We are delighted to announce that our new Joint Undergraduate Research Placement Scheme with the Vivensa Foundation is open for applications. This innovative scheme aims to increase opportunities for undergraduate students, from any discipline, to undertake ageing-related research.
The need for undergraduate students to engage in research has been highlighted through an internal review of research capacity development conducted by our Research and Academic development Committee. It is also confirmed by the Vivensa Foundation’s analysis of several recently published national reports focused on the UK research and ageing landscape. This joint initiative has been designed to enable students to test and develop their interest in research at an early stage and make them more competitive for future opportunities.
Funding opportunities of up to £11,726 are available
Up to four centres, departments, or institutes will be awarded funding to enable them to provide three undergraduate research placements. The funds will cover the students’ full salaries, stipends, or bursaries at the real Living Wage, plus an additional contribution (up to £1K per student) to support the placements. The placements will have a maximum duration of six weeks and can be structured flexibly – i.e. in a single block (full-time), or spread out over a longer period (part-time).
We welcome applications that demonstrate the host centre’s strategic commitment, either long-standing or emerging, to ageing-related research. The applying centre will be asked to outline the broad topics of research for the placements, which must address at least one of the priority research themes highlighted on page 22 of the Vivensa Foundation’s 2025-2030 Strategic Framework.
In addition, the centres must outline the support, supervision and development opportunities that will be provided to the students. We are particularly keen to support proposals that can build capacity within under-served locations, centres, disciplines and/or student demographics.
The deadline for applications is 5pm 24 July 2025, and applicants will be informed of the outcome in late November 2025.
For further information and details on how to apply, please visit the Vivensa Foudation’s Apply for funding page.
