The Gen Foundation

The Gen Foundation is a UK-based charitable trust registered under charity number 1071026. It primarily provides financial grants to students and researchers engaged in the natural sciences, with a particular focus on food sciences and food technology. The foundation supports academic work that advances knowledge and innovation in these fields.

Purpose and Activities

The Gen Foundation's principal mission is to offer small grants ranging typically from £500 to £5,000 to support postgraduate students or researchers. These grants aim to facilitate study or research activities specifically within food sciences and food technology. Although the foundation predominantly supports these areas, it also considers applications from related natural sciences such as biological, chemical, and botanical sciences. Occasionally, considerations are made for candidates in language, music, and art, though the focus remains strongly on scientific disciplines.

The foundation does not provide funding for undergraduate studies, short-term training, attendance at conferences or seminars, or support for thesis writing. Applications for such purposes are generally not accepted. Grants awarded are one-off and non-renewable, emphasizing targeted support for specific research projects or educational pursuits rather than ongoing financial backing.

Eligibility

To be eligible for funding through The Gen Foundation:

• Applicants must be engaged in study or research in natural sciences, particularly in food sciences or food technology.
• Candidates should hold at least a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification.
• The foundation accepts applications from individuals across the UK, the European Union, and the rest of the world.

Successful applicants are required to submit a report to the Trustees upon completion of their studies or research, documenting their work and the impact of the grant.

Application Process

Applications must be typed, submitted in English, and follow the foundation's specified format guidelines. Evidence of acceptance or enrollment in a relevant program is required, although conditional letters are acceptable under certain circumstances. The foundation emphasizes careful adherence to application instructions, and incomplete or handwritten submissions are not accepted.

History and Impact

Since its establishment, The Gen Foundation has awarded funding to over 100 individuals studying or conducting research in its focus areas. It operates as a charitable trust with a commitment to fostering advancements in food science and technology through meaningful financial support.

Charity number: 1071026
Focus areas: Food sciences, food technology, and related natural sciences
Grant range: £500 to £5,000 (one-off grants)
Eligibility: Postgraduate students and researchers with at least a bachelor's degree
Geographic scope: UK, EU, and international applicants

The Gen Foundation continues to contribute to scientific development by enabling promising researchers and students to pursue their academic goals within its field of interest.

[1] https://www.genfoundation.org.uk [2] https://www.genfoundation.org.uk/apply.html [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1071026&subid=0 [4] https://www.cranfield.ac.uk/funding/funding-opportunities/the-gen-foundation [5] https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/05536312