Our Researcher Development and Travel Grants are open to PhD students and early career scientists in both industry and academia wishing to undertake an activity that supports their research career. The activities applied can be virtual or in-person. Examples include, but are not limited to, presenting work at conferences, developing new skills by attending training courses or developing networks by organising a scientific meeting.
In order to be eligible, you must meet all of the following criteria:
- You are an RSC member of either Affiliate (AFF), Partner Scientist, Associate Member (AMRSC), Member (MRSC) or Fellow (FRSC) categories at the time of submission and for the duration of the grant. Undergraduate Student Members (AFU) are not eligible to apply. Those holding Affiliate Membership or Partner Scientist Membership must have been a member (any category) for at least 180 days before the first day of the grant application round (i.e. applicants must have been a member since at least 11 June 2025).
- You are either: (1) a PhD student actively undertaking a PhD course in the chemical sciences, or (2) a researcher in the chemical sciences (including post docs, technical professionals and research assistants), working in academia, industry or any sector, within 10 years of leaving full time education (at the time of the application deadline). Please note that members in roles limited to routine testing, quality control, or operational tasks without involvement in developing or furthering science understanding are not eligible.
Career breaks will be taken into consideration e.g. a period of parental/adoption leave, family commitments, illness, or other exceptional circumstances; In addition, applicants can only receive one Researcher Development and Travel Grant every three calendar years. For example if you are awarded a grant in 2024 you are eligible to apply again for funding in any application round that awards funding in 2027 or later. This restriction does not apply to Researcher Development and Travel Grants awarded in 2023 or earlier.
Please note that members looking to attend the 10th EuChemS Chemistry Congress are not eligible for support through this scheme. A separate scheme will be available for those wishing to attend this event.
What can I request funding for?
You can apply for a grant of up to £500 towards an activity that develops your skills and experience as a researcher. Examples include but are not limited to:
- Knowledge e.g. conference participation
- Skills e.g. researcher development tools or projects, such as training courses
- Networking e.g. funding towards organising a scientific meeting or visiting a collaborator.
All costs should be essential to undertake the activity, as well as reasonable and appropriate for the activity.
Application timelines
2026: Round 1
Affiliate Members and Partner Scientists can apply if they have been an RSC member (any category) since 11 June 2025
- Eligible for activities on or after: 1 April 2026
- Applications open: 8 December 2025
- Applications close: 26 January 2026 1400 UK time (GMT)
- Funding decisions: by late-February 2026
For more information and to apply visit https://www.rsc.org/funding-and-support/funding/researcher-development-and-travel-grant
