Study in UK | Bell Burnell Graduate Scholarship 2026

October 31, 2025 8:04 am

Study in UK | Bell Burnell Graduate Scholarship 2026

In a transformative effort to redefine inclusivity in physics, the Institute of Physics (IOP) has officially opened applications for the Bell Burnell Graduate Scholarship Fund 2026. This prestigious initiative, inspired by the legendary astrophysicist Professor Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell, continues to empower talented students from underrepresented communities to pursue PhDs in physics across the United Kingdom.

A Movement for Equality in Physics

This scholarship is far more than financial aid—it represents a social mission. Established through Professor Bell Burnell’s donation of her £2.3 million Breakthrough Prize, the fund aims to dismantle barriers that often prevent brilliant minds from pursuing advanced studies in physics.

Its primary mission is to make physics more inclusive, diverse, and representative of the world it seeks to explain. The fund provides vital financial assistance to both full-time and part-time doctoral students, helping them overcome economic or social challenges that could limit their academic aspirations.

Why This Scholarship Matters

Professor Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell, the groundbreaking scientist who discovered pulsars, has long championed fairness and diversity within academia. Her belief that “brilliance is everywhere, but opportunity is not” inspired the creation of this initiative.

Through this scholarship, she aims to level the playing field by offering real financial and academic support to those who have historically been excluded from research opportunities in physics. This fund directly supports students from underrepresented socio-economic, gender, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, ensuring that the next generation of physicists truly reflects global diversity.

Funding and Support

The Institute of Physics manages the entire program to ensure a transparent and supportive selection process. Selected scholars receive:

Financial assistance to cover tuition fees, living costs, and research expenses
Access to IOP mentoring programs and professional development opportunities
Invitations to conferences, seminars, and networking events
The chance to present and publish research under IOP sponsorship

Since its inception, this initiative has already created tangible change. Past scholars have contributed to cutting-edge research in astrophysics, materials science, and medical physics, making real-world impact through their work.

Application Details and Important Dates

Applications for the 2025–26 Bell Burnell Graduate Scholarship Fund are currently open. Eligible applicants must:

Plan to begin or continue a PhD in Physics at a recognized UK university
Identify as belonging to an underrepresented group in the field
Demonstrate strong academic potential and a passion for physics

Voices of Inspiration

Past recipients like Stephanie Merritt (Queen’s University Belfast), Ozioma Kamalu (University of Edinburgh), and Selina Dhinsey (University of Liverpool) describe the fund as life-changing. They credit the scholarship with not only providing financial freedom but also helping them gain confidence, representation, and belonging in the physics community.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their applications through the IOP official website before 5 PM on Monday, 19 January 2026.

Those who wish to support the cause can also donate to the Bell Burnell Fund, helping expand its reach and give more aspiring physicists a fair start.

Click Here to Apply