The Douglas Boyes Fund is established in honour of Douglas Boyes (1996-2021), an esteemed entomologist specialising in Lepidoptera.
The Douglas Boyes Fund has been established in honour of Douglas Boyes (1996-2021), an esteemed entomologist specialising in Lepidoptera.
The Fund aims to provide young people aged 14-18 with access to entomology equipment, fostering their passion for insects and the natural world and inspiring them to engage and share their interest with other young individuals.
If you prefer to make a video submission instead, please submit this to info@royensoc.co.uk
| Funding available | Up to £500 |
| Purpose | Provide access to entomology equipment to support young people with a passion for insect science. |
| Who can apply | Young people aged 14 to 18 or a group or class of that age group with an interest in insects. |
| Key dates | Award open: June 2026
Deadline for applications: 30 November 2026 |
| Decision body | The award panel will assess entries and consist of Douglas’s family, RES trustees and members. |
About the Douglas Boyes Fund
The Douglas Boyes fund provides young people aged 14-18 with access to entomology equipment, fostering their passion for insects and the natural world and inspiring them to engage and share their interest with other young individuals.
This grant was established in honour of Douglas Boyes (1996-2021)
What we 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.
Who Can Apply
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
Key Dates
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.
Assessment criteria
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:
- Please tell us how the Douglas Boyes Fund will support your passion for insects.
- What equipment / books would you buy if you were successful, and why?
- How would this help you to communicate to others about the wonder of insects?
Application Process
Please apply via the Douglas Boyes Fund Application Form.
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.
Reporting Requirements
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.
If you prefer to make a video submission instead, please submit this to info@royensoc.co.uk
Criteria for Selection: Applicants should submit a 3-minute video or 500 word statement to info@royensoc.co.uk. Selection will take into account age and socio-economic background and other protected characteristics, aligned to RES EDI policies.
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:
Have you received a RES Award or Grant?
