FEMS expands Ukraine early-stage researcher grant scheme

Hub member organisation FEMS is continuing its support for microbiologists and researchers that have had their work thrown into turmoil by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. As part of this support, FEMS created the ‘Ukraine Support Grant’ in early 2022, which gives applicants a financial grant to support their move to European host institution for six months.

It is hoped that this grant will mean that more researchers that previously worked in Ukraine can continue their research and training in a safe and stable environment. Now, FEMS has upped the grant amount, up to 7,500 euros per researcher.

Applicants don’t have to be of a specific age, either, but simply in the first 5 years of their career after graduating their highest level of degree. Applicants can also be in the process of finishing their PhD. Periods of maternity/paternity leave, special leave or illness do not count toward this definition.

The only other requirements are that the host institution can provide a place for researchers to continue their academic work, and that the applicant is a member of one of the 57 Member Societies (from 41 countries) in Europe. The Ukrainian member society is the Society of Microbiologists of Ukraine.

Potential host institutions can be found on the FEMS website and on the Science for Ukraine website. The Federation also provides a number of other support grants: designed to help researchers attend conferences, perform research and training, and organize scientific events.

For more information about the FEMS Ukraine support grant, just check out their website. If you’d like to collaborate or contribute to FEMS’ work supporting early-stage researchers affected by the war in Ukraine, you can reach out to Hub member and FEMS communications manager Joseph Shuttleworth.