eligible for attendance at one SfAM conference, towards the end of their study where a poster or oral presentation of their work must be presented. The closing date for this award is the end of June each year.

To apply for the Hardship Grant you can complete the online form below or download the application form:   Hardship research grant form

  8. Full/Part-time student *

  15. Research project details

  18. Please attach a document (no more than one side of A4) including information under the following headings: Objectives, Background, Experimental methods, References. 

  24. Declaration

  29. Please note: in order to process your grant application we will need the signatures of; the Applicant, the Head of Department or Dean of Faculty and the signature of a Finance Officer in hard copy,  to be recieved by post or fax at the Society office.

  30. In submitting this application you agree to abide by all the terms and conditions as specified.

Terms & Conditions

1. Applicants must have paid two membership subscriptions as a Student or Full Member of SfAM to be eligible to apply.

2. Applications should be endorsed by the finance officer for fees payable to the Institution.

3. The applicant must provide a one page overview of the research proposal and full justification for the support for funding.

4. A one page CV of the applicant must be included with this application.

5. SfAM will not fund the full economic cost of research.

6. SfAM should be acknowledged in any publications that arise from the research. In addition, a feature report about their SfAM funded work (500 to1000 words) must be provided for Microbiologist magazine.

7. SfAM should be acknowledged in the final thesis. A notification of the award must be sent to the SfAM office.

8. The recipient must present a poster or oral presentation of their work at an SfAM conference (there will be an additional allocation to meet the cost of travel expenses to attend the SfAM conference).

9. If the intended study is not completed, the grant recipient will have to repay the allocated funds.

10. If the progression of the student is unsatisfactory then the award would be discontinued.

11. In any given financial year there are a restricted number of these grants available. The closing date for this grant is the end of June in each year. Applicants must apply at least 8 weeks before the proposed start of any project.

12. A successful applicant can re-apply to the fund until completion of their studies, but a full justification must be made on each occasion.