Summer Studentship Grant 2026

Summer Studentship Grant 2026 is sponsored by Applied Microbiology International. Funding for summer research projects for undergraduates, recent graduates, and Master's students in the field of applied microbiology. Applications must be made by the project supervisor on behalf of a named student.

Summer Studentship Grant | AMI Applied Microbiology International For members seeking funding for summer research projects for undergraduates, recent graduates, and Master’s students in the field of applied microbiology. The Summer Studentship Grant supports members to provide practical, hands-on research experiences for students in academic, industry, or clinical settings.

It aims to nurture the next generation of microbiologists through innovative summer projects that build technical skills, foster curiosity, and inspire future careers in applied microbiology. Open to supervisors of undergraduate or recently-graduated students in a microbiology-related degree program.

The supervising mentor must be an active Full, Fellow 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 (£10.

00 per hour for 18–20-year-olds) is £350 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 Taster Membership: Student receives a 12-month Taster 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.

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.

Each student can only be funded for one placement. 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.

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. 14 February - Deadline for ALL applications – Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

This grant has now closed for 2026 - we will announce when the next window is due to open later in the year.