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 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 successful candidates 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.

2024 Call timeline

Call launch: Week commencing 15 April 2024

Submission deadline: 11 July 2024 at 1pm

Application outcome: October 2024

Awards start: from December 2024

How to apply

Download the WoW-BSSVD ELS application forms and guidance below. Before applying, please read the grant guidance.

WoW-BSSVD_Entry Level Scholarship_Application Form 2024

WoW Research Questions for Non-standard Animals

WoW-BSSVD_Entry Level Scholarship_Guidance for Applicants 2024

If you have any queries, please contact the Wellbeing of Women research team at [email protected] or call 020 3697 6346.