Douglas Boyes Fund

Grants awarded up to £500 per applicant for entomology equipment, for example: field sampling kit, specimen curation materials, optical systems, environmental monitoring instruments, rearing and experimental setups, safety equipment/PPE, and books.

Anyone aged 14 to 18 or a group or class of that age group with an interest in insects.  

Students should be aged between 14 and 18 at the grant application deadline (30 November 2026). 

Note: If you are successfully awarded this grant, you will not be eligible to receive it again for 24 months. Any applications submitted within this period will not be considered. You are, however, welcome to apply for our other awards and grants during this time 

Deadline: Monday 30 November 2026

We aim to notify all successful applicants in mid-February to allow for equipment to purchased before the main field season in the UK. 

Applicants should submit a 3-minute video or 500 word statement   

Key considerations for selection include providing access to young individuals who may otherwise lack opportunities, ensuring the benefits of the grant extend beyond the applicant, and fostering a profound interest in entomology that will likely continue into adulthood. 

These points should be addressed in written and video applications: 

1. Please tell us how the Douglas Boyes Fund will support your passion for insects.  

2. What equipment / books would you buy if you were successful, and why?  

3. How would this help you to communicate to others about the wonder of insects?  

Please apply via the Douglas Boyes Fund Application Form. There is one form for individuals, another for people applying on behalf of a class or group. Both are available on this page while the award is open for submissions.

Alternatively, if you prefer to make a video submission instead, please submit this to info@royensoc.co.uk 

Adjudication: The award panel will assess entries and consists of Douglas’s family, RES trustees and members. 

Successful candidates should be prepared to provide proof of age.  

Upon receiving the equipment, successful applicants will be required to communicate their experiences to wider audiences.  

This may include writing a blog post or other written piece, creating a series of social media content (such as TikTok videos, Instagram posts, tweets, vlogs, etc.).  

The communication method is to be agreed in advance with the RES. A link to Douglas’s memorial website, www.douglasboyes.co.uk, and acknowledgment of the RES, to be included in all communication materials.