Check Eligibility – Programmes & Grants

At the UK Organization for Biotechnology and Computational Science (UKABCS), we are committed to ensuring that our grants are accessible, fair, and transparent. Funding is open to a wide range of applicants who can demonstrate strong scientific potential, institutional affiliation, and alignment with our mission of advancing biotechnology, bioinformatics, and chemoinformatics through open science.

1. Individual Applicants

Undergraduate Students
Eligible to apply for small-scale grants if enrolled at a recognized institution. Applications must include proof of enrollment and at least one recommendation letter from a faculty member.
Graduate Students (Master’s & PhD)
Eligible for individual or group projects, provided they have institutional support and a supervisor’s endorsement.
Early-Career Researchers
Postdoctoral fellows and researchers within the first 5–7 years of their career may apply for research or software development grants, with or without a team.
Principal Investigators & Senior Scientists
Established academics leading research groups or labs are eligible for larger-scale or collaborative grants. They may also apply on behalf of their students or research teams.

2. Institutions & Organizations

Universities & Academic Institutions
Departments, research groups, or labs from accredited universities are eligible.
Non-Profit Organizations
Research-focused NGOs and non-profits engaged in open science initiatives are welcome to apply.
Accredited Private Companies
Startups or SMEs working on scientific software or computational tools may apply if their projects align with our mission.
Partner Institutions
Priority will be given to applications from institutions that have formal partnerships with UKABCS. However, non-partners may also apply if they provide an endorsement letter confirming institutional support.

3. Geographic Eligibility

United Kingdom – Priority is given to UK-based applicants.
EMEA Region (Europe, Middle East, Africa) – Special focus on expanding collaborations and capacity building.
International Applicants – Researchers outside these regions are eligible if they can demonstrate collaboration with UK or EMEA-based partners.

4. Additional Requirements

Institutional Endorsement
Applicants must provide a signed and stamped support letter from their university, research office, or company confirming affiliation and approval to apply.
Open Science Commitment
Proposals must include a clear plan for sharing results, datasets, or tools through open-access platforms.
Ethics & Compliance
All applicants must comply with research integrity standards, data protection (GDPR), and ethical approval processes where applicable.
Membership Not Required
Applicants do not need to be members of UKABCS to apply. However, members may receive additional support and benefits.

5. Who Cannot Apply

For-profit companies whose primary goal is product sales rather than research.
Individuals or organizations with unresolved compliance or ethical issues.
Projects that do not align with the mission and scope of UKABCS.

⚠️ Please note: Each specific Call launched by UKABCS will have its own detailed eligibility criteria tailored to the nature and scope of that programme. The criteria below represent the general eligibility framework that applies across all funding schemes.

Conclusion

UKABCS encourages applications from diverse researchers and institutions worldwide. By combining individual excellence with institutional backing and open science principles, our programmes ensure that funded projects deliver maximum impact and global relevance.

Curious if you qualify? Click Who Can Apply? to view simplified criteria and start your journey.