University of Edinburgh - Weir Fund for Field Studies

What the Weir Fund gives you

You will receive a small grant towards travel and costs for extra-curricular fieldwork. Extracurricular field research refers to research trips that you undertake independently and outside your regular course of study. There is no fixed amount, and the level of funding varies. The grant is often modest and can be combined with other university funding. The funding comes from the Faculty of Science and Engineering at the University of Edinburgh, which administers the fund for its own students. The grant covers one fieldwork project, and you may apply again in a subsequent year.

Who can apply

• University: You are enrolled as a student at the Faculty of Science and Engineering at the University of Edinburgh.
• Level: Applications are open to students on undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, including those on Master’s programmes that include a teaching component. For Master’s programmes with a teaching component, the fieldwork must be relevant to your final dissertation.
• Field of study: All science and engineering subjects within the College.
• Type of trip: Fieldwork must take place outside school hours. It must not count towards your marks, coursework or your curriculum.
• Enrolment during the trip: You are still enrolled at the time of the fieldwork.
• Nationality: Applicants of any nationality are welcome to apply, provided they are studying at the University of Edinburgh.
• Group trips: If several of you are taking part in the same expedition, the fund will not normally support more than three people from that group.

How to apply

Please submit an application form and a detailed project proposal to the Faculty of Science and Engineering by 1 March. A member of staff familiar with your work must also submit a separate letter of recommendation. The awards committee will meet in mid-March and will notify successful applicants shortly afterwards.

How realistic are your chances?

The target group is small: you must be a student of natural sciences or engineering in Edinburgh and be planning an independently organised field trip that is not part of your degree programme. If you meet these criteria and submit a clear, specific project proposal accompanied by a strong recommendation from a member of staff, your chances are good. First-time applicants may be given priority over those who have previously received funding.