Conference Support Bursary 2026

Introduction and Purpose of Bursary

BELMAS is pleased to offer a limited number of bursaries to support up to 20 members in attending the 2026 Annual Conference at the Leonardo Hotel, Cardiff, from Friday 3rd July to Sunday 5th July 2026.

The bursaries aim to reduce financial and practical barriers to participation. They are especially intended for members who may otherwise be unable to attend, including:

• Students
• Early Career Researchers (completed doctorate within the last 5 years)
• Members from developing countries (as listed on the BELMAS website)
• Independent researchers
• Teachers and practitioners
• Full-time parents and carers
• Unemployed individuals
• Retired individuals
• Self-funded delegates
• Individuals with registered disabilities

If you are part of a group of six or more attendees from the same institution, please contact the BELMAS office to request a group discount code.

Eligibility

The bursary is open exclusively to BELMAS members.  If you are not yet a member, you can join HERE.

BELMAS is committed to equitable access and warmly welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups.

This bursary provides financial assistance towards the Conference registration fee.

• Maximum award for individual members: £420
• Maximum award for students / retired / developing country members: £350

Please note:

• Bursaries may not cover the full cost of attendance.
• One bursary is reserved for a member studying or working in Cardiff.

Priority will be given to applicants who:

• Are current BELMAS members
• Have submitted an abstract to the conference
• Are self-funded

Selection Criteria and Process

To ensure fairness and consistency, BELMAS will use a two-stage, anonymised review process.

All applications will be anonymised prior to review. Personal identifiers (name, institution, country, demographic details not relevant to eligibility, etc.) will be removed. The anonymised applications will be evaluated solely on:

• Eligibility
• Financial need
• Alignment with the purpose of the bursary
• Contribution to ensuring equitable representation at the conference

Applications will be assessed by an anonymised award sub-panel comprising:

• Members of the Conference Committee
• The BELMAS Chair
• The BELMAS Executive Officer

Decisions will be based on the selection criteria and the number of applications relative to available funds.

Applications, Costs and Administration

Applications must be submitted via the BELMAS website HERE.

Key Deadlines

• Application deadline: Midnight (UK time), Sunday 1st March 2026
• Notification of outcome: On or before Sunday 15th March 2026
• Early‑bird ticket deadline: 31st March 2026

Successful applicants will receive instructions on how to purchase their ticket and claim their bursary.

If you’ve already purchased your ticket before receiving a bursary, BELMAS will refund you up to the value of the award.

Terms and Conditions

If a recipient needs to withdraw, they must notify the BELMAS office as soon as possible, and no later than 31st March 2026, so that the bursary can be reallocated.

Failure to redeem the bursary by purchasing a conference ticket before the early‑bird deadline of 31st March 2026 will result in the bursary being revoked and offered to another applicant.

You can read more about the 2026 BELMAS Conference here.