Since its inception the BMFMS has aimed to improve standards in pregnancy care across professional boundaries. With these goals in mind the BMFMS Executive Committee are therefore delighted to announce that application forms for this year's bursaries are now available.

Bursaries are available to BMFMS members of all professions and seniority. All applications will be considered on merit and will be awarded in two different categories:

• Research/Audit bursaries: eg to 'pump prime' pilot research, to set-up a local/national database etc. These awards will be up to a maximum value of £3000. If the bursary is to be used in conjunction with other funds, proof of the existence of such funds would be needed before a bursary application is considered.

There will also be the Richard Johannson Award that will be open for trainees only.

• Travel bursaries: to fund travel to different institutions for academic or professional development (up to a maximum of £1000).

Successful candidates will be asked to write a report of their experience which will be posted on the BMFMS website; they may also be asked to give a brief presentation of their experience gained at the Annual Conference. In order to apply for a bursary you must have been a member of the BMFMS for at least one year. The deadline for applications is 1st November 2009. Please send applications to bmfms@rcog.org.uk