The Gen Foundation is a UK charitable trust that supports individual students and researchers in natural sciences, particularly food science and technology. Applicants may live and study anywhere, and they do not need a connection to the UK or Japan.
Each award supports an accepted course or organisation-backed project and is made once rather than renewed. The foundation also seeks to strengthen cross-cultural links between Japan and the rest of the world.
Benefits & funding
- Previous grants have ranged from £2,000 to £10,000, with each amount set by the trustees according to the application’s merit.
- UK recipients are usually paid in pounds sterling by cheque, while recipients outside the UK can receive a wire transfer.
- The award is one-off and non-renewable, and recipients must submit a report when their studies end.
Eligibility
- Apply as an individual student or researcher with a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
- Study or research natural sciences, especially food science or technology; a natural-science module or project within a broader course can qualify.
- Hold at least a conditional offer from an academic institution or have an organisation’s backing for the proposed project.
- Applicants may live and study in any country, with no required link to the UK or Japan.
- Undergraduates, group applicants, thesis-writing requests, conferences, seminars and standalone short-term training are not supported.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
Decoded from the official rules. A free account checks them against your passport, degree and age in seconds.
Education required
Bachelor · Master · PhD
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Application process
- 1Download and type the English application form when the application period opens.
- 2Assemble a recent passport-sized photograph, an English CV, two original signed professional references, and evidence of institutional acceptance or organisational backing.
- 3Post the original application and supporting documents to the foundation’s London address so they arrive by the deadline.
- 4If shortlisted, complete an interview before the trustees make the final decision.
Program timeline
3 November 2025
Applications opened for the 2026 cycle.
Applications closed.
27 February 2026
Applications were evaluated.
2 March–30 April 2026
Initial results were scheduled.
End of May 2026
Shortlist interviews were scheduled.
1–30 June 2026
Final results and grants were scheduled.
September 2026
November 2026
The 2027 application form is due to become available.