Research Scholarships
Who can apply, how to apply and our selection process
Applications for 2024 are now closed. Applications for 2025 will open in January.
The Institute wishes to encourage and support anyone wishing to pursue their own favourite subjects and topics, by offering Research Scholarships to both members and non members and also students currently undertaking a fire related field of study. The Institute has set aside its own internal funds to support those who wish to research topics of their own interest, and which are related to fire safety management in its broadest definition. This will encompass the roles of fire safety management, life safety management, fire risk management, fire risk assessment, fire engineering and fire safety in its most general terms.
The focus of any research scholarship will be determined by the individual applicant, who will be able to set out their research proposal in their application.
The Research Scholarship will be in the form of a financial grant, the amount of which will be determined by the Council of the Institute.
This year we will offer one scholarships with a maximum research budget of £2,000.
Please carefully review our Guidance Notes and Disclaimer before proceeding with your application.
Applications are now closed.
1. Apply
Complete application form and submit a written paper describing your proposed research plan
2. Eligibility
Your application will be reviewed to ensure it meets the criteria for consideration
3. Interview
Eligible applications will be reviewed by the panel and shortlisted applicants invited to an interview to discuss it further
4. Finalisation
Successful applicants will submit full budget sheet plus finalised research programme with schedule
5. Funding
Final review by Council then approval of grant funding payment(s) and schedule
6. Report
You will be expected to produce a written report with the conclusions of your study and present your findings at a suitable IFSM event
Your proposal must include the reasons for wishing to conduct the research, expectations of final outcomes of the study, and the significant contributions and benefits to you and the fire engineering and fire safety field. It should include background information relating to the subject, reasons why the scholarship subject is needed and a financial/budget outline.
Please read the Research Scholarship Policy guidance notes to ensure you provide all information required by the Research Scholarship Panel to arrive at a decision.
Disclaimer and conditions of the Research Scholarship
Please read the following important information carefully if you wish to apply for a Research Scholarship. Your application is conditional upon you accepting this Disclaimer.
Credit will be given to the author of the final research report, however it will be the property of the Institute of Fire Safety Managers and will be published and copyrighted by them accordingly.
The research project must be completed within a 12 month period or should the applicant have trouble meeting the timeline through no fault of their own, then extensions may be granted at the discretion of the Institute. In such cases an interim report may be requested.
The grant may be paid in stages throughout the scholarship or in a lump sum at the end of the scholarship once it has been completed. Failure to complete the scholarship in any way and without good reason, may carry a financial penalty determined by the Institute’s Council.
The grant is not transferable.