Grants for Carers

The Royal Society of Chemistry's Grants for Carers provides up to £1,200 per year to support chemists with caring responsibilities to attend chemistry-related meetings, conferences, workshops or professional development events. The grant covers additional costs incurred for paying for care that applicants usually provide while they attend these events. Caring responsibilities are wide and varied, and this program recognizes the challenge of balancing them alongside a career in chemistry. The grant is supported by the RSC's Chemists' Community Fund and was introduced following the Breaking the Barriers report, which found that 78% of chemists working in UK academia felt that managing parenting and/or caring responsibilities had an impact on women's retention and progression. While not limited to female scientists, anyone with caring responsibilities is welcome to apply. Eligible expenses include extra home help or nursing care, additional medical/respite care, travel expenses for a relative to accompany the applicant to care for dependants, and extended hours with care workers or childminders.