Summer Studentship Grant
To nurture the next generation of microbiologists, this grant supports innovative and hands-on summer research projects for undergraduates in the field of applied microbiology. It aims to provide valuable research experience and encourage a pursuit of careers in microbiology.
Eligibility:
- Open to supervisors of undergraduate or recently-graduated students in a microbiology-related degree program.
- The supervising mentor must be an active Full or Associate member of Applied Microbiology International (AMI) and have 13 months continuous active membership.
- The grant is intended for projects to be completed during the summer vacation period. Studentship projects up to a maximum of seven weeks in duration are available.
- Projects can be hosted at any university, research institution, or business engaged in microbiology-related work, that can offer practical and applicable research experience.
Grant Details and Financial Support:
- Student Stipend: A weekly (35 hours) allowance, reflective of the cost of living in the student's home country up to seven weeks. The stipend when based on the UK's National Minimum Wage (£8.60 per hour for 18–20-year-olds) is £301 and is used as a reference point but will be adjusted to accommodate global economic differences. Applicants are expected to provide a fair justification for their stipend request, considering their local living expenses.
- Free AMI Student Membership: Student receives a 12-month complimentary student membership on approval of grant.
- Laboratory Expenses: A maximum of £500 is available to cover additional costs related to the research project, such as consumables and basic equipment.
- Additional Support: Includes complimentary registration to the Letters in Applied Microbiology (LAM) ECS Research Symposium, offering a platform for students to present their work, network with professionals, and further their academic journey in microbiology.
Application Requirements:
- The application form should be completed by the supervisor, with input from the student.
- Applicants must identify a suitable research area within microbiology and collaborate with a research group leader at a university or research institution.
- Together with the supervisor, the student must develop a detailed research project plan, including objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes.
- The application form, to be completed and submitted by the deadline, should include all project details, a budget proposal, and justifications for the stipend and laboratory expenses.
- Supervisors may only submit one student per application.
- Supervisors may only submit one application per calendar year.
Selection Criteria:
- Applications will be evaluated based on the originality and relevance of the proposed research project in the field of applied microbiology.
- The potential impact of the project on the student's academic development and future career in microbiology will also be considered.
- Preference will be given to those who have not been awarded a Summer Studentship Grant in the previous calendar year.
Budgeting and Justification:
- A clear and detailed budget must be submitted, outlining how the grant funds will be utilised for the stipend and laboratory expenses.
- Justification for the requested funds should detail the necessity of each expense in relation to the project's objectives.
Post-Award Requirements:
- Grantees are required to submit a comprehensive report of about 800 words summarising their research findings within two months of completing the project.
- Participation in the LAM ECS Research Symposium is not mandatory but encouraged and students may apply for an AMI Student Travel Bursary to assist in attendance.
Application Process:
- 17th March Deadline for ALL applications – Northern and Southern Hemispheres.