First Round of Capacity Building Grants Opens

The UK Association for Biotechnology & Computational Science (UKABCS) is proud to announce the opening of the first round of its Capacity Building Grants, a landmark initiative designed to strengthen research, education, and collaboration worldwide. These grants represent a major step forward in the Association’s mission to democratize access to scientific resources and empower institutions and individuals to achieve greater impact.

The Capacity Building Grants were established to address a growing reality: many universities, research centres, and early-career researchers lack the resources needed to fully participate in the global scientific community. While talent and ambition are abundant, access to funding, training, and international collaboration often remains out of reach. UKABCS seeks to change that by providing targeted support that enables institutions and individuals to build skills, publish their work, and engage with global networks.

In this first round, the grants will focus on three key areas:

1. Training and Education – providing access to accredited programmes and professional diplomas, particularly in computational chemistry and biotechnology.
2. Publishing and Conferences – supporting researchers to present their work in international conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals.
3. Research and Collaboration – enabling teams to access the tools, platforms, and mentorship necessary to deliver high-quality research with real-world impact.

Funding through this programme is not limited to financial support alone. In-kind contributions, such as access to online learning platforms, mentorship schemes, and publishing credits, will also play a vital role in ensuring the broadest possible reach. This hybrid model ensures that resources are distributed efficiently while building a culture of sustainability and accountability.

Applications are open to universities, research institutions, and independent researchers worldwide, with particular emphasis on applicants from underrepresented regions, including the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. All applications will be evaluated through a transparent peer-review process overseen by the Grants Review Committee, ensuring fairness and alignment with international standards of excellence.

The opening of this first round of Capacity Building Grants marks a milestone in UKABCS’s journey. It is a practical demonstration of the Association’s belief that science should be inclusive, equitable, and globally accessible. By investing in researchers and institutions across diverse regions, UKABCS aims to cultivate a new generation of scientists capable of addressing humanity’s most urgent challenges.

For full details about eligibility criteria, application guidelines, and deadlines, please visit our Programmes & Grants section. We invite all interested institutions and researchers to apply and join us in building a stronger, more connected global research community.