When applying to the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) for a research grant, you must:
- ensure that the project lead and project co-leads are eligible to receive funding from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and BBSRC
- have the permission of anyone named in the application (for example, any project co-leads or project partners) for the provision of their personal information and processing their data by UKRI for the purpose of assessing the application and management of any funding awarded
- meet deadlines
- quote the reference number allocated to your application in any subsequent correspondence
When an applicant submits an application to BBSRC for a research grant, they can expect:
- fair and efficient handling of the application throughout the assessment process
- equal treatment regardless of age, sex, disability, ethnic background or any other protected characteristic
- notification of the outcome of the application, normally within three calendar months of the decision date
Interim reports
For some opportunities, applicants may be required to submit an interim report on any related BBSRC research grant currently held or completed in the last 12 months on which they have been the lead applicant.
This will be specified in the opportunity guidance.
Applications received which do not include this report may not be accepted until such a report is available. This is in addition to the reporting of research outcomes within Researchfish.
Applicants who intend to undertake research work on private or government property must obtain consent from the owner or the organisation before submitting an application.
Data management plan
Research proposals are expected to comply with BBSRC’s data sharing policy and all proposals must include a data management plan.
Research standards and declaration of interests
The research councils’ Good Research Resource Hub outlines the expectation that applicants for research council funding are expected to:
- observe the highest standards of integrity, honesty and professionalism
- embed good practice in every aspect of their work
As part of this, any private, personal or commercial interests relating to an application for funding to the research councils must be declared. To declare interests you should email the contact listed in the ‘sensitive information’ section of the funding opportunity.
BBSRC’s remit
The primary focus of your research should be within BBSRC’s remit. You might also want to consider how your research contributes to BBSRC’s research portfolio and priorities.
BBSRC works with other research councils to make sure that funding applications are assessed by the right council.
Last updated: 27 June 2025