Jean Shanks Foundation

The Jean Shanks Foundation, established in 1986 by pioneering pathologist Dr Jean Shanks after the flotation of JS Pathology PLC, advances medical research and education with a strong emphasis on pathology and related sciences. Rooted in Dr Shanks' vision, it promotes scientific excellence, innovation, and the development of future medical leaders through strategic, collaborative funding, often partnering with the Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland to support early-career researchers, medical students, and professionals.

It funds pathology-focused initiatives including Clinical PhD Fellowships (up to 3 years' salary, fees, and £15,000 annual bench costs), Clinician Scientist Awards (up to 5 years' support), Summer Studentships (£1,100 for 5 weeks), pre-doctoral bursaries (up to £50,000), and research project grants, covering salaries, fees, bench costs, and educational bursaries to enhance disease understanding and treatment.

Eligible applicants are individuals (medical students, trainees, clinicians) and academic/NHS pathology departments in universities or hospitals across England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland; no unsolicited applications—must apply via Pathological Society schemes (online portal with proposals, CVs, references). Deadlines vary: 1 October for PhD/Scientist awards, 1 April for Lecturer grants, rolling January-October for studentships. Typical grants range £10,000–£50,000.

Exclusions include general core costs, capital projects, and non-medical work; its distinctive pathology bias, early-career focus, and partnership model set it apart, ensuring peer-reviewed, impactful dissemination of findings.