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 ScienceImagine 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.
Bridging the gap between biological and social sciences to understand complex human phenomena.
Empowering the next generation of scientists through targeted grant programs.
Addressing demographic and health challenges worldwide, especially in developing countries.
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.
The Galton Foundation is established by Professor Sir Alan Parkes FRS
Amalgamation with the ET and R Parkes Fund creates The Parkes Foundation
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 .
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 .
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.
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.
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.
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 .
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 |
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 |
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 |
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.