Hi. I am a PhD student at a UK institution and I am fully funded. However I need a particular equipment to continue with my research. My university cannot buy it for me because of limited budget. Are there any awards or funds I can apply for, eventhough I am receiving a bursary? Thanks in advance...

Unfortunately, I have no answer for your question. However, I wish to know where to apply for my PhD funding. I would be very much appreciated for any advice.

Isil - if the equipment is necessary to finish your research then the Uni should buy this if they are funding you. Also - if this was a problem it should have been picked up at the initial stage of the research proposal. What discipline are you, what equipment do you need and who is funding you. This may help get some more answers

hey isil, one way out of this is requesting other professors in other insitutions, who are on the same research, to perform that particular part in thier lab as a visiting research student..say it would be easy that way rather than putting your time in asking the university and finally discuss openly with ur supervisror

Thank you very much for your replies. Camper, I think you are right about the University funding, but I recently moved to another city although my university still pays my bursary. So, even if my institution buys the equipment, I am not able to bring that with me. Ties, thank you for your advice. I will write to other labs.

I know how awful it is to be without equipment funding, especially if your uni can't or won't help. Firstly, ask other departments in your university - you might find the equipment in the most unlikely place. I've borrowed lots of equipment that is ESSENTIAL for my research from e.eng. and physics departments in my university (I'm a chemist). People are usually VERY generous. Can you tell me what it is you need? Secondly, try e-bay! Seriously, an academic gave me this tip, and I found what I was looking for at ~£60, usual cost

£800. Thirdly, do lots of reading, you might find another option. I know it seems unfair to have to struggle when you can't afford the STANDARD equipment, but there is usually a way forward, even if it's not ideal. Finally, the RSC (Royal Society of Chemistry, not sure what your discipline is) has a fund exactly for this purpose (see http://www.rsc.org/ScienceAndTechnology/AwardsAndFunding/researchfund/index.asp) - grants of up to £1000. Maybe there's a similar organisation and fund for whatever your discipline is...

Thank you Sue. It is a haptic device that I'm after. It costs around £1300. I've tried ebay (although it's an odd item) and other departments at my uni. My only solution seems to be an equipment grant but I cannot seem to find any. Every trust or charity I approach clearly states that they don't cover equipment for grant applications.