Imperial College London The Lord Robert May Scholarships

Imperial College London is happy to announce the opening of applications for The Lord Robert May Scholarship for the academic year 2026–2027. This prestigious scholarship has been established by Imperial College London in honour of Lord Robert May of Oxford (1936–2020), one of the most influential theoretical ecologists of his generation.

Imperial College London was founded in 1907 through the merger of the Royal College of Science, the Royal School of Mines, and the City and Guilds College. Built on a strong foundation of science, engineering and medical research, the university quickly became one of the world’s leading institutions for innovation and discovery. Over the years, Imperial has expanded its academic reputation globally, producing groundbreaking research, Nobel Prize winners, and influential scientists.

Table of Briefs

Background

The Lord Robert May Scholarship was established to honour the legacy of Lord Robert May of Oxford (1936–2020), a globally renowned theoretical ecologist whose groundbreaking contributions shaped modern ecological science. His work transformed the understanding of biodiversity, ecosystems, and population dynamics, inspiring generations of researchers. The scholarship reflects his lifelong commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and supporting future leaders in ecology and public health.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the Lord Robert May Scholarship, applicants must:

• Be classified as Overseas fee status
• Be a prospective student not a continuing student

Hold an offer to study one of the following eligible programmes starting Autumn 2026:

• MSc Living Planet with Computational Methods in Ecology and Evolution Department of Life Sciences

• MSc Epidemiology School of Public Health

Applicants will be ranked based on:

• Academic merit and achievements

• Motivation for pursuing a master’s degree

• Financial need

Two written statements are required:

1. Statement of academic achievements and motivation for pursuing the selected MSc

2. Statement demonstrating financial need and how the scholarship will support the applicant’s studies

Benefits

Successful applicants will receive:

• Full payment of tuition fees

• Annual stipend of £22,041 to support living expenses

Scholarship recipients may also be invited to participate in scholarship-related events, meet donors, or provide a progress statement during the academic year.

Application Process

The application process consists of two compulsory steps:

Stage 1 – Apply for an Eligible Master’s Programme

• Submit your application to Imperial College London through the standard admissions process as soon as possible.

• You must hold an offer by 30 April 2026.

• Due to academic application rounds, students may need to apply before February 2026 to receive an offer in time.

• Application fee policy and fee waiver details are available on Imperial’s website.

Stage 2 – Complete the Scholarship Application Form

• Submit the dedicated scholarship application form by 30 April 2026.

• Provide both required written statements demonstrating academic motivation and financial need.

Applicants will be notified of the outcome by 31 July 2026.

Important Dates

Application Deadline: 30th April 2026.

Conclusion

The Lord Robert May Scholarship is one of the most competitive funding opportunities at Imperial College London, offering not just financial support but also recognition for academic excellence and research potential. If you are a passionate researcher committed to advancing knowledge in life sciences or public health, this scholarship can be a life-changing opportunity to study at one of the world’s top universities.

Apply Now