Scholarship Support for Born in Bradford Participants

University of Bradford offers scholarships to local health study participants

Young people involved in a major health research project in Bradford are set to receive financial support to pursue higher education at the University of Bradford. The initiative aims to assist participants of the Born in Bradford (BiB) study, who are now reaching university age and wish to study locally.

Background of the Born in Bradford Study

Born in Bradford is a long-term health research project that began in 2007. It tracks the health and wellbeing of over 60,000 individuals, including approximately 13,500 children born at Bradford Royal Infirmary between March 2007 and December 2010. The study monitors participants from pregnancy through childhood and into adulthood, collecting data to better understand factors affecting health and development.

The research has contributed to improvements in family health both within Bradford and beyond, and has provided insights into common childhood illnesses as well as mental and social development among the cohort.

Scholarship Details and Eligibility

Starting from the academic year 2026/27, two participants from the BiB study will be offered places at the University of Bradford each year through the Bradford Futures Fund. This fund supports undergraduate students from underrepresented backgrounds who show potential.

The scholarships will be specifically reserved for BiB participants over the coming years. Each scholarship provides an annual award of £1,500 to help with university expenses.

Eligibility for the Bradford Futures Fund scholarships includes meeting one or more of the following criteria:

• Low household income and/or low socio-economic status
• Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) students
• Young carers or care leavers
• Disabled students
• Refugees or asylum seekers
• Students estranged from their parents
• Adult learners aged 25 or over

Comments from University and Study Leaders

Professor Prathivadi Anand, Professor of Public Policy and Sustainable Development at the University of Bradford and a member of the BiB team, highlighted the ongoing partnership with the study and expressed optimism about the future contributions of the young people involved.

Professor John Wright, Chief Investigator of Born in Bradford, noted that the study has become one of the most significant health research projects globally over the past 18 years. He emphasised that the scholarships are a gesture of gratitude towards the participants and expressed hope that the scholarships will support the next generation of leaders within the BiB community.