Freqently Asked Questions


Please click on one of the subsections below or scroll down the page. If you cannot find the answer to your question, please contact one of the Trust administrators. The list of administrators can be found here.

1. I want to apply for a grant, what do I need to do?

Please visit our "Apply For A Grant" page. Here you will find details on how to apply for a grant. Please note that there are several types of grant available, each with their own specific application forms. If you have any questions about the type of grant you wish to apply for, then please contact us.

2. Is there a funding limit for grants?

There is no limit to the amount of funding available for research grants. Each application is reviewed on the basis of its scientific merit. Applications requesting £30,000 or more, are reviewed by all of the Trustees. Therefore, the application process will take longer.

3. I want to apply for a grant, but my research does not involve legumes. Can I still apply?

The Trust will consider conference attendance or training course applications for all agricultural food crops including legumes. However, research project applications are limited only to the leguminous food crops.

4. How long will it take for the Trust to make a decision about my application?

In general, for conference attendance and training grants, a decision is usually made within one or two months from the receipt of your application. The Trust has limited administrative resources and occasionally, the application process may take longer. Research project grants are more complex to process and much depends on the interaction between the applicant and the Trust Administrator.

5. Does it matter what country I'm from in order to be eligible for a grant?

The Trust only supports applications from, and for the benefit of less developed countries. Therefore, institutions and / or applicants from South Asia, Africa and South America are eligible to apply. Institutions and / or applicants from wealthy countries should not apply for a grant from the Kirkhouse Trust. It is the view of the Trustees that applicants from Europe and North America already have other organisations set up to assist them. However, if you are an applicant from a less developed country, wish to train or attend a conference in Europe or North America, and can prove that you will return to your home country upon completion, then you are eligible to apply for a grant.

6. I am already receiving funding from another source, am I still eligible to receive a grant from the Kirkhouse Trust?

The Trust does not provide support to applicants already in receipt of a full grant from another source. However, for those who are only in receipt of partial funding, you may qualify for a grant from the Kirkhouse Trust. Full details of the partial support must be provided in your application.

7. I require funding for a PhD/MSc, who should I contact?

Once you have read the details on our "Apply For A Grant" page and believe that you are eligible to receive a grant from the Kirkhouse Trust, please e-mail your application to Sonia Morgan. Please do not post a paper application to us.

8. Where can I find the application forms I require?

Please visit our "Downloads" page to download the appropriate application forms.

9. The conference/training event I wish to attend is within the next three months, am I too late to apply for a grant?

Yes. You should only apply if the conference / training event you wish to attend is more than three months away.

10. I require a visa/passport to travel, can the Trust help me with applying for this?

No. You should contact the relevant embassy in order to apply for a passport and / or visa. The Trust will not disburse any funding until there is confirmation that you can legally enter your destination country.

11. What are the reporting requirements which must be submitted if I receive a grant from the Kirkhouse Trust?

This depends on the type of application you have submitted. The PI of a research project is expected to submit both financial and scientific reports on a six monthly basis. This is necessary in order for the Trust to release the subsequent grant instalment. Those in receipt of a conference or training grant are required to submit a brief report within 3 months of their return.

12. To which countries am I eligible to travel to if I want to attend a conference/training event?

Any. The Trust will review your application based upon the scientific relevance of your visit / research, rather than the country itself.

13. I am a plant breeder, but have no knowledge of molecular work or biotechnology, can I still apply for a grant?

The Trust's main research activities centre on large collaborative programmes. However, the Trust will consider applications for legume breeding projects provided that your application meets the criteria highlighted on our "Apply For A Grant" page. However, this does not mean that the trust will approve your application.

14. Does the Trust provide scientific advice for the projects it supports?

The scientific expertise within the Trust is supported by consultants with extensive experience in plant breeding and molecular biology. Therefore, it may be possible for them to provide some help and guidance to the student and / or Project Investigator (P.I.) throughout the duration of their research or study. Where appropriate, the Trust may recommend that the student and / or P.I. liaise closely with one of these consultants, who will provide advice, guidance and support.




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