The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)

Mission Statement

• to promote and support high-quality basic, strategic and applied research and related postgraduate training relating to the understanding and exploitation of biological systems;
• to advance knowledge and technology, and provide trained scientists and engineers, which meet the needs of users and beneficiaries (including the agriculture, bioprocessing, chemical, food, health care, pharmaceutical and other biotechnologically related industries), thereby contributing to the economic competitiveness of the United Kingdom and the quality of life;
• to provide advice, disseminate knowledge, and promote public understanding in the fields of biotechnology and the biological sciences.

Forestry's relevance to BBSRC funding

BBSRC will support research in forestry and related areas that falls within the remits of the Research Committees. Currently supported work tends to be fundamental generic science, which underpins the work of other research organisations in this sector. The scientific remits of the Committees, responsive research programmes and initiatives can be accessed through the BBSRC web pages. BBSRC also supports research through LINK programmes relevant to its scientific remit such as the programme on Competitive Industrial Materials from Non-Food Crops which aims to utilise non-food crop resources through industrial applications (www.dti.gov.uk/ost/link/nonfood.htm).

Outline of funding mechanisms

BBSRC funds research through the award of research grants, fellowships and studentships. The principal mode of support is through the responsive mode to eligible institutions. Applications are considered by the appropriate Committee which meets three times each year, usually in February, July and October. All applications are subject to external peer review and applicants should expect to submit applications at least ten weeks prior to a Committee meeting.

Contact details

Relevant contact details can be accessed from the BBSRC Committee web pages.