Co-funded by

Wellbeing of Women-British Society for the Study of Vulval Disease Partnership Entry Level Scholarships (ELS) provide single candidates with up to £20,000 for up to 12 months, however we will consider requests for a longer duration with justification. Funds are for directly incurred research costs and may include a salary contribution. The research must be undertaken in the UK.

These awards will fund pre-doctoral researchers in a basic science, clinical or translational research project into the cause and management of vulval diseases, to improve evidence-based practice and ultimately lead to better outcomes for women with vulval conditions

Awards are intended to provide ‘pump-priming’ funds to enable professionals involved in vulval disease to be exposed to a research environment and to obtain pilot data that will enhance an application for a research fellowship (PhD or MD).

Applicants do not have to be members of the BSSVD, but successful candidates are expected to join the Society on receipt of their award. Applicants would normally be new to the research discipline and will not previously have been heavily involved in substantial or funded research projects.

An ELS is not intended as a ‘top-up’ for existing grants. Its primary purpose is to support a single individual at an early stage of their research career.

Lichen sclerosus is a particular research priority area identified by the BSSVD, as informed by the James Lind Alliance Lichen Sclerosus Priority Setting Partnership (LSPSP). However, as vulval disease is a subspecialty area which is typically under-researched and under-funded, research proposals that address other aspects/conditions of vulval disease will be considered.

2026 Call timeline

Call launch: Wednesday 22 April 2026

Submission deadline: Wednesday 22 July 2026 at 1pm

Application outcome: December 2026

Awards start: January/February 2027

How to apply

The 2026 application form and guidance will be made available for download at call launch.

If you have any queries, please contact the Wellbeing of Women research team at research@wellbeingofwomen.org.uk or call 020 3697 6346.