Call for Proposals: EDI and Outreach Grants

The EDI and Outreach Grants programme provides funding of up to £1,000 for individuals, groups, charities, and not-for-profit organisations working to improve accessibility, equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in molecular bioscience. The grant supports projects that remove barriers, engage underrepresented communities, promote STEM participation, and create a more inclusive research, education, and public engagement environment.

About the EDI and Outreach Grants Programme

The EDI and Outreach Grants are a funding initiative designed to strengthen inclusion and accessibility within the molecular bioscience community.

The programme supports innovative activities that promote Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) principles and encourage participation from individuals and communities that have historically faced barriers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Through small-scale financial support, the programme helps individuals and organisations create meaningful changes in education, research environments, and public engagement activities related to molecular bioscience.

Programme Objectives

The grant aims to:

Increase accessibility and inclusion within molecular bioscience.
Support underrepresented communities in STEM.
Promote equity, diversity, and inclusion practices.
Remove barriers to participation in scientific activities.
Improve public understanding of molecular bioscience.
Increase representation of diverse identities in science.
Support inclusive education and research environments.

Focus Areas and Priority Themes

Applications should address one or more priority areas.

Supporting Carers in STEM

Projects may support:

Researchers and students with caring responsibilities.
Flexible participation opportunities.
Inclusive scientific environments for caregivers.

Supporting LGBTQ+ Inclusion

Activities may focus on:

Addressing discrimination and barriers faced by LGBTQ+ communities.
Creating safer and more inclusive scientific spaces.
Improving awareness of LGBTQ+ inclusion in STEM.

Improving Representation in Science

Projects may support:

Diverse representation on panels and public platforms.
Inclusion of underrepresented voices in scientific discussions.
More equitable participation in scientific events.

Supporting Women and Minoritised Groups

Eligible activities may include:

Career development opportunities.
Leadership support.
Access to senior scientific roles.
Mentoring and networking initiatives.

Engaging Young People in STEM

Projects may focus on:

Inspiring young people from underrepresented backgrounds.
Increasing access to molecular bioscience education.
Encouraging future STEM participation.

Improving Accessibility for People with Disabilities

Activities may address:

Physical accessibility barriers.
Inclusive learning resources.
Support systems for disabled researchers, students, and participants.

Funding Available

The programme provides:

Maximum grant amount: £1,000 per project

Funding can support activities that directly contribute to EDI and outreach goals within molecular bioscience.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants include:

Individuals.
Groups.
Charities.
Not-for-profit organisations.

Applicants can be based in any country.

Membership of the Biochemical Society is not required.

Eligibility Requirements

Projects must meet the following conditions:

The main purpose must be promoting EDI principles and/or outreach in molecular biosciences.
The project must begin at least one month after the application deadline.
The project duration must not exceed eight months.
Applicants must meet the funding limits under the Biochemical Society grants portfolio.

Funding Restrictions

Applicants should note:

Funding cannot be received from the same grant scheme in consecutive years.
Applicants cannot receive more than £2,000 total funding over a three-year period across the Biochemical Society grants portfolio.

Examples of Supported Activities

Projects may include:

Inclusive science workshops.
Outreach programmes for underrepresented communities.
Accessibility improvements for scientific events.
STEM engagement activities for young people.
Diversity training initiatives.
Mentorship programmes.
Public engagement activities explaining molecular bioscience.
Resources that improve participation in scientific education.

Why This Grant Matters

Scientific communities benefit from diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds.

However, many individuals continue to face barriers related to:

Disability.
Gender inequality.
Socioeconomic background.
Race and ethnicity.
Sexual orientation.
Caring responsibilities.
Lack of access to STEM opportunities.

By supporting inclusive projects, the programme helps create a molecular bioscience community where more people can participate, contribute, and succeed.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

Step 1: Develop a Project Idea

Create a project that clearly addresses:

Accessibility.
Inclusion.
Diversity.
Outreach.
Participation barriers in molecular bioscience.

Step 2: Confirm Eligibility

Check that:

You are an eligible applicant type.
Your project aligns with EDI priorities.
The project timeline meets the programme requirements.

Step 3: Prepare the Application

Applicants should explain:

Project objectives.
Target communities.
Planned activities.
Expected impact.
Budget requirements.
How the project supports EDI principles.

Step 4: Submit the Proposal

Complete and submit the application according to the grant guidelines before the deadline.

Application Tips

Applicants can strengthen proposals by:

Clearly explaining the inclusion challenge being addressed.
Identifying the specific community that will benefit.
Providing measurable outcomes.
Demonstrating how the project creates lasting impact.
Showing how funding will directly support accessibility and participation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid:

Submitting projects unrelated to molecular bioscience.
Failing to explain the EDI impact.
Requesting funding without a clear activity plan.
Ignoring project timeline requirements.
Applying repeatedly without considering funding limits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for the EDI and Outreach Grants?

Individuals, groups, charities, and not-for-profit organisations from any country can apply.

Do applicants need to be members of the Biochemical Society?

No. Membership is not required.

How much funding can applicants receive?

Applicants can receive up to £1,000 per project.

What types of projects are supported?

Projects must promote EDI principles and/or outreach within molecular bioscience, such as inclusive STEM activities, accessibility improvements, mentoring, and community engagement.

How long can funded projects last?

Projects must be completed within a maximum period of eight months.

Can applicants receive this grant every year?

No. Applicants cannot receive funding from the same scheme in consecutive years.

What communities does the programme aim to support?

The programme prioritizes underrepresented groups, including women, LGBTQ+ communities, people with disabilities, carers in STEM, and young people from minoritised backgrounds.

Conclusion

The EDI and Outreach Grants programme provides valuable support for individuals and organisations working to build a more inclusive molecular bioscience community. With grants of up to £1,000, the initiative helps fund projects that improve accessibility, expand STEM participation, amplify diverse voices, and remove barriers for underrepresented groups in science.