Bursaries

Bursaries

At a glance

We are committed to running an accessible and inclusive conference. This includes providing a rich remote experience for those unable to attend in-person. However, we recognise that in-person attendance is a valuable experience for many, so we will also offer a limited number of bursaries for those who would otherwise be unable to attend the conference in-person.

Types of bursaries available:

  • UK bursaries for domestic travel + accommodation (up to £500)
  • International bursaries for travel + accommodation (up to £1,000)
  • Hidden costs bursaries for expenses that are not covered by standard funding opportunities (up to £500)*
  • Free conference registration.

Key dates:

  • Call opens: Monday 28 April 2025
  • Application deadline: Sunday 06 July 2025
  • Notification: Sunday 20 July 2025.

Interested in applying? Read on for more details of the scheme, including our selection criteria and tips for applicants. If you have any questions or would like any help, please contact the conference equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility team at [email protected].

If you would like to apply for a bursary, please complete the application form.

* New for 2025 the hidden costs bursary is designed to help people that would otherwise be unable to attend RSECon25 due to costs that are not covered by standard funding opportunities. For example child care requirements for a single parent. As this is the first year that this bursary is being offered, terms may be updated based on our learnings as applications are submitted.

Selection

Our bursary award is designed for those who are one or more of the following:

  • An early career RSE/researcher (see below for definition)
  • A student with an interest in RSE-related topics
  • An RSE/researcher/student currently living/working outside of the UK
  • An RSE/researcher/student that would be otherwise unable to attend due to additional hidden costs (beyond travel/accommodation/registration)

To qualify for this scheme, the applicant must fall into at least one of the above categories and be unable to attend in-person without the bursary. Note that we consider anyone who writes research software as part of their job to be an RSE, regardless of your formal job title. We define early career as within the first five years in an RSE role, including those in their first five years of returning to the role after a time away.

Bursaries will be awarded based on the following criteria:

  • Widening participation – we wish to ensure that RSECon25 has a diverse range of attendees from across different backgrounds, skill levels, career backgrounds etc. We will therefore prioritise travel bursaries for applicants that come from under-represented backgrounds and who find it difficult or challenging to access travel money (e.g. because they don’t have access to funding)
  • Encouraging interaction – we would like attendees of RSECon25 to share knowledge and expertise, e.g. via active participation in workshops, enthusiastic engagement with tutorials, by presenting excellent talks and posters and by fully networking and engaging with other attendees, the Society of Research Software Engineering and sponsors. Please indicate in your application how you anticipate being able to do this
  • Demonstrating need – we aim to ensure that RSECon25 travel bursaries go to those who need them most. To help us do this, we ask applicants to demonstrate that they have explored other potential sources of funding prior to applying. This might include checking with your institution, research group, or employer, or investigating relevant travel grants. Please indicate in your application what steps you have taken to seek alternative funding and why these have not been successful, so we can fairly assess the level of financial need.

Bursary award

The bursary is to be used for:

  • The costs of transport to the conference venue
  • Accommodation during the conference
  • Subsistence during the conference
  • Other “hidden” costs on a case by case basis.

Conference registration. This will be provided via a registration discount code, so if you are applying for free conference registration, please do not register for the conference until your bursary has been confirmed and you have received the registration discount code.

Terms and conditions are given in the Guide to Claiming Expenses for Bursary holders 2025.

We will pay bursaries on receipt of a completed copy of the Society’s expense claim form, emailed to [email protected]. In general we will require claims to be submitted after the expense is incurred, accompanied by supporting PDFs or scans of receipts.

We recognise the importance of prompt reimbursement for those receiving bursaries and will pay all valid claims within two (2) weeks of receipt. Note that you can claim as soon as you incur the expenditure – you do not need to wait until after the conference.

We also recognise that not everyone will be able to pay in advance for their conference expenses and we will pay bursaries in advance based on estimated costs if needed. If your application for a bursary is successful and you need to receive funds in advance of purchasing your travel and accommodation, please let us know by emailing [email protected] once you receive confirmation of your bursary award.

If you would like to apply for a bursary, please complete the application form.