Co-funded by

Wellbeing of Women-British Society for the Study of Vulval Disease Partnership Entry Level Scholarships (ELS) provide a single candidate with up to £20,000 for research lasting normally up to one year. Funds are for directly incurred research costs and may include a salary contribution. Applicants do not have to be members of the BSSVD, but successful candidates are expected to join the Society on receipt of their award. The research must be undertaken in the UK.

The award will fund the successful candidate 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 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.

2023 Call timeline

Call launch: Week commencing 8 May 2023

Submission deadline: 3 August 2023 by 1pm

Application outcome: December 2023

Awards start: from February 2024

How to apply

Details will be released if future rounds are scheduled.

If you have any queries, please contact the Wellbeing of Women research team at research@wellbeingofwomen.org.uk or call 020 3697 6350.