Apply to SCCS 2027

If you are a postgraduate student or have worked in a conservation organisation at an equivalent level for no more than four years since finishing your undergraduate degree, we would encourage you to apply.

The majority of delegates are biologists, but we also welcome applications from social and environmental scientists.

While we always have a strong core of UK delegates, the conference is truly international with around 50 countries represented each year.

Applicants must, at the time of application, be registered for a PhD or Masters degree, or be equivalent-stage researchers in an NGO or other conservation organisation.

We do not accept applications from undergraduates or postdoctoral researchers.

We advise against using AI to write your application aside from checking grammar or typos.  This is because we want you to tell us about your project and yourself in your own words.   

In addition, AI does not always produce accurate or detailed enough answers to the questions asked on the application form.  This results in applications receiving a lower score from the reviewers. 

We want to understand what it is you are working on, the scientific methods you used, your results (backed up with statistics where appropriate) and  the importance of your work for conservation (backed up with evidence using your results).

You may use AI to check the spelling and grammar of your application but please be assured we do not mark applications down based on your English if it is not your first language.

Round 1 

During this round, applications can be made to present a talk or a poster, and to attend without a presentation. Bursaries can also be applied for.

Round 2 

During this round, applications can be made for attendance only (no presentations or bursaries). Places are strictly limited and we recommend that anyone keen to attend, applies in Round 1 if possible.

Online registration 

For those unable to attend the conference in person, all the conference talks will be live-streamed via Zoom for free. Online attendees also have the opportunity to submit questions to our speakers. 

Please note, it is not possible to present a talk or poster via Zoom; nor can those joining online attend the workshops or evening events. 

Unfortunately, we cannot provide certificates for online attendance.

Each year, hundreds of people apply to give talks or posters at SCCS. All are assessed by our highly-experienced Advisory Committee of conservation experts, academics and practitioners.

Successful applications focus on results and have a strong conservation message. 

If we suspect that applications have been generated using AI, they will be rejected.

If you wish to give a presentation, you must apply in Round 1.  Visit the pages on talks and posters for further information.

There are a limited number of bursaries for which students can apply (in Round 1 only) to cover the cost of visas, travel, accommodation, meals and conference fees.

See the Bursaries and Grants page for further information.

If you are unsuccessful, please do not ask for your request to be reconsidered. We suggest that you speak to your supervisor or manager to explore alternative opportunities.  We cannot provide suggestions of other funding sources.

The in-person conference fee is £125. The fee covers lunch and dinner during the conference, as well as contributing to the carbon offset.

This is payable by the registration deadline - a link will be sent to successful applicants. 

Only those offered a bursary or grant will have the conference fee waived. Waivers are not available in any other circumstance.

There is no fee for those following the conference talks online via Zoom.

A limited number of student rooms at St Chad's Hostel, part of St Catharine’s College, Cambridge, have been reserved for delegates. Further information will be sent to successful applicants.

Delegates are also welcome to book accommodation elsewhere or stay with friends.

Further information is available on the Accommodation page.

International delegates will need either a visa or electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to enter the UK and attend SCCS.

There is a lot of information on the UK Government webpages about UK entry requirements, visa and ETA costs, and timescales.

Start here to find out which you need, a visa or ETA:

• Check if you need a UK visa

If a visa is required, it will normally be a Standard Visitor visa for up to six months. (The conference is considered a business activity.) 

• Visit the UK as a Standard Visitor: Overview
• Visa processing times: applications outside the UK
• Visa Application Fees
• Find a visa application centre

If you require an ETA, check the UK Government webpages for information about applying:

• Get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to visit the UK: Overview
• Using the 'UK ETA' app

In December, we will provide registered delegates with guidance on applying for visas, as well as support letters.

All the key dates for application rounds, registration deadlines and other matters are available on the Important Dates page.