B E M B Research And Education Trust
Charity Number: 262938
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Quick Stats
- Annual Giving: £111,881 (2023)
- Success Rate: Not publicly available
- Decision Time: Typically October meeting annually
- Grant Range: £20,000-£25,000 per year (PhD studentships)
- Geographic Focus: United Kingdom
Contact Details
- Website: www.bembtrust.org.uk
- Email: alibone@bembtrust.org.uk
- Phone: 01285 862377
- Address: B E M B Research & Education Trust, 121 Station Road, Wythall, Birmingham B47 6AG
Overview
The British Egg Marketing Board (BEMB) Research and Education Trust was established in 1971 from residual funds following the dissolution of the former British Egg Marketing Board. With a charitable remit focused on the “improvement and advancement of that branch of agriculture which is concerned with the production of hen or duck eggs in the United Kingdom,” the Trust has consistently supported high-level scientific research in egg production for over five decades. The Trust maintains a focused approach to grant-making, primarily funding PhD studentships and sponsoring an annual Nuffield Farming Scholar to advance knowledge in poultry science and egg production.
Funding Priorities
Grant Programs
- PhD Studentships: £20,000-£25,000 per year covering stipend and education fees (sponsors one new PhD student every other year)
- Nuffield Farming Scholarship: Annual sponsorship since 1974 for study related to egg production or marketing
Priority Areas
- Scientific research into egg production systems
- Poultry health and disease management (including red mite, E. coli, and Spirochaetosis)
- Hen and duck egg production advancement
- Alternative systems of egg production
- Egg packing and processing innovations
- Pullet rearing and disease resilience
What They Don't Fund
- Non-egg production related agricultural research
- Projects outside the United Kingdom
- Direct applications from individual PhD students
- General farming projects not specifically related to egg production

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Governance and Leadership
The Trust is managed by 5-6 Trustees and a Secretary/Administrator who collectively provide expertise in top-level poultry science, large-scale mainstream egg production, alternative systems of egg production, egg packing, and EC political egg policy. Dr Martin Shirley CBE serves as chairman, with Alison Bone as the dedicated Secretary/Administrator. The Trust operates under its original Trust Deed dated 01 July 1971, with subsequent modifications in 1998 and 2003.
Application Process and Timeline
How to Apply
Applications for PhD studentship grants must be made by PhD supervisors at universities or research institutions, not by prospective students. Supervisors who receive funding then proceed to appoint their own student. Applications should be made directly to the BEMB Trust and are judged on the basis of scientific merit and relevance to current challenges in the egg production industry.
Decision Timeline
The Trustees typically meet annually in October to consider applications. Invitations for new PhD projects are usually sent out in June for commencement the following October.
Success Rates
Not publicly disclosed
Reapplication Policy
Not specified in available documentation
Application Success Factors
Based on the Trust's funding patterns and stated priorities, successful applications typically:
- Demonstrate clear relevance to current problems in the UK egg production industry
- Present strong scientific methodology and research design
- Address specific health challenges such as red mite, E. coli, or Spirochaetosis
- Come from supervisors with established expertise in poultry science
- Show potential to develop future poultry scientists for the industry
- Align with the Trust's mission to advance egg production through high-level scientific research
Key Takeaways for Grant Writers
- Applications must come from PhD supervisors, not students - establish relationships with university researchers working in poultry science
- Focus proposals on practical challenges facing the UK egg production industry
- Emphasize scientific rigor and relevance to current industry problems
- Consider the Trust's limited resources - they fund only one new PhD every other year
- The Trust's aim is to act as a catalyst in developing young poultry scientists
- Successful projects often address specific disease challenges or production system improvements
- The Trust maintains strong links with the industry through the Nuffield Poultry Group
Similar Funders
These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:
- Perry Foundation
- THE HOUGHTON TRUST LIMITED
- Dartington Cattle Breeding Trust
- Nuffield Farming Scholarship Trust
- John Innes Foundation
- Chadacre Agricultural Trust
- The Farmers' Company Charitable Fund
- Nuffield International Farming Scholarships
- Barham Benevolent Foundation
- The Morley Agricultural Foundation
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References
- B E M B RESEARCH AND EDUCATION TRUST, Register of Charities - The Charity Commission, Charity Number 262938
- B.E.M.B. RESEARCH and EDUCATION TRUST REPORT and ACCOUNTS, year ended 31 July 2023
- The B.E.M.B. Research & Education Trust official website (www.bembtrust.org.uk)
- BEMB Research & Education Trust, AgriFood Charities Partnership (AFCP)
- Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust, BEMB Trust sponsor page
- “BEMB funds poultry research projects” - Poultry World
- Dates accessed: January 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What does B E M B Research And Education Trust fund?
Grant Programs PhD Studentships: £20,000-£25,000 per year covering stipend and education fees (sponsors one new PhD student every other year) Nuffield Farming Scholarship: Annual sponsorship since 1974 for study related to egg production or marketing Priority Areas Scientific research into egg production systems Poultry health and disease management (including red mite, E.
How much funding does B E M B Research And Education Trust provide?
B E M B Research And Education Trust provides grants ranging from £20,000-£25,000 per year (PhD studentships), with total annual giving of approximately £111,881 (2023).
How do I contact B E M B Research And Education Trust?
Website: www. bembtrust.
Is B E M B Research And Education Trust a registered charity?
Yes, B E M B Research And Education Trust is a registered charity with the Charity Commission (charity number 262938).
How do I apply to B E M B Research And Education Trust?
How to Apply Applications for PhD studentship grants must be made by PhD supervisors at universities or research institutions, not by prospective students. Supervisors who receive funding then proceed to appoint their own student. Applications should be made directly to the BEMB Trust and are judged on the basis of scientific merit and relevance to current challenges in the egg production industry.
Where is B E M B Research And Education Trust based?
B E M B Research And Education Trust is based in Birmingham B47 6AG.