Since 1968

The Parkes Foundation: Fueling the Future of Biosocial Science

In a world where biology and society intersect, one foundation has been quietly supporting the science of human existence for over five decades.

Explore Biosocial Science

Introduction: Where Biology Meets Society

Imagine a scientific realm where human biology intersects with social behaviors, where researchers explore how our genetics influence our social structures, or how environmental pressures shape demographic trends.

This is the fascinating world of biosocial science—an interdisciplinary field that examines the complex interactions between our biological makeup and our social environment.

For over half a century, The Parkes Foundation has served as a vital catalyst for this important research. Established in 1968 and operating as a registered UK charity (#256768), this organization has dedicated itself to supporting scientific inquiry that addresses pressing demographic and health-related problems worldwide, with particular focus on developing countries 1 . Through strategic funding of postgraduate research, the Foundation ensures that fresh scientific perspectives continue to advance our understanding of humanity's most complex biosocial challenges.

Interdisciplinary Research

Bridging the gap between biological and social sciences to understand complex human phenomena.

Postgraduate Support

Empowering the next generation of scientists through targeted grant programs.

Global Focus

Addressing demographic and health challenges worldwide, especially in developing countries.

The Parkes Legacy: A History of Scientific Stewardship

From Galton to Parkes: The Foundation's Evolution

The Parkes Foundation boasts an impressive academic pedigree. It was originally founded as The Galton Foundation in 1968 by Professor Sir Alan Parkes FRS upon his retirement from the Mary Marshall Chair in Physiology of Reproduction at the University of Cambridge 2 6 . Sir Alan, a pioneering figure in reproductive physiology, chaired this foundation until 1986.

1968

The Galton Foundation is established by Professor Sir Alan Parkes FRS

1987

Amalgamation with the ET and R Parkes Fund creates The Parkes Foundation

1998

Leadership transitions to Professor C.G. Nicholas Mascie-Taylor

The following year marked a significant transformation when Professor Geoffrey Ainsworth Harrison of Oxford University spearheaded the amalgamation of the Galton Foundation with the ET and R Parkes Fund, establishing The Parkes Foundation as it exists today 2 . The Foundation was renamed in honor of Sir Alan Parkes, cementing his legacy in supporting interdisciplinary science. Since 1998, leadership has rested with Professor C.G. Nicholas Mascie-Taylor, Professor of Human Population Biology and Health at the University of Cambridge 2 .

The Biosocial Vision

From its inception, the Foundation's mission has been clear: to promote the study of biosocial science, which it defines as "the interdisciplinary area between the biological and social sciences" 2 . Initially, this mission was advanced through the Journal of Biosocial Science, which published original research in the field beginning in 1969. While the journal is now owned and operated by Cambridge University Press (since 1996), the Foundation continues its support of biosocial inquiry through direct research funding 2 .

What is Biosocial Science? Understanding the Interdisciplinary Landscape

Biosocial science represents an integrated approach to understanding human populations, recognizing that our health, behaviors, and societies cannot be fully understood through either biological or social lenses alone.

Key Research Questions
  • How do social stressors manifest in biological measures like cortisol levels or immune function?
  • What role do genetic factors play in social behaviors and cultural practices?
  • How do environmental pressures shape both our biology and social organization?
  • What evolutionary pathways have influenced modern human social structures?
Biosocial Research Domains

The Parkes Foundation specifically focuses on research that addresses "demographic and health-related problems worldwide, and especially in developing countries" 1 . This practical orientation ensures that the science it supports has potential real-world applications and benefits for human populations.

Fueling Future Scientists: The Parkes Foundation Grant Program

Supporting the Next Generation

The Foundation currently operates as an independent grant-making charity, providing funds each year to help postgraduate students—both Masters and PhD candidates—undertake research in biosocial science 2 6 . This focused approach allows the Foundation to nurture the next generation of scientists working at the biology-society interface.

The grant program specifically targets fieldwork costs, understanding that direct empirical research is often the most challenging component to fund, yet is essential for robust biosocial inquiry 4 . By covering expenses such as travel, accommodation, and research supplies, the Foundation removes practical barriers to important scientific discovery.

Grant Eligibility and Focus

To qualify for funding, proposed projects must be firmly biosocial in nature rather than primarily sociocultural or biomedical 4 . This distinction is crucial—the research must genuinely integrate biological and social scientific approaches rather than leaning heavily toward one discipline. Applicants must be registered postgraduate students who have not previously received a Parkes Foundation Small Grant, ensuring that resources are distributed broadly among emerging scholars 4 .

Parkes Foundation Small Grants at a Glance
Aspect Details
Application Period Opens March 14, 2025; Closes April 14, 2025 4
Eligible Applicants Registered Masters or PhD students 4
Research Focus Biosocial science (not primarily sociocultural or biomedical) 4
Funding Scope Fieldwork costs (travel, accommodation, supplies) 4
Previous Recipients Not eligible for subsequent small grants 4
Grant Application Timeline 2025
Preparation
Application Open
Review
Awards
Before Mar 14
Mar 14 - Apr 14
Apr 15 - May 15
After May 15
Hypothetical Research Budget
Expense Category Details Amount (£)
Travel International flights and in-country transportation 1,200
Accommodation 6 months field rental 1,500
Supplies Laboratory equipment, data collection materials 600
Other Community compensation, translation services 400
Total Requested 3,700
Research Tools in Biosocial Science
Tool Category Examples
Biological Measures Anthropometric equipment, dried blood spot kits, cortisol assays
Social Science Methods Structured interviews, participatory mapping, focus group guides
Data Integration Tools Mixed methods analysis software, geographic information systems
Fieldwork Essentials Portable freezers, digital recorders, translation services

The Impact and Future of Biosocial Research

A Track Record of Supporting Science

While specific research outcomes from Parkes-funded studies aren't detailed in the search results, the Foundation's consistent funding model suggests a stable commitment to advancing biosocial inquiry. In the most recent reporting period, the Foundation reported expenditures of £31,095, demonstrating significant investment in its mission despite a modest income of £13,876 for the same period 1 . This indicates the Foundation is actively deploying its resources to support science, potentially drawing on reserves to fund current grants.

Foundation Financials (Recent Period)
Annual Harrison Lecture

The Foundation also organizes an annual Harrison Lecture honoring Professor G.A. Harrison, further contributing to intellectual exchange in the field 2 . This regular gathering provides a platform for leading thinkers to share insights and inspires new directions in biosocial research.

Intellectual Exchange Networking Knowledge Sharing

Why Biosocial Science Matters Today

In an era of global health challenges and rapid social change, the integrated perspective of biosocial science has never been more relevant. Understanding how biological and social factors interact is crucial for addressing issues such as:

  • Health disparities between different social groups
  • The biological embedding of childhood adversity
  • Social determinants of aging processes
  • Evolutionary perspectives on modern social behaviors

The Parkes Foundation's focused support for postgraduate researchers ensures that new generations of scientists are equipped to tackle these complex questions with rigorous, interdisciplinary approaches.

Supporting Science at the Intersections

The Parkes Foundation represents a unique and enduring commitment to science at the intersections. For over fifty years, it has maintained a clear focus on supporting research that transcends traditional disciplinary boundaries, recognizing that the most compelling questions about human populations cannot be confined to single departments or methodologies.

Through its strategic grants program, the Foundation addresses a critical gap in research funding—supporting the fieldwork of emerging scholars who bring fresh perspectives to enduring questions about human biology, society, and their intricate interconnections. As global challenges become increasingly complex, this biosocial approach to understanding human populations will only grow in importance.

For postgraduate students embarking on biosocial research, the Parkes Foundation offers not just financial support but validation of an integrative scientific approach. And for the broader scientific community, it stands as a reminder that some of the most compelling discoveries await at the intersections between disciplines.

Application for the 2025 small grants cycle opens March 14, 2025 4

References