The SLSRSA has a budget available to fund researchers to go to courses they would otherwise not be able to attend. Often, but not exclusively, this will include non-research, science-related interests such as science communication, public engagement or general interest scientific conferences, such as BioDundee.

The SLSRSA regards the Career Development Support programme as a precious resource, but the budget is constrained and funds are limited. For this reason, it is the intention of the SLSRSA that, where possible, the Division of the researcher is the primary source of funding for conferences, with the SLSRSA funding to be used as a supplemental source.

Grants are made on a first-come, first-served basis. Once the funds are allocated, the SLSRSA is unable to issue further funding regardless of individual circumstances, but will add the individual to a waiting list. Funding is generally limited to conferences within Europe due to travel costs, and overall limits of roughly £500 per person have been put into place in order to avoid spending all of the available funds on a limited number of researchers. However, each application will be considered on a case-by-case basis, so please don’t disqualify yourself from consideration before speaking to a SLSRSA committee member.

To apply, please refer to the application guidance, download an application form, and email your completed application form to the SLSRSA chair.

Completed applications are subsequently reviewed by the SLSRSA and a decision will be communicated by email in due course.