Bursaries
© Andy Wakelin
Between 2009 and 2025 BRISC provided bursaries for taxonomic training to people all over Scotland. This work was done alongside the Glasgow Natural History Society.
We are especially thankful to our members who have provided donations over the years to support this work.
From 2025/26, the Glasgow Natural History Society is taking over the provision of bursaries for natural history training courses.
BRISC has made the decision to be wound up as a charity and as a membership organisation at the end of 2025. We have provided legacy funds to Glasgow Natural History Society to fund two bursaries a year for as long as the funds last. Glasgow Natural History Society will fund four additional bursaries.
The bursaries continue to be open to anyone living in Scotland who wants to improve their skills and contribute to biological recording.
Why are natural history bursaries important?
Scotland needs more taxonomic experts who can accurately identify species and help new generations carry forward this important work. Such experts are critical to wildlife conservation because we cannot begin to conserve our wildlife unless we know what we have, where it is, and how scarce or common it is. Wildlife recording underpins all conservation efforts.
Expertise in a taxonomic group is gained through study and fieldwork, but it is unfortunately the case that many of our experts are getting older. BRISC’s wish is that young naturalists are provided with support to enhance their skills and experience, and so provide a continuity of enthusiastic recorders into the future.