Are you an undergraduate student with an interest in birds and research? The British Ornithologists’ Union (BOU) Summer Placement Scheme offers funding to help students carry out short ornithological research projects during the summer.
01 October 2025
You can receive up to £2,400 in total funding, which includes a weekly stipend of up to £250 for up to 8 weeks and up to £400 for research expenses. The placements are full time and designed to make hands-on research more accessible to students who might not otherwise be able to afford it.
To apply, you need to be studying at a UK university or college and have support from a host organisation that can provide supervision and access to things like field sites, lab space or equipment.
(The BOU does not provide supervision or facilities as part of the scheme.)
The scheme welcomes applications from people who are currently under-represented in ornithology.
You don’t need to be a BOU member to apply, and if you’re successful, you’ll get a free one-year membership.
🕒 Application deadline: 30 January 2026
DOWNLOAD APPLICATION (WITH GUIDELINES)
Read more here - https://bou.org.uk/funding/summer-placement-scheme/
📷 Image: Fieldworkers at a Manx Shearwater burrow © Saskia Wischnewski
We’d love to hear from students who want to base their BOU summer research project at Spurn Bird Observatory.
Spurn is a brilliant place to study birds, with amazing coastal habitats, plenty of fieldwork opportunities and a friendly team who are always keen to support student projects. You can also stay in the Observatory hostel during your placement.
If you’d like to chat about your ideas or find out more about hosting your project here, just get in touch.
📩 Contact us: info@spurnbirdobservatory.co.uk
Fieldworkers at a Manx Shearwater burrow © Saskia Wischnewski
