The British Neuropathological Society

Charity Number: 286363

Annual Expenditure: £0.0M

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Income: £189,051 (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: Up to 12 weeks
  • Grant Range: £250 - £20,000
  • Geographic Focus: UK-based but international applicants considered
  • Total Grants (10 years): Over £300,000 to 100+ individuals

Contact Details

Website: http://www.bns.org.uk/

Phone: 020 7437 8157

Email: Contact through website

For Grant Applications: Submit to Chair of the Academic Affairs Committee (Associate Professor Zane Jaunmuktane)

Overview

The British Neuropathological Society (BNS) was founded in 1950 by Godwin Greenfield as the 'Neuropathological Club' with 28 founder members, changing its name to the British Neuropathological Society in 1962. Registered as charity number 286363, the BNS exists to further the study of neuropathology and promote the exchange of scientific information. With an annual income of £189,051 (2024) and no paid trustees, the Society operates as a member-driven organization supporting early-career researchers through grants, travel bursaries, and educational opportunities. Over the past decade, the BNS has awarded over £300,000 in grants to more than 100 individuals. Current President Professor Tammaryn Lashley (2024-2026) has stated her goal is “to inspire greater engagement within our community, especially among early career researchers.”

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Small Grants Scheme

£3,500 - £20,000 (typical awards £3,500-£5,000)

Supports research projects in neuropathology, including substantive and pilot projects, plus education/training initiatives. Applications reviewed twice yearly (March 1 and September 1 deadlines). Must be BNS member for at least 1 year, with preference for early-career researchers. Requires sponsorship from another BNS member.

Travel Bursaries

Up to £750

Supports participation in scientific meetings and laboratory visits for research or training purposes. Applicants must be BNS members for at least 1 year and not hold permanent NHS/University appointments. Must be presenting a paper or poster. Applications due March 1 and September 1. Limited to one award per year, maximum three awards total per applicant.

BNS Meeting Bursaries

Up to £250

Encourages early-career researchers to attend BNS annual meetings. Must be BNS member for at least 1 year. Preference given to those presenting research. Applications due 2 weeks before annual meeting.

Undergraduate/Postgraduate Elective Bursary

Up to £1,000 (2 grants available annually)

Supports periods of elective study in neuropathology or neuroscience directly related to neuropathology, in UK or internationally. For undergraduates, supervisor must be BNS member; for postgraduates, applicant must be member. Applications due 8 weeks before project start.

Priority Areas

Based on recent grant awards, the BNS prioritizes research in:

  • Neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Motor Neurone Disease)
  • Brain tumors
  • Neuroinflammation
  • Cellular mechanisms in brain disorders
  • Molecular neuropathology
  • Tau protein aggregation and pre-tangle mechanisms
  • Leptomeningeal and olfactory nerve pathways

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the BNS focus is clearly on neuropathology research and training. Grants are restricted to members (or projects supervised by members for undergraduate electives), and travel bursaries exclude those in permanent NHS/University positions.

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Governance and Leadership

President: Professor Tammaryn Lashley, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology (2024-2026)

Vice-President: Professor Silvia Marino (2024-2026)

Honorary Secretary: Professor Roxana Carare (2022-2025)

Honorary Treasurer: Dr Daniel du Plessis (2012-2025)

Editor, Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology: Professor Thomas Jacques (2018-2025)

Chair, Academic Affairs Committee: Associate Professor Zane Jaunmuktane

Euro-CNS Representative: Dr Aditya Shivane (2022-2025)

Webmaster: Dr Nitika Rathi (2020-2025)

The charity has 3 trustees who receive no remuneration, payments, or benefits.

Professor Tammaryn Lashley has stated: “I am honoured to assume the presidency of the British Neuropathological Society... my goal is to inspire greater engagement within our community, especially among early career researchers.”

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

For Small Grants Scheme and Travel Bursaries:

  • Submit applications to the Chair of the Academic Affairs Committee
  • Applications are competitive and considered by the BNS Academic Committee
  • Two review cycles per year with deadlines: March 1 and September 1
  • Must include research project proposal
  • Provide applicant and supervisor CVs
  • Requires sponsorship from another BNS member (for Small Grants)

For BNS Meeting Bursaries:

  • Applications due 2 weeks before the annual meeting
  • Preference given to those presenting at the meeting

For Elective Bursaries:

  • Submit application at least 8 weeks before project start date
  • Post-elective report required

Decision Timeline

Applicants typically receive notification within 12 weeks of the application deadline. The Academic Committee reviews applications twice yearly (spring and autumn cycles).

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly disclosed. The Society awards over £30,000 annually across all programs, with over £300,000 distributed to 100+ individuals over the past decade.

Reapplication Policy

No specific restrictions on reapplication are mentioned. However, for Travel Bursaries, applicants are limited to one award per year and a maximum of three awards total per applicant.

Application Success Factors

Membership is Essential: All programs (except undergraduate electives with BNS member supervisors) require BNS membership for at least one year before applying. Early-stage researchers should join promptly to meet this requirement.

Early-Career Focus: The Society explicitly prioritizes early-career researchers. Professor Tammaryn Lashley's stated goal of inspiring “greater engagement within our community, especially among early career researchers” signals clear preference for supporting emerging talent.

Commitment to Dissemination: The BNS expects grant recipients to:

  • Present research at BNS meetings within 2-3 years of the award
  • Acknowledge BNS support in all publications
  • Submit a 1-2 page progress report within one year
  • Ideally publish results in peer-reviewed journals

Research Areas Aligned with Neuropathology: Recent funded projects demonstrate the Society's interest in core neuropathology research including neurodegenerative diseases, molecular mechanisms, and cellular pathology. Examples include Simona Jogaudaite's work on “Dissecting the role of early pre-tangle-tau aggregates” and Roxana Carare's study of “Leptomeninges extend along olfactory nerves.”

Institutional Diversity: Grants have been awarded to researchers across multiple UK institutions including UCL, University of Southampton, Imperial College London, University of Sheffield, Newcastle University, and Oxford University, showing no institutional bias.

Member Sponsorship: For Small Grants, securing sponsorship from another BNS member is required, suggesting networking within the Society enhances application strength.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Join Early: Membership for at least one year is mandatory before applying—plan ahead
  • Target Early Career: The Society explicitly prioritizes early-career researchers; emphasize your stage of career development
  • Plan for Dissemination: Demonstrate clear plans to present results at BNS meetings and publish in peer-reviewed journals
  • Network Within BNS: Attend annual meetings and engage with members to secure required sponsorship and understand funding priorities
  • Be Realistic with Budgets: While Small Grants can reach £20,000, typical awards are £3,500-£5,000
  • Use Both Deadlines Strategically: With two review cycles per year (March and September), you have flexibility in timing submissions
  • Show Clear Neuropathology Connection: Ensure research directly relates to neuropathology—neuroscience projects must have clear neuropathological relevance

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