The Butler-Eyles Fund provides support for students or independent scholars attending conferences organised or sponsored by the British Society for the History of Science. It makes grants (up to £100) towards travel costs, where those costs would not be covered by another institution or funding body. It does not make grants towards accommodation costs, as subsidies for accommodation are already built into the BSHS conference rates.

Francis H.C. Butler and Joan and Victor Eyles were founding members of the British Society for the History of Science in 1947. They all served on Council at various stages in the 1950s and 1960s, and F.H.C. Butler was the first secretary of the Society. The Butler-Eyles Fund derives from their bequests, and subsequent donations by members of the Society.

• Applicants must be currently registered for a postgraduate degree or be independent scholars.
• Applicants must be members of the Society.
• Preference will be given to those who are delivering papers at the conference.

How to apply

• Download the application pack (MS Word format)

Applications should be made on the form provided, and sent to the Executive Secretary (email marked ‘Butler-Eyles Fund’). The deadline shall be the same as the registration deadline for the conference you wish to attend, unless otherwise advertised. All emails to be sent to office@bshs.org.uk. There are multiple cycles: candidates should apply by the registration deadline for the relevant conference.

Applications will be considered by the Treasurer, and other experts as appropriate. No interviews will be held. The Society may offer an amount less than that applied for. Details of successful applicants may be published in the Society’s newsletter Viewpoint where appropriate. No correspondence will be entered into except under exceptional circumstances.

A claim form will be sent to successful applicants using the correspondence address supplied on the application form. Grants can then be claimed by submitting the claim form, with proof of travel costs, to the BSHS Executive Secretary (or representative) at the conference.