BCRA Cave Science and Technology Research Fund

About this program

The British Cave Research Association (BCRA) administers the Cave Science and Technology Research Fund, with an annual allocation of £5,000, to support cave-focused research and exploration technology projects primarily in speleogenesis, archaeology/palaeontology, biology and technology (other worthwhile cave research considered). Grants may cover consumables, necessary scientific equipment (not personal/group caving gear), travel for fieldwork or laboratory access, and preparation of reports/presentations; individual awards vary and applications under £200 may be fast-tracked. Principal investigator(s) must have been individual BCRA members for at least six months at application and remain members for the award period, and the Fund welcomes cavers without formal institutional support. Awardees must publish results in a BCRA journal (preferably Cave & Karst Science) and are encouraged to present findings; the panel may withhold up to 20% of the grant until a satisfactory report is received, and applications are reviewed in April, August and December via a Word form emailed to the Research Fund Administrator.