The Elemental Metal Hub invites applications for Summer Research Studentship Funding to support undergraduate and taught postgraduate students undertaking short-term research projects during the 2026 summer vacation period.

The studentships aim to:

• Support knowledge exchange
• Stimulate research and innovation
• Support meaningful academic-industry collaboration

All projects must align with the objectives of the Elemental Metal Hub, with a focus on engineering biology approaches to metal recovery and processing. Projects should strengthen existing industry links or establish foundations for future collaboration.

Funding Overview

• Funding available: up to £4,000 per studentship
• Project duration: minimum 6 weeks, maximum 15 weeks
• Project end date: no later than 2 October 2026

Funding may be used to support:

• Student stipends
• Justified research consumables
• Travel and subsistence related to collaborative activity

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants

This initial funding round is open to researchers based at the following Elemental Metal Hub partner organisations:

• Durham University
• University of East Anglia
• The University of Manchester
• Natural History Museum
• Quadram Institute
• University of Surrey
• University College London
• University of York
• University of Kent

Industry partners are not required, but applications involving industry engagement aligned with the BBSRC strategic remit are encouraged.

Eligible Participants

• Undergraduate and taught postgraduate students may be employed as short-term research assistants
• PhD students may not be paid during their funded studentship period
• Industry partners must demonstrate relevance to the UK bioeconomy, where applicable

Project Requirements

Projects must:

• Be clearly scoped and achievable within 6-15 weeks
• Align with Elemental Metal Hub objectives
• Demonstrate mutual benefit for academic and (where applicable) industry partners
• Focus on collaborative innovation, feasibility assessment, or knowledge exchange

Scope of Funded Activities

Funded projects may include:

• Industrially relevant research activities
• Feasibility studies for new innovations
• Preliminary data generation
• Proof-of-concept development

Commercial product development is not eligible.

Eligible and Ineligible Costs

Eligible Costs

• Student research assistants (excluding funded PhD students)
• Consumables (up to £500, fully justified)
• Travel and subsistence
• Other directly related costs (with justification)

Ineligible Costs

• Overheads
• Equipment purchases
• Commercial product development
• Activities not aligned with Elemental Metal Hub objectives

Application Process

Step 1: Proposal Submission

Applicants must submit a completed application form outlining:

• Project aims and objectives
• Academic and industry partners
• Project timeline
• Workplan and expected outcomes
• Detailed budget and justification

Deadline: 5pm, 23 April 2026

Step 2: Review and Decision

Applications will be assessed by an internal panel based on:

• Technical feasibility and clarity
• Strategic alignment
• Value for money
• Mutual academic-industry benefit

This is a competitive scheme, and not all applications can be funded. The panel’s decision is final.

Applicants will be notified by: 13 May 2026

Step 3: Award and Fund Transfer

Successful applicants will receive:

• A formal offer letter and Terms & Conditions

The University of Kent will:

• Issue a Purchase Order.
• Transfer funds once the following have been submitted:
  • A final expenditure claim and invoice
  • A brief end of project report.

Funds will not be released until all required documentation is received.

Limitations

• No retrospective funding
• No duplication of existing funded activity
• Projects must be short-term and clearly defined

For questions about this funding call, please contact: elementalmetalhub@kent.ac.uk.