Professional Development Support Grant
The Professional Development Support Grant aims to enhance the professional growth and skills of applied microbiologists. It supports scientists in acquiring new knowledge, learning innovative techniques. The focus is on empowering microbiologists to stay updated with current research trends, and apply new learnings in their respective areas of work.
AMI encourages applications from members in industry and clinical roles who are continuing to build their expertise whilst working.
Eligibility
- Open to current AMI Full, Fellow or Associate members with a minimum of 13 months continuous active membership.
- Members whose applications have been previously successful are eligible to reapply once every three years.
- Unsuccessful applicants are welcome to reapply in subsequent application periods.
- This grant is highly competitive, with limited availability.
Grant Details and Financial Support
- Maximum award: Up to £2,000 per applicant, intended to cover reasonable travel, accommodation, and registration/course fees.
- For training and development only. This grant is not intended for attending conferences (see the Scientific Event Travel Grant).
- Subsistence costs and personal expenses are not included.
Application Requirements
- Outlining the uniqueness of the activity and the main reason for attending including any anticipated benefits for the individual and their organisation, if relevant.
- A recommendation letter from a supervisor (or manager), detailing any additional funding sought or obtained, or the reason funding is required.
Selection Criteria
- Applications will be evaluated based on the relevance of the activity to the applicant's professional development and the potential impact on their career in applied microbiology.
Post-Event Requirements
- Grant recipients are required to submit an article suitable for publication in The Microbiologist, highlighting their experience, insights, and future career plans.
- AMI claim form, all relevant receipts and certificate/proof of attendance must be submitted within six weeks of the activity.
Application Process
- Applications are reviewed on a monthly basis. Those submitted by the final day of the month will receive a decision within four weeks (for example, applications received by 31 January will be reviewed, with outcomes available from 28 February).
The application window is currently closed for this grant. It will reopen in January 2026.