The Porter Prize

The Porter Prize is sponsored by The Porter Fund. The Porter Fund has honored Arkansas writers of merit with an annual literary prize since 1984, recognizing poets, novelists, and playwrights. The prize is $5,000.

The Porter Prize - Salters’ Institute Applications for 2026 are now closed. Thank you to everyone who applied, we will be back in touch during April. We recognise the critical role research plays in solving important and long-term societal challenges.

Established in memory of Lord George Porter OM, FRS, FRSE and Dr Andy Porter, who were drivers of change through their research, this award funds an undergraduate student to undertake a summer research project. This prize has been made possible through the generosity of the Porter family. The winner will be provided with £3,000 to fund a proposed research project with a strong chemistry focus.

The funding is to support the Prize winner and not intended to be used for lab consumables or other project related costs.

Candidates for the Porter Prize must: be a current undergraduate student, not yet in their final year of either a chemistry, biochemistry or chemical engineering degree at a UK university have identified a research project and supervisor have a willingness to participate in the Institute’s activities and join our alumni network We will prioritise applications from students who meet one or more of the following criteria: Have been eligible for free school meals in secondary school Please note, the successful candidate will need to dedicate their summer to carrying out the research project put forward in their application.

They will also be required to present their findings as a brief report. We have created a poster to enable news of this prize to be shared with colleagues and students in your department. Applications for the Porter Prize 2026 are now closed.

Thank you to everyone who applied, we will be back in touch during April.

Applications consist of three sections: A – Application Form – to be completed by the applicant B – Applicant’s Research Proposal – to be completed by the applicant with support of the placement supervisor C – Supporting Statement –to be completed by the placement supervisor Deadline to apply: Friday 27 th March If you encounter issues downloading the form or have questions about the application process, please don’t hesitate to get in touch at [email protected] .

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to Salters’ Hall for interview. There will be four panel members, who will be comprised of leaders in research and industry, as well as representatives from the Salters’ Institute. Candidates will be asked for a 5-minute presentation discussing their research proposal in more detail, before being asked a series of questions about their application more generally.

Reasonable travel costs to attend the interview will be reimbursed. Your completed application will be shared with the reviewing panel. The panel includes members of the Salters’ Institute team and external reviewers (such as teachers and previous awardees).

Before sharing your application externally, we will remove your name and contact details. By submitting your application, you confirm that you consent to us sharing the redacted application with the external panel for the purpose of review. We are awarding £3,000 to fund a proposed research project with a strong chemistry focus.

If you have any queries about The Porter Prize, please email [email protected] . Have you won a Salters’ Porter Prize? We’d love to hear from you.

Get in touch with us at [email protected] and learn more about the opportunities available to you. Graduate Awards are for final-year undergraduate students studying chemistry and chemical engineering across the UK. The Salters’ Next Generation Chemist Award supports aspiring chemists through the next steps in their education.