The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh is honoured to announce the launch of The James Weir Research Grants, in partnership with the James Weir Foundation. The establishment of these grants marks a significant milestone in the College’s fifty-eight-year partnership with the Foundation, fostered in the shared value of improving healthcare outcomes by furthering scientific research.
For the inaugural round, applications are welcomed from UK and International Members, who are trainees or are within five years of their consultancy appointment, whose research focus is within the following four specialities: General Surgery, ENT Surgery, Orthopaedic Surgery and Dentistry.
Applications are also welcomed for The James Weir Scottish Research Grant in all surgical and dental specialities, from Members who will undertake their research in Scotland.
Up to £10,000 of funding will be available for each speciality area.
The closing date for applications is Sunday 2 November 2025.
The James Weir Foundation Research Grants
Deadline: 2 November 2025
Click on the button below to apply.
About the James Weir Foundation
The James Weir Foundation was created in 1967 by James George Weir as a platform to continue his lifelong dedication to practical science in the service of society, with a particular emphasis on the advancement of health and well-being, as well as other charitable causes in keeping with his philanthropic spirit. Its commitment to education, the advancement of health, and the saving of lives forms the ethos that has long underpinned the Foundation’s partnership with the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and the creation of the new James Weir Foundation Research Grants.
About James George Weir (1887–1973)
James George Weir was a Scottish industrialist and early aviator whose career bridged engineering innovation and public service. Beyond his business achievements, Weir was a committed philanthropist, supporting a range of charitable causes, notably in health, welfare and education, a legacy the Foundation continues today, including support for health charities and research initiatives.
He personally was an innovative aerodynamic engineer attaining patents in the design of the autogiro, precursor to the helicopter. He was a proud Scot and particularly wished to support constructive Scottish institutions and their causes.
James George Weir (1887–1973), founder of the James Weir Foundation
Commenting on the significance of the new grants and the long partnership between the organisations, Edward Weir, Chairman of the James Weir Foundation, said:
Having recently taken over the Chairmanship of the James Weir foundation in May 2025, I am delighted that the foundation is continuing fifty-eight years of support for the Royal College of Surgeons through the newly created James Weir Foundation Research Grants. The trustees of the foundation firmly believe that the five chosen areas: General Surgery, Dentistry, Orthopaedic Surgery, ENT Surgery and Scotland focused Surgical and Dental research, all closely align with the founder’s vision to support improvements in health and well-being through furthering scientific research. It is the trustees’ hope and intention that these grants should make a real and lasting difference within the chosen specialties.
Edward Weir, Chairman, The James Weir Foundation
