The CO Research Trust has announced the return of the Christopher Bielby Summer Studentship Programme for 2026, following a successful inaugural year in 2025.
Launched in memory of the Trust’s former Chair, Christopher Bielby MBE, the programme was established to support early-stage researchers undertaking work in the field of carbon monoxide (CO) safety.
Throughout his 50-year career in the gas industry, Chris was a passionate advocate for nurturing young professionals at the start of their careers. The Summer Studentship Programme was created in honour of this legacy — supporting the next generation of researchers working to improve understanding and prevention of carbon monoxide exposure.
Building on a strong first year
The 2025 launch of the programme attracted a high calibre of applicants, with students proposing innovative and impactful research projects across a range of CO-related themes. The strength and diversity of applications demonstrated both the depth of emerging talent in the field and the clear appetite among students to contribute to CO safety research. The awarded studentships from 2025 have since delivered meaningful progress in the field of carbon monoxide (CO) safety, reinforcing the Trust’s commitment to supporting emerging talent.
In response to this success, the Trust is pleased to open applications for the 2026 studentships. The programme offers up to £1,500 to support living costs over a six to eight-week research period. Funding for the studentships is jointly provided by the CO Research Trust and the Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers (IGEM).
Ian McCluskey, Head of Technical Services & Policy at IGEM, said:
“IGEM has a long-standing commitment to supporting initiatives that inspire and develop the next generation entering the gas industry. We were extremely pleased to see the success of the 2025 Chris Bielby Summer Studentship scheme, which attracted a strong field of high-quality applicants undertaking innovative work in carbon monoxide safety.
“It is particularly fitting that a programme encouraging such promising early-career researchers continues in Chris Bielby’s name, given his tireless dedication to advancing gas safety. We look forward to seeing how the scheme develops further in 2026 and to supporting another cohort of talented students.”
Who can apply?
The award is open to:
- Undergraduate students between their 2nd and final year
- Recent graduates
- Applicants who have completed a relevant Master’s degree within the last 12
months
How to apply
Students are invited to submit a 500-word PDF statement outlining their proposed
project, including the background, aims, methods, and training involved.
Required supporting documents include:
- A 250-word statement from the supervisor on the applicant’s suitability
- One-page CVs for both student and supervisor
- Details of any applications for additional funding (if applicable)
Applications close 5pm on Friday 1 May 2026. Applications should be submitted to the CO Research Trust Grants Lead: [email protected]
