Royal Society of Biology Plant Health Undergraduate Studentships 2026

The Royal Society of Biology Plant Health Undergraduate Studentships are paid summer research placements for undergraduate students interested in plant science and plant health. The programme is run by the Royal Society of Biology and supports short research projects focused on areas such as crop protection, plant pathology, diagnostics, pest and disease management, microbiology, entomology, and related agricultural biology topics.

Studentships typically last 8–10 weeks and usually take place between June and September. They are designed to give undergraduates practical research experience on real-world plant health challenges. Projects may be hosted by different research organisations, institutes, or employers in the United Kingdom rather than being tied to a single university.

Based on recent postings, successful applicants receive a studentship payment of £4,120 for the placement. As these awards are externally supported, projects may be subject to funding availability. Funding has been described in connection with partners such as Defra, the Association of Applied Biologists, SCI Horticulture Group, and the Colegrave Seabrook Foundation.

The programme is aimed at undergraduate students registered at a UK institution for most of their science degree. First-year students are not eligible. Applicants are usually in the middle years of their degree, although some final-year students intending to progress to a Master's or PhD may also be considered. Students are generally expected to have a relevant science background and an interest in plant health research.

Applications are usually made through the specific project advertisement or host organisation. Applicants should prepare standard academic materials such as a CV or university resume and evidence of their academic background, and should check each project listing carefully for any additional requirements.