Following a very successful launch last year, the CO Research Trust is excited to announce another year of the Summer Studentship Programme, created in memory of former Chair, Christopher Bielby, MBE. The Christopher Bielby Summer Studentship Programme has been established to support researchers and academics in the early stages of their work in the field of carbon monoxide (CO) research.
Building on a Strong First Year
The 2025 launch of the programme attracted a high calibre of applicants, with students proposing innovative and impactful research projects across a range of CO-related themes. The strength and diversity of applications demonstrated both the depth of emerging talent in the field and the clear appetite among students to contribute to CO safety research. The awarded studentships from 2025 have since delivered meaningful progress in the field of carbon monoxide safety, reinforcing the Trust’s commitment to supporting emerging talent.
In response to last year’s success, the Trust is pleased to open applications for the 2026 studentships. The programme offers up to £1,500 to support living costs over a six to eight-week research period. Funding for the studentships is jointly provided by the CO Research Trust and the Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers (IGEM).
The Target Audience
The award is aimed at students between their 2nd and final year or recent graduates. Applications are also welcomed from those who have completed a Masters degree in a relevant subject over the last 12 months.
Applications are now open and will close at 5pm on Friday 1st May 2026, email all applications to Gerarda@coresearchtrust.org.
How to apply
Applicants are asked to submit a statement outlining their proposed project. We ask that students rather than their supervisors apply, and that statements should be no more than 500 words and submitted as a PDF. This should be a description of project, including background, aims, methods and training provided.
Additional documentation:
- A statement from the supervisor outlining the suitability of the candidate and any supporting information (250 words)
- CVs of supervisor and student (1 page each)
- Details of application(s) for additional funding sources (if relevant).
Assessment
Assessment of the proposal will be made by a panel consisting of representatives from IGEM and the CO Research Trust. Following the assessment, all applicants will be contacted by email by Friday 22nd May 2026.
Assessment Criteria
- Scientific Merit & Feasibility – The proposed research must demonstrate scientific value, originality, and feasibility within the scope of the funding and timeframe.
- Impact & Relevance – The research should contribute to our understanding of CO exposure, address a relevant question, and have the potential for further study, policy impact or public benefit.
- Applicant's Capability – The applicant should have the necessary qualifications and experience in a relevant field to conduct the research successfully.
All successful candidates will be required to produce a reflective account of experience gained together with a short report on the outcomes of the research (to be published on the CORT website) within one month of the completion of their Summer Studentship.
The candidate must be available to attend the CO Research Conference 2026. Food and travel will be provided.
Last Year's Successful Students
The winners of the Chris Bielby Summer Studentship 2025 Programme are below; you can click on the link to read more about their projects: