The Balance and Falls Research Award provides financial support to researchers from typically under-represented backgrounds within ageing research to disseminate their findings at the 2026 World Falls Conference (Manchester, 24–26 June 2026). Funded through the Vivensa Academy Excellence Award (awarded to Dr Toby Ellmers), this scheme aims to enhance diversity and inclusivity within ageing, balance, and falls research, and to build capacity among the next generation of UK-based researchers working in these areas.
The award provides up to £1,000 per applicant. Up to ten awards will be granted.
Eligibility criteria
The award is open to researchers who identify as belonging to one or more groups that are typically under-represented within ageing research professions. Priority will be given to applicants who belong to multiple categories. Eligible groups include (but are not limited to):
- Researchers who consider themselves of Black, Asian and/or mixed heritage, or any ethnicity considered to be underrepresented in this field
- First-generation university students
- Researchers who consider themselves to have a disability, long-term health condition, or neurodivergent condition
- Researchers with caring responsibilities (e.g. childcare or dependent care)
- Researchers who have experienced significant career disruption
- Women and gender-minority researchers
- Researchers who are care-experienced (e.g. spent time living with foster carers under local authority care or in residential care)
- Researchers who have experienced forced migration (e.g. individuals seeking asylum in the UK, or awarded refugee status in the UK or another country)
Applicants will not be required to provide documentary evidence of personal circumstances (or specify the specific groups that they identify as). Applicants must also:
- Be an early or mid-career researcher (academic or clinical; <10 years since terminal degree award) working in the field of ageing or age-related diseases
- Not have access to conference funds through existing grants or fellowships
- Be a member of the Vivensa Academy (membership is free and applications can be made online here)
- Be based in a UK organisation, either at a UK university or other eligible research organisation, NHS organisation (including Health and Social Care organisations within Northern Ireland), local authority, or social care organisation
- Have had an abstract accepted for presentation (either oral or poster) at the 2026 World Falls Conference
Payments will be made only upon receipt of appropriate supporting documentation, including confirmation of attendance and itemised receipts or invoices for claimed costs, in compliance with the Imperial College Expense Policy.
What can be funded?
Up to £1,000 to cover conference registration fees, travel (standard class/economy), and accommodation (up to £100 per night) specifically related to the conference.
Deadline
The deadline for applications is 11:59pm (GMT) Monday 25th May. We will aim to notify successful applicants within two weeks of the deadline.
How to apply
If you meet the eligibility criteria listed above, please complete an application by following the Qualtrics link below. Please note, the application consists of some basic information and then a short (200 word maximum) supporting statement describing how attending and presenting at the World Falls Conference will help develop your career within ageing research.