A list of opportunities available to current undergraduate students OrganisationPurposeDuration and FundingDeadlineMedical Research ScotlandMRS Vacation Scholarships provide promising undergraduate students with hands-on experience of research relevant to human health or disease. The awards are intended to help students develop academically, make informed career choices and strengthen their career prospects.6 weeks; £420 per week29 January 2026, 12 noonThe Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour (ASAB)Grants for undergraduates to enable them to undertake supervised research projects that fall within the field of animal behaviour. To take place during academic vacations (including the vacation immediately following graduation). Up to 10 weeks; £490 per week was awarded in 20251 February 2026[N.B. project supervisor must be a society member]Carnegie TrustThe scheme is open to students from low-income households who are ordinarily resident in Scotland. They enable undergraduate students to develop their abilities and knowledge through the design and execution of an independent summer research project.4-12 weeks; basic salary in line with Living Wage13 February 2026, 5pmAnatomical SocietyBursaries are offered to enthusiastic and eligible undergraduate students to undertake research in the Anatomical Sciences (including Anatomy Education) during the summer vacation. It is hoped that this opportunity will encourage students to consider a research career in anatomical science. Up to 10 weeks; basic salary of around £240 per week (can be more for special circumstances)Expected to be March 2026 [N.B. project supervisor must be a society member]Biochemical SocietyThis scheme funds 6 week summer placements for undergraduate students in biochemistry and related subjects in the following areas:Programming skillsResearch (laboratory based and/or computational biology/bioinformatics based projects)Scientific publishingPublic engagement and science communication6 weeksEarly 2026 [N.B. project supervisor must be a society member]British Pharmacological SocietyThis studentship encourages undergraduates to take pharmacology as a specialism. Up to 10 weeks; £185 per weekTo be confirmed [N.B. project supervisor must be a society member]British Society for Cell BiologyBSCB Summer Vacation Studentships offer financial support for high calibre undergraduate students who wish to gain research experience in cell biology during their summer vacation. The aim is to encourage students to consider a post-graduate research career in cell biology after their undergraduate studies.Up to 8 weeks; £340 per weekTo be confirmed [N.B. project supervisor must be a society member]British Society for Developmental Biology (BSDB)The Gurdon/The Company of Biologists Summer Studentship scheme provides financial support to allow highly motivated undergraduate students an opportunity to engage in a summer vacation research project of their choosing.8 weeks; £340 per week31 March 2026British Society for Gene and Cell TherapyAwards give experience of research to undergraduates with research potential and to encourage them to consider a career in scientific research.6 to 8 weeks; £250 per week4 April 2026, 5pm[N.B. Supervisor and student must be society member]British Society for NeuroendocrinologyTo provide some financial support for a student who undertakes a vacation lab project. Undergraduate students or students immediately after graduation or prior to starting MSc or PhD studies are eligible.Up to 8 weeks; £140 per week + £1,000 for consumables1 March 2026[N.B. Project supervisors must make the application on behalf of the student and have been a society member for 6 months+]Experimental Psychology SocietySupports undergraduates studying psychology or a related discipline in the summer vacation immediately prior to their final year. Up to 10 weeks; £375 per week1 March 2026 [N.B. project supervisors must be a society member]Genetics SocietyGrants available to support undergraduates to gain experience in any area of genetics by doing a research project during the summer holiday prior to the final year of the degree.Up to 8 weeks; £425 per week + £750 for consumables*If you need it, a Carer’s Award is also available to cover child care or other responsibility costs while you do the research and attend the summer school.31 March 2026Wellcome BVSThe Biomedical Vacation Scholarship provides undergraduates who are interested in a career in science, with an immersive experience embedded in a research group associated with the Integrated Cell Mechanisms (iCM) PhD programme at the University of Edinburgh.8 weeks; basic salary in line with Living Wage; accommodation (or subsidy to support accommodation); up to £250 travel expenses.Expected to be March 2026Edinburgh Medical SchoolOnly available to those who unsuccessfully applied for an external scholarship first6 weeks; £468 per weekExpected May 2026[Supervisor must be in Biomedical Sciences] This article was published on 2025-12-01
