The Elemental Metal Hub is offering Summer Research Studentship Funding to support undergraduate and taught postgraduate students undertaking short-term research projects aligned with the Hub’s strategic priorities in engineering biology, metal recovery, and processing.
This funding opportunity has closed and we are no longer accepting applications.
These studentships support knowledge exchange, innovation, and academic-industry collaboration. Projects should strengthen existing partnerships or establish new industry links.
Funding & Duration
- Up to £4,000 per studentship
- 6-15 weeks (projects must end by 2 October 2026)
- Funding may cover:
- Student stipend
- Justified consumables (up to £500)
- Travel and subsistence related to collaboration
Eligibility
Open to researchers at Elemental Metal Hub partner organisations:
Durham University, University of East Anglia, University of Manchester, Natural History Museum, Quadram Institute, University of Surrey, UCL, University of York, and University of Kent.
Industry partners are encouraged but not required and must be relevant to the UK bioeconomy where involved.
Who Can Be Funded
- Undergraduate and taught postgraduate students
- PhD students may not be paid during their funded studentship period
Project Scope
Projects must:
- Align with Elemental Metal Hub objectives
- Be achievable within 6-15 weeks
- Demonstrate clear academic and (where applicable) industry benefit
Funded activities may include feasibility studies, preliminary data generation, and proof-of-concept development. Commercial product development is not eligible.
How to Apply
Submit a short application outlining:
- Project aims and plan
- Partners involved
- Timeline and budget
Application deadline: 5pm, 23 April 2026
Decisions announced: 13 May 2026
Find out more about this funding here: Summer Research Studentship Funding 2026.
Enquiries: elementalmetalhub@kent.ac.uk