The Society awards a limited number of bursaries each year (worth up to £2,000) to support early career geologists, particularly those working in industry, with professional development activities (e.g. by contributing to travel costs or continuing professional development). The 2026-27 application cycle opens on 1 September 2026 with applications for this year's research grants and bursaries to be submitted before 8 February 2027.
The Society’s Professional Development Bursaries are supported by The Distinguished Geologists Memorial Trust, which was established by the Institution of Geologists with monies donated in memory of Sir Peter Kent, Dan Ion and Robert H Cummings. It acknowledges the significant contributions made by them to the science and profession of Geology in the UK and throughout the world.
How to apply
Applications for Society professional development bursaries must be submitted using the application form. Applicants must be Fellows of the Geological Society. Preference is given to Fellows who are working towards, or who have recently attained, Chartership (CGeol/CSci).
Applications must be accompanied by two supporting statements, one completed by a Chartered Fellow of the Society, and one from your employer / line manager.
Before applying, read the Application Guidance document for full details, paying particular attention to the allowable and non-allowable costs, as well as the information required for your application, which should demonstrate how the bursary will support your professional development.
All queries and submissions should be sent to grants@geolsoc.org.uk. Please note that due to the large volume of queries we may not be able to respond immediately, especially close to the application deadline. Applicants are encouraged to consider this when preparing their application forms.