BPS Small Research Grants Scheme Launch

The BPS Research Board is proud to host an official launch event for the newly established "Small Research Grants Scheme," taking place at the society's headquarters in Leicester. This event is a critical milestone for the British Psychological Society as it seeks to expand its support for grassroots research and innovative pilot studies that might otherwise struggle to secure large-scale national funding. The session is designed to be both informative and consultative, providing potential applicants with a clear roadmap for the submission and review process.

The Small Research Grants Scheme is specifically tailored to support early-career researchers and those working in niche areas of psychology. During the launch, members of the Research Board will provide a detailed breakdown of the eligibility criteria, the thematic priorities for the 2026-2027 funding cycle, and the specific assessment metrics that will be used to evaluate proposals. This transparency is intended to encourage a high volume of quality applications from a diverse range of psychological disciplines, from neuropsychology to social and environmental psychology.

In addition to the formal presentation of the grant guidelines, the event will feature a Q&A session where attendees can seek clarification on budgetary requirements and collaborative partnerships. This is a rare opportunity for researchers to speak directly with the grant-makers and understand the strategic vision behind the scheme. The launch also emphasizes the importance of impact; speakers will discuss how the BPS hopes these small grants will act as a "springboard" for researchers to eventually secure more substantial funding from bodies like the ESRC or the Wellcome Trust.

By attending this event in person in Leicester, researchers can also network with peers who may be interested in co-authoring bids or sharing resources. The launch represents the BPS's commitment to nurturing the next generation of psychological talent and ensuring that the UK remains at the forefront of global psychological inquiry. It is an essential gathering for anyone looking to advance their research career within the framework of the British Psychological Society.