Microbiology Society Research Visit Grant 2026 | Up to £3,000 for International Laboratory Research Visits
The Microbiology Society is inviting applications for its Research Visit Grant, a funding opportunity that supports early-career microbiologists undertaking short-term research visits to laboratories around the world. The grant provides up to £3,000 to help cover travel, accommodation, subsistence, and project consumables for research visits lasting one to three months.
This competitive scheme is designed to strengthen scientific collaborations, facilitate knowledge exchange, and support innovative microbiology research through international and cross-institutional partnerships.
Research Visit Grant Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Microbiology Society |
| Grant Name | Research Visit Grant |
| Maximum Funding | £3,000 |
| Visit Duration | 1–3 months (minimum 4 weeks) |
| Eligible Members | Full, Full Concessionary, Postgraduate Student |
| Application Round | August–October 2026 |
| Deadline | 1 October 2026 |
About the Research Visit Grant
The Research Visit Grant supports members who wish to undertake a defined research project in another laboratory. The programme encourages both the development of new collaborations and the strengthening of existing scientific partnerships within the field of microbiology.
Researchers may visit universities, hospitals, research institutes, or other eligible laboratories anywhere in the world, provided the host laboratory is not within the same institution where the applicant studies or works.
The Society particularly welcomes applications involving:
- International research collaborations
- Industry partnerships
- Infection science research
- Innovative microbiology projects with clear scientific impact
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must satisfy both the membership and career eligibility requirements.
Membership Requirements
Eligible applicants must:
- Be a paid-up Full, Full Concessionary, or Postgraduate Student Member.
- Have held Microbiology Society membership for at least one year.
- Have completed two consecutive membership subscription payments.
- Not have received a Research Visit Grant during the previous calendar year.
Career Eligibility
The programme is open to:
- PhD students registered at a recognised institution
- Postdoctoral researchers employed by universities, hospitals, or research institutes
- Early-career lecturers within five years of their first academic appointment
Applicants from institutions worldwide are eligible, subject to the employment laws and regulations of the countries involved.
What the Grant Covers
Successful applicants may receive up to £3,000 to support eligible research visit expenses.
Eligible costs include:
- International or domestic travel
- Accommodation
- Daily subsistence expenses
- Research consumables required for the project
The grant supports visits lasting between 4 weeks and 3 months.
What Makes a Strong Application?
The Microbiology Society assesses applications through a competitive peer-review process. Each proposal is reviewed by expert referees before funding decisions are made by the Award Panel.
Applications are evaluated on:
- Scientific relevance to microbiology
- Originality and scientific merit
- Clearly defined research objectives
- Feasible experimental methodology
- Suitability of the host laboratory’s expertise and facilities
- Benefits for both the home and host institutions
- Professional development opportunities for the applicant
- Accurate and realistic project budgeting
Projects should demonstrate how the research visit will generate meaningful scientific outcomes and foster long-term collaboration.
Required Supporting Documents
Applicants must submit all documentation at the time of application.
Required documents include:
- Completed online application form via Mi Society
- Research project proposal
- Detailed budget and expected costs
- Letter of support from the applicant’s supervisor or Head of Department
- Invitation letter from the host laboratory outlining the proposed research and confirming acceptance
The host laboratory invitation must also be emailed directly to the Microbiology Society Grants Team.
Application Timeline
The Research Visit Grant operates two funding rounds each year.
| Round | Applications Open | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | 1 March | 1 May |
| Round 2 | 1 August | 1 October 2026 |
Applicants should plan research visits to begin after 1 December 2026 for the October funding round, as funding decisions are typically announced within two months of the deadline.
Grant Administration
Successful applicants will receive notification by email and through their Mi Society account. Following completion of the research visit, recipients must submit:
- Evidence of attendance
- Receipts or invoices for eligible expenses
- Grant claim form via Mi Society
Approved funds are transferred directly to the applicant’s nominated bank account within one month of a completed claim.
2025 Funding Statistics
The Research Visit Grant is highly competitive. During the 2025 funding cycle:
- 21 applications were received
- 28% of applicants were successfully funded
These figures highlight the importance of submitting a well-prepared application with a clear scientific rationale, strong institutional support, and realistic project planning.
Why Apply?
The Microbiology Society Research Visit Grant offers an excellent opportunity for emerging microbiologists to access specialist expertise, advanced laboratory facilities, and international research networks. Whether developing a new collaboration or advancing an established partnership, the grant provides valuable financial support to help researchers undertake impactful microbiology projects and strengthen their academic careers.
Application Deadline
1 October 2026 (Round 2)
VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY
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