The Genetics Society

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: Information not publicly available
• Success Rate: 25% (Summer Studentships 2024)
• Decision Time: 4 weeks typical
• Grant Range: £200 - £2,000 (plus larger summer studentships at £425/week)
• Geographic Focus: UK-based researchers and students

Contact Details

Website: www.genetics.org.uk

Email: theteam@genetics.org.uk

Phone: 020 3925 3672

For application queries, contact theteam@genetics.org.uk

Overview

The Genetics Society, founded in 1919 by William Bateson and Edith Rebecca Saunders, is one of the oldest learned societies devoted to genetics, with over 2,000 members consisting of most of the UK's active professional geneticists. Registered as charity number 261062, the Society promotes the advancement of the science of genetics for public benefit. Its strategic approach focuses on supporting early-career researchers through running and sponsoring scientific meetings, publishing scientific journals (including Heredity and Genes & Development), and awarding small grants for travel and research. The Society is governed by an elected committee led by Professor Gil McVean (President from January 2025), who emphasizes the Society's key role in helping the genetics community “come together to disseminate scientific advances, train the next generation and engage with the public, policy-makers and wider stakeholders.”

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Summer Studentships

• £425 per week for up to 8 weeks, plus up to £750 for laboratory expenses
• Includes 2-3 day Summer School Workshop
• For undergraduate students (not first or final year)
• Deadline: 14th April annually
• Applications through mySociety online portal

Research Access Placements (RAPs)

• £425/week for up to 8 weeks, plus £160 flexible allowance and up to £750 for research costs
• For underrepresented undergraduate students (minoritized groups, full student loan recipients, students with disabilities, refugees, those with caring responsibilities)
• Includes one-year Genetics Society membership and workshop attendance

Heredity Fieldwork Grant

• Up to £2,000 (typically below £1,700)
• Covers travel, accommodation, and field-based genetic research costs
• Quarterly deadlines: 1st February, May, August, November
• UK-based fieldwork only
• Decision within one month of deadline

Training Grant

• Up to £1,200
• Supports genetics-related training courses or collaborative lab visits
• Quarterly deadlines: 15th February, May, August, November
• One grant per two-year period per applicant

Junior Scientist Conference Grants

• Scheme A: Up to £200 for Genetics Society/SIG meetings
• Scheme B: Up to £500 for non-Genetics Society meetings (up to £750 with Adelphi co-sponsorship)
• Scheme C: Up to £300 for virtual conference registration
• Deadlines: 1st of February, April, June, August, October, December
• For PhD students and postdocs within 6 years of PhD viva
• Must present poster or give talk

Public Engagement Grant

• Up to £1,000
• Covers travel and materials for genetics public engagement activities
• Deadlines: 1st March and 1st September
• Virtual activities accepted

One-off Meeting Sponsorship

• Specific lecture: “A few hundred pounds”
• Genetics Society session: Up to £1,000
• Major meeting sponsorship: £1,000-£2,000 (exceptionally higher with strong justification)
• Applications reviewed monthly
• Decision within 4-6 weeks

Special Interest Group (SIG) Funding

• Up to £2,000 per year
• For regular meeting series on specific genetics themes
• Examples include Seed Plant, e-ACGT, C. elegans Group, London Genetics Network

Carer's Award

• Up to £60 per day
• Can be added to other grants
• Priority to early-career scientists

Priority Areas

• Supporting early-career researchers (undergraduate to junior postdoc level)
• Field-based genetic research suitable for publication in Heredity
• Training and skills development in genetics
• Conference attendance and networking
• Public engagement with genetics
• Genetics-themed meetings and workshops
• Research opportunities for underrepresented students

What They Don't Fund

• Projects already fully funded by degree programs or other grants
• Lab procedures and salary costs
• Conferences without presentation component (for conference grants)
• Training courses outside the UK (with limited exceptions)
• Fieldwork outside the UK
• Extension of honours projects or early PhD work
• Part-funding of larger projects

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Governance and Leadership

Leadership Team

President: Professor Gil McVean (term to 2028)

Professor McVean, Principal Scientist at the Ellison Institute of Technology Oxford, began his four-year term in January 2025. He stated: “The fields of genetics and genomics are making an ever greater impact on society, with applications ranging from disease prevention, to the development of new medicines, the response to emerging pandemics and the preservation of biodiversity in the face of a changing climate. These advances are only possible because of the incredible depths of foundational research within the UK and the international collaborations we are engaged with.”

Honorary Secretary: Professor Ian Henderson (term to 2026)

Honorary Treasurer: Dr Alexander Lorenz (term to 2025)

Honorary Treasurer (Shadow): Professor Thorsten Allers (term to 2029)

Vice Presidents:

• VP (Policy): Professor Alison Woollard (term to 2026)
• VP (Public Engagement): Professor Jonathan Pettitt (term to 2025)
• VP (Corporate Affairs): Professor Jason Wolf (term to 2026)

Other Key Roles:

• Scientific Meetings Secretary: Dr Maxim Kapralov (term to 2027)
• Website Editor: Dr Natalia Bulgakova (term to 2025)
• Magazine Editor: Dr Güneş Taylor (term to 2026)
• Heredity Editor-in-chief: Professor Sara Goodacre (term to 2025)

Note: No trustees receive any remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity. All committee members are working scientists who understand the needs and challenges of researchers firsthand.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

All applications must be submitted through the mySociety membership portal at my.genetics.org.uk. Applicants must be Genetics Society members to apply (students can apply immediately upon joining; others must be members for at least one year).

Key Application Requirements:

• Most grants require supervisor support letters (for students)
• Recent CV required for many programs
• Apply at least 3 months before activity start date
• Only one application per research group per year for most programs
• Both applicant and supervisor must be Society members

Membership Rates:

• Undergraduate: £5
• Postgraduate: £15 (£10 with Direct Debit)
• Full Member: £25 (£20 with Direct Debit)
• Life membership: Free (at retirement age)

Decision Timeline

Standard Processing: Applications are evaluated by a panel of Society committee members. Decisions typically within 4 weeks of application deadline.

Specific Timelines:

• Heredity Fieldwork Grant: 1 month from quarterly deadline
• One-off Meeting Sponsorship: 4-6 weeks (monthly review)
• Summer Studentships: 4 weeks from April deadline

Notification: Applicants are informed via email through the mySociety portal.

Success Rates

Summer Studentships: Approximately 25% success rate (2024 data)

This is the only program where the Society publicly shares success rate data, indicating the competitive nature of their funding. The Society does not publish application numbers or success rates for other grant programs.

Reapplication Policy

Feedback: The Society explicitly states that “feedback on unsuccessful applications will not be provided.”

Reapplication Restrictions:

• Training Grant: One grant per two-year period
• Junior Scientist Conference Grants (Schemes B and C): Maximum one grant per two years
• Summer Studentships and Heredity Fieldwork: One application per lab group per year
• No stated prohibition on reapplying after unsuccessful attempts, but annual/biennial limits apply to successful applicants

For specific questions about reapplication, contact theteam@genetics.org.uk.

Application Success Factors

Key Success Factors

Project Design and Feasibility:

The Society emphasizes that projects must be “realistic and achievable within the specified timeframe.” For Summer Studentships, this means completion within eight weeks by the end of August. Applications should demonstrate clear planning and realistic milestones.

Alignment with Genetics Research:

Projects should advance genetic research and, particularly for Heredity Fieldwork Grants, produce results suitable for publication in peer-reviewed journals. The Society seeks to support work that contributes to the broader genetics community's knowledge base.

Early-Career Focus:

Priority consistently goes to early-career researchers. Professor McVean's emphasis on “training the next generation” reflects the Society's strategic commitment to supporting emerging scientists. Applications demonstrating career development impact are valued.

Membership and Community Engagement:

Both applicant and supervisor must be active Genetics Society members. This requirement underscores the Society's focus on supporting its community. Successful applicants are expected to contribute back through grant reports and engagement activities.

Timing and Planning:

Applications should be submitted “at the earliest opportunity, and at least 3 months in advance of the start date.” Last-minute applications are discouraged. This demonstrates planning and commitment to the project.

Diversity and Inclusion:

The Society explicitly welcomes applications “from all sections of the community regardless of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, disability, caring responsibilities, age, religion, or belief.” The Research Access Placements program specifically targets underrepresented groups.

Public Engagement Value:

For public engagement grants, the Society values activities that effectively communicate genetics to public audiences. Successful applicants must acknowledge Society support and feature their logo in promotional materials.

Application Tips

Be Specific and Realistic: Clearly outline what you will accomplish within the timeframe and budget requested. Overambitious projects that cannot be completed are less likely to succeed.

Demonstrate Member Benefits: Show how your project or activity will benefit the broader Genetics Society community, whether through publication, knowledge sharing, or community building.

Apply Early: Submit applications well in advance (3+ months) to avoid timing issues and demonstrate thorough planning.

One Application Per Group: The Society enforces strict limits on applications per research group per year for most programs. Coordinate within your lab to prioritize applications.

Follow Guidelines Precisely: The Society provides detailed guidelines for each grant type. Applications that don't meet stated criteria will not be considered.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Requesting funding for costs already covered by degree funding or other sources
• Applying too close to activity start date
• Submitting projects that extend beyond the specified timeframe
• Multiple applications from the same research group in one year
• Not being a Society member or having supervisor who isn't a member
• For conference grants: not presenting a poster or talk
• For UK-based fieldwork: proposing work outside the UK

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

1. Early-career focus is paramount: The Society explicitly prioritizes undergraduate students, PhD candidates, and postdocs within 6 years of their viva. Senior researchers seeking funding should look elsewhere; junior scientists should emphasize their career stage and development needs.

1. Membership is mandatory and beneficial: Both you and your supervisor must be active Genetics Society members. At £5-£25 annually (or less with Direct Debit), this is an affordable requirement that also connects you to the UK genetics community and future funding opportunities.

1. Plan ahead and apply early: The “at least 3 months in advance” requirement is consistently emphasized across programs. Last-minute applications are discouraged and may not receive full consideration, especially for time-sensitive activities.

1. Success rates are competitive: With a 25% success rate for Summer Studentships, expect competition. Make your application stand out through clear, achievable objectives and demonstrated alignment with the Society's mission of advancing genetics research.

1. No feedback means self-assessment is critical: Since the Society does not provide feedback on unsuccessful applications, carefully review all eligibility criteria and guidelines before submitting. Consider having colleagues or supervisors review your application for alignment with stated priorities.

1. Demonstrate realistic planning: Projects must be “realistic and achievable within the specified timeframe.” Be specific about milestones, methodologies, and expected outcomes. Overambitious proposals that cannot be completed are red flags.

1. One chance per group per year: Most programs limit applications to one per research group annually. Coordinate with lab colleagues to prioritize the strongest application and avoid wasted effort on competing submissions.

Similar Funders

These funders frequently fund the same charities:

• ANATOMICAL SOCIETY
• The Gatsby Charitable Foundation
• The Wolfson Foundation
• John Innes Foundation
• Garfield Weston Foundation
• Medical Research Council
• FRONTIERS
• IN THE GAME
• University of East Anglia

References

1. The Genetics Society official website - Grants page. https://genetics.org.uk/grants/

1. The Genetics Society - Committee Members page. https://genetics.org.uk/about-us/committee-members/

1. The Genetics Society - Summer Studentship information. https://genetics.org.uk/grants/summer-studentships/

1. The Genetics Society - Heredity Fieldwork Grant. https://genetics.org.uk/grants/heredity-fieldwork-grant/

1. The Genetics Society - Training Grant information. https://genetics.org.uk/grants/training-grant/

1. The Genetics Society - Junior Scientist Conference Grants. https://genetics.org.uk/grants/junior-scientist-conference-grants/

1. The Genetics Society - Public Engagement Grant. https://genetics.org.uk/grants/public-engement-grant/

1. The Genetics Society - One-off Meeting Sponsorship. https://genetics.org.uk/grants/one-off-meeting-grant/

1. The Genetics Society - Research Access Placements. https://genetics.org.uk/grants/research-access-placements/

1. The Genetics Society - Eligibility information. https://genetics.org.uk/grants/eligibility/

1. The Genetics Society - Membership rates. https://genetics.org.uk/membership/

1. The Genetics Society - Carer's Award. https://genetics.org.uk/grants/carers-award/

1. UK Charity Commission - THE GENETICS SOCIETY (Charity Number 261062). https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/about-the-register-of-charities/-/charity-details/261062

1. The Genetics Society - “Prof Gil McVean, New President” (22 November 2024). https://genetics.org.uk/22-november-2024-prof-gil-mcvean-new-president/

1. The Genetics Society - Wikipedia entry. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Genetics_Society