The John Ray Trust
The John Ray Trust was formed in 1986 on the occasion of the 300th anniversary of the publication of Ray’s Historia Plantarum.
Bursaries for natural history projects
The John Ray Trust has raised a capital sum, the interest of which is used to fund the bursary scheme. The scheme allows for grants to be made to students, and others, undertaking short term projects within the natural sciences. To date bursaries have been awarded to help with projects in Peru, Chile, the Galapagos Islands, Panama, Zimbabwe, Indonesia, South East Asia, Siberia, Australia and the United Kingdom, indeed throughout the world.
The projects concern investigation into the habits of butterflies, fish, mammals, birds, insects, plants and trees. The size of the bursary awards have varied from as little as £75.00 upwards to £1,000.00 depending on the project. On average the awards are between £150.00 and £500.00. in value.
Project results
For each bursary granted the Trust requests from the applicant a final copy of any report/ booklet or project completed including illustrations/ sketches or photographs. These submissions are then placed in the John Ray Area of the District Museum, Braintree, and are then available as study material for future generations of natural science students.
How to Apply
The bursary applications are considered once a year, in June. So please ensure that your application is received by the Trust by the end of March so that time allows for references can be taken up prior to consideration by Trustees.
The names of two referees are requested one of whom should be a person who has some knowledge or understanding of the project you are undertaking. Each application form should be completed and returned giving full details, and a breakdown of the cost of the project/ field trip etc.
Write or telephone for an application form. These are available from:
The Trust Administrator
John Ray Trust
Town Hall Centre
Market Square
Braintree, Essex
CM7 3YG
Tel: 01376 557776
Scholarships in Natural Sciences
The Trust has taken the first steps towards providing scholarships in the natural sciences. This is achieved by establishing specific sponsorship schemes in co-operation with companies, organisation or individuals.
The first such sponsorship scheme launched in 1991 is entitled "The John Ray Trust/DCH Foundation Scholarship Award" in conjunction with Duncan Cameron and Hutchinson a prominent local company. It aims to make awards to young local applicants who would not otherwise be able to pursue their studies by reason of financial or related social circumstances. The scholarship is available for up to five consecutive years, starting at the beginning of A levels courses. The first two such students have completed their degrees with the third currently in the first year of her degree, more scholarships are planned.
For more information concerning scholarships and/or bursaries telephone or write to The John Ray Trust Administrator, as above.
Patrons
Sir John Ruggles-Brise Bt
Sir Andrew Huxley O.M.
Prof W T Stearn
Hugh Johnson Esq
A C Wheeler Esq
Trustees
Dr David Bellamy
Alistair Childs Esq
Malcolm Bryan Esq
David Cameron Esq
Cllr Mrs Helen Pitchforth
Mrs Angela Tanner
Dr Max Walters
Dr Richard Glauert, the Chairman of Braintree District Council
The John Ray Trust is a separate organisation from the John Ray Initiative.