Need financial support for your UK undergraduate research? The BOU Summer Placement Scheme could help

The British Ornithologists’ Union (BOU) Summer Placement Scheme provides financial support for undergraduate students, studying at any UK higher education institute, to carry out small summer ornithological research projects which might otherwise be unaffordable.

As part of the scheme, the BOU offers a weekly stipend of up to UK£250 for up to eight weeks, plus up to £400 for research expenses.  Three funded placements, each to a maximum of £2400, are available in 2026.  Applicants are expected to work full time on the project for the duration of the placement.

The student must submit the application and must be supported by a host organisation who will provide all supervision and access to lab space, field sites, consumables and equipment as necessary for the proposed project.  The BOU does not offer direct supervision, mentorship or facilities as part of this scheme.

BOU membership is not a requirement to apply and successful applicants, if not already BOU members, will be gifted a one-year BOU membership.  The scheme is particularly seeking applications from individuals belonging to groups that are currently under-represented within ornithology.  The application deadline is 30 January 2026.

John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 03 October 2025