A major grants fund that provides funding for scientific research and education in the brewing industry has just begun inviting applications for funding in 2016/17 via the BBPA website. Applicants have three months to submit their bids, with a deadline for funding applications of 31st March 2016. The fund supports vital technical research into projects such as energy and water use, beer spoilage and new hop varieties as well as a variety of educational activities.

The BREF was created on proceeds from the sale of the BBPA’s original headquarters in Portman Square, central London. The Worshipful Company of Brewers acts of the Trustee of the Brewers’ Research & Education Fund (BREF) and administers the fund, with the BBPA providing the secretariat and publicising the Fund.

BBPA Chief Executive Brigid Simmonds comments: “I’m delighted the fund is open for another year. It has supported many important projects in recent years, and is a great legacy from the Brewers’ Society and the Institute of Brewing, and I would encourage applications.”

How to apply

Fully completed application forms should be sent to Stephen Livens at the British Beer & Pub Association, preferably by e-mail to [email protected].

The BREF Advisory Committee will review all applications before making a recommendation to the Trustee. Therefore applicants should ensure that they provide sufficient information for the Committee to fully understand the scope of the proposed project, including details of specific outcomes and how these will benefit the UK brewing sector.

The outcomes of the project should also be clearly supported with details not only of the particular fund objective(s) that are satisfied but also on the anticipated importance, scale and impact of such outcomes.

Applications which are not fully completed or do not contain sufficient detail or clarity will be at a disadvantage in the decision-making process. Some extended guidance on the application process can be found using the appropriate link under BREF Resources.

BREF objectives

As well as taking full account of the BREF terms & conditions, applicants must also ensure that each submitted application fully articulates how the project will satisfy at least one of the Fund objectives:

• To promote brewing education, training and research.

• To research and educate the public about beer consumption.

• To research the composition and nutritional value of beer in relation to diet and wellbeing.

• To promote research relating to the environmental and economic sustainability of the brewing sector.

Deadline

Applications must be received by March 31st 2016. The Fund Advisory Committee will not consider applications received thereafter.

To visit the applications page on the BBPA website, click here.