The BOU Summer Placement Scheme provides financial support for undergraduate students, studying at any UK higher education institute, to carry out small summer ornithological research projects which might otherwise be unaffordable.

As part of the scheme, the BOU offers a weekly stipend of up to £250 for up to 8 weeks, plus up to £400 for research expenses. Three funded placements, each to a maximum of £2,400, are available in 2025. Applicants are expected to work full time on the project for the duration of the placement.

The student must submit the application and must be supported by a host organisation who will provide all supervision and access to lab space, field sites, consumables and equipment as necessary for the proposed project. The BOU does not offer direct supervision, mentorship or facilities as part of this scheme.

BOU membership is not a requirement to apply and successful applicants, if not already BOU members, will be gifted a 1-year BOU membership.

The scheme is particularly seeking applications from individuals belonging to groups that are currently under-represented within ornithology.

Application deadline: 31 March 2025

View guidelines (PDF).

Download application form (with guidelines).

Image | Fieldworkers at a Manx Shearwater burrow © Saskia Wischnewski