Overview
The Brian Kelly Award (est. 1996) commemorates Brian Kelly, a leading authority on graphite physics. The award supports students and early-career researchers (≤10 years post-doc) to attend the World Conference on Carbon – Carbon 2026. Brian’s book The Physics of Graphite is available for download on the BCG website.
Eligibility (read carefully)
- Applicants must be students or early-career researchers (≤10 years postdoctoral experience).
- The award supports attendance at Carbon 2026.
- Not eligible: Anyone living or working in the host country at the time of the conference.
→ For 2026, applications from the USA will not be accepted. - Self-nomination is permitted.
What to submit (3 documents)
- Conference abstract (as submitted to Carbon 2026).
- Short CV (include the date of PhD award, if applicable).
- Commentary from your supervisor or close colleague.
The BCG Award Committee will review applications and determine the recipient.
Award
- £1,500 travel grant
- Presented at the conference with a certificate
- Condition: the winner must attend and present their work (oral or poster).
Deadline
Midnight, 1 May 2026 (UK time).
How to apply
Send your three documents electronically to:
Cristina Valles – Chair, Brian Kelly Award Committee
📧 cristina.valles@manchester.ac.uk
Please use the subject line: “BCG Brian Kelly Award 2026 – Your Name”