We are delighted to announce that our new Joint Undergraduate Research Placement Scheme with the British Geriatrics Society (BGS) is open for applications. The innovative scheme aims to increase opportunities for undergraduate students, from any discipline, to undertake ageing-related research.
The need for undergraduate students to engage in research has been highlighted by the BGS, through its internal review of research capacity development, and our own analysis of a number of recently-published national reports focused on the UK research and ageing landscape. This joint initiative has been designed to enable students to test and develop their interest in research at an early stage, and make them more competitive for future opportunities.
Funding opportunities of up to £11,726
Up to four centres, departments or institutes will be awarded funding to enable each to provide three undergraduate research placements. The funds will cover the full salaries, stipends or bursaries of the students, at the real Living Wage, plus an additional contribution (up to £1K per student) to support the placements. The placements will be a maximum duration of six weeks and can be structured flexibly – i.e. in a single block (full-time), or spread out over a longer period (part-time).
We welcome applications that demonstrate the host centre’s strategic commitment – either long-standing or emerging – to ageing-related research. The applying centre will be asked to outline the broad topics of research for the placements, which must address at least one of the priority research themes highlighted on page 22 of our 2025-2030 Strategic Framework.
In addition, the centres must outline the support, supervision and development opportunities that will be provided to the students. We are particularly keen to support proposals that can build capacity within under-served locations, centres, disciplines and/or student demographics.
The deadline for applications is 5pm on 24th July 2025 and applicants will informed of the outcome in late November 2025. For further information and details on how to apply, please visit our ‘Apply for funding‘ page.