The Paton Historical Studies Fund
An opportunity for Members to discover more about the history of physiology. We are offering small grants to promote research or engagement activities in the history of modern physiology.
Applications are now closed for 2025. Applications for 2026 will open in autumn 2025.
Background
In July 1990 Sir William Paton FRS, an eminent pharmacologist and former Secretary of The Physiological Society, donated £5000 to promote the study of the history of physiology; this sum was matched by The Society. In his original letter Sir William suggested ‘(1) setting up a Historical Studies Fund; (2) that the fund should be to promote the study of the history of physiological experiment and discovery; (3) that it should attempt promotion by any means The Society, sees fit – meetings, a lecture, travel or actual maintenance awards, materials etc’
Who can apply?
Any category of Member or Fellow of The Society
How much funding is available?
Individual applications for costed projects of up to £1000 will be considered by the History & Archives Group. Previous funding has been used for travel to, and use of, relevant archives; publication costs or contributions towards such; a history workshop at an IUPS meeting; a photograph competition and exhibition.
When can I apply?
Applications will be considered annually, the deadline normally being 31 January. Ad hoc enquiries can be made to history@physoc.org.
How do I apply?
A summary of the proposed research (not more than 500 words), all relevant costings and a brief CV should be submitted to history@physoc.org.
What can be funded?
In keeping with the donor’s original intentions, a wide range of projects, activities and approaches will be considered. These could include, inter alia, visits to a relevant archive (use of The Society’s own archive at the Wellcome Library in London is particularly encouraged) as part of an on-going research project; arranging a lecture or series of lectures; preserving and/or cataloguing a collection of equipment; conventional or digital publication costs; conducting and finalising oral history interviews etc. The History & Archives Group will consider any activity in keeping with the donor’s intentions. Intending applicants may discuss their ideas with The Society’s Honorary Archivist and/or the Chairman of the History & Archives Group.
Further links
The Physiological Society’s archives can be consulted here.
For details of Sir William Paton’s life and career read our blog post.
Sir William Paton is also commemorated by The Society with the Paton Prize Lecture.
Who was Sir William Paton?
The fund originated with a donation from Professor Sir William Paton with a matching contribution from the Society.
He was an English physiologist, pharmacologist and Fellow of the Royal Society, considered by many to be one of the world’s greatest pharmacologists. He was responsible for discovering two new classes of drugs, one of which was the first drug that specifically and safely lowered blood pressure
Paton not only made countless discoveries but was also heavily involved in numerous public committees and had a special interest in the history of medicine.
In addition to the bursary, we also award the Paton Prize Lecture.
