Royal Society of Biology Plant Health Undergraduate Studentships

The Royal Society of Biology is advertising Plant Health Undergraduate Studentships 2026, a set of paid summer research placements for undergraduates interested in plant science, crop protection, plant pathology, diagnostics, pest and disease management, and related agricultural biology topics.

These placements run for 8–10 weeks and are generally scheduled between June and September. Successful students receive £4,120 for the studentship. The programme supports research experience in real-world plant health challenges identified by Defra and is funded through partners including Defra, the Association of Applied Biologists, SCI Horticulture Group, and the Colegrave Seabrook Foundation.

Eligibility is for undergraduate students registered at a UK institution for the majority of their science degree. First-year students are not eligible. Students are usually in the middle years of their degree, though final-year undergraduates planning to continue to a Masters or PhD may also be considered. Mature students are encouraged to apply.

Projects are available across the UK at institutions such as Swansea University, Canterbury Christ Church University, Harper Adams University, the Sainsbury Laboratory, Niab, John Innes Centre, University of Manchester, University of Exeter, University of Warwick, Rothamsted Research, University of Glasgow, James Hutton Institute, Forest Research, BugBiome, and the University of the West of England.

One highlighted project is Insect pheromone lures at Swansea University, supported by Dr Wendy Harris and Dr Matthew Watkins (Forest Research).

Applications open on 31 March 2026 and close at 23:59 on 28 April 2026. Applicants must create a free myRSB account and apply via the project title links on the Royal Society of Biology studentships page. A personal statement, academic results to date, previous qualifications, and relevant experience are required.