manchester institute of biotechnologymimit has considered 142 projects, provided funding to 36...
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WE ARE DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE THE 2013 HONORARY FELLOWS OF THE METABOLOMICS SOCIETY
The Metabolomics Society have awarded Professor Douglas Kell an Honorary Lifetime Fellowship in recognition of his pioneering contributions to the fields of metabolomics and Systems Biology, as well as for being a passionate advocator and teacher in these fields.
Many congratulations to Professor Douglas Kell.
Metabolomics Society 2013 Professor Doug Kell will give a plenary lecture and Professor Roy Goodacre is a confirmed speaker at the conference, to be held in Glasgow this year from 01-04 July (2013 meeting).
BIOSCIENCE INNOVATION LEADER APPOINTED AS NEXT BBSRC CHIEF EXECUTIVE
4 June 2013
The Minister for Universities and Science, David Willetts, has announced the appointment of Dr Jackie Hunter CBE as the next Chief Executive of BBSRC. See BIS press release (external link). Dr Hunter is a leader in bioscience innovation having spent thirty years working in the pharmaceutical sector, including several years developing and leading GSK's external science engagement strategy and building a range of public-private research initiatives. Dr Hunter will join BBSRC from her current role of Chief Executive of her own company, OI Pharma Partners, which is a consultancy that has led the development of open innovation and pre-competitive research within the life sciences sector.
Dr Hunter has strong links with BBSRC, having previously served on BBSRC Council and Strategy Board and led a number of BBSRC initiatives, panels and visiting groups. Dr Hunter founded OI Pharma Partners in 2010 to support the pharmaceutical sector to harness the power of open innovation. Open innovation allows organisations to use a range of collaborative models to find the best ways to bring ideas to fruition and maximise potential benefits for all parties. Prior to this, Dr Hunter was Senior Vice-President and Head of Science Environment Development at GSK where she led global scale public-private research initiatives, instigated new approaches to industry-academia interactions and led the establishment of the Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst, an open innovation R&D park, in partnership with Government.
FUNDING NEWS & EVENTS
COMPANY NEWS
STAFF NEWS
Manchester Institute of Biotechnology
Research Funding Bulletin - June 2013
NEWS & EVENTS
PUBLICATIONS
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Dr Hunter said: "BBSRC plays a vital role in shaping and underpinning the diverse and exciting science base that is essential to maintain the international reputation UK bioscience and biotechnology. The potential of this research, and the BBSRC investments in innovation, to support the UK's growing bioeconomy and in meeting socio-economic challenges in the coming years is huge. I am looking forward to working with the wealth of talent within BBSRC, the research community and its many partner organisations to drive forward UK bioscience." Dr Hunter will take up her new role with BBSRC on 21 October 2013 on a four year appointment. She succeeds Prof Douglas Kell who leaves the Research Council after five years to return to the University of Manchester. Prof Blundell said: "I would like to thank Doug Kell for his exceptional leadership of BBSRC since 2008. Doug has led BBSRC at a time of great challenges but has ensured we have seized opportunities for UK bioscience. He has steered us through a tight spending environment and has successfully made the case that BBSRC science not only delivers new knowledge but also economic growth, jobs and improved quality of life, resulting in capital funding for projects such as UK Research and Innovation Campuses, Synthetic Biology Research Centres and e-infrastructure."
MIMIT SITE MINERS STRIKE GOLD On Tuesday 16th April, 24 MIMIT Site Miners, representing all of the MAHSC sites, were joined by representatives from UMIP and TRUSTECH at Great St John Street Hotel, for their second Away Evening.
The MIMIT Miners started a lively evening of debate and discussion by reviewing MIMIT’s remarkable achievements to date. In summary MIMIT has considered 142 projects, provided funding to 36 projects to a value of £1.4m, including 7 Manchester – Boston collaborations. These projects have gone on to attract £4.4m of follow investment and £11.25m of Venture Capital funding, a £6m deal with a major pharmaceutical company and won the Bionow Healthcare Project of the Year awards in 2010 and 2012.
Building on this success the Site Miners developed their future plans as MIMIT continues its strategic role within MAHSC and its widening role within Greater Manchester.
Enthused by the strength of MIMIT and its future role the Site Miner left determined to mine for more Unmet Clinical Needs to turn in golden projects.
Sara Baldock, (CEAS, MiB) commented after the event "As a new site miner the Away Evening was a great opportunity to really get to know my fellow site miners and hear about MIMIT’s latest developments and successes. I was keen to be involved in MIMIT as it tackles real world problems in a way to bring transformational change to patients’ lives. It’s great to see MIMIT going from strength to strength as it widens its role within the MAHSC and I
NEW SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY WEBSITE SyntheticBiology@MIB Synthetic Biology aims at the rational design of biological systems and living organisms
using engineering principles, to achieve new useful functions in a modular, reliable and
predictable way. It has the potential to drive a new industrial revolution in
biotechnology, with applications in many sectors, including healthcare, sustainable
energy, green chemistry, pharmaceuticals, novel materials and bioremediation.
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MIB RESEARCH CONFERENCE 2013 The next MIB research conference will take place on Monday 24th June 2013 (12.30-16.30) in the MIB lecture theatre. This event will be a chance for everyone to catch up on the activities of the MIB and give PhD students and PDRAs an opportunity to showcase the wide range of research that goes on.
As well as an afternoon of talks there will be a poster session with lunch and we invite anyone wanting to display a poster to bring it down on the day. We will accommodate as many as we physically can. Further details will be emailed to you soon!
MIB OPEN DAY 2013
Get your thinking caps on for stand/demonstration ideas!
Following the success of the MIB open day held in Nov 2012 which welcomed 200 AS/A level students into the MIB from 20 colleges - the MIB is beginning to plan its next Open Day for November 2013. Last year saw 13 interactive science stands in the atrium that included: time of flight mass spectrometry - demonstrated by helium balloons and the very popular “how quick an enzyme are you” game! We also had a series of laboratory demonstrations hosted throughout the MIB and over 80 people helping to make the day a huge success!
If you would like to host a stand please let Ros know!
ROYAL SOCIETY ANNUAL SUMMER SCIENCE EXHIBITION 2-7th JULY 2013
Professor Sabine Flitsch’s group are less than 3 weeks away from the start of this
year’s Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition!.
Take a look at our excellent animation and screaming jellybaby video.
We need your help to win the Royal Society Games Jam with our game “cell invaders”. Please
play and vote for us! The link will be available next week.
Follow our progress @sugarcomplexity and visit our blog for more on the science of sugars.
The Exhibition will run from 2-7th July and is open to all! http://royalsociety.org/summer-science/
Hydrophilic Interaction Chromatography (HILIC 1/2 Day) 26th June 2013, Manchester (MIB) A half day free seminar exploring the advantages and applications of HILIC and the latest developments in this area – MIB 09.00-12.30 (LG.010) For more details, contact [email protected]
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KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER PARTNERSHIPS PRESENTATION… Fiona Nightingale, KTP Advisor for the Northwest region was at MIB, on Friday, June 07, to provide information and assistance to investigators, post-docs and students about this scheme. Fiona’s presentation pack, including her contact details, is available here. Essentially, a KTP is a partnership between an academic and an industry member working together on a project of mutual interest through an Associate (usually a recent post-grad). Funding for the associate, some consumables plus support are provided by the TSB. A KTP is an opportunity for academics to extend research interests, feedback real-life applications of knowledge, demonstrate impact and build long term relationships with industry -- excellent impact case study Recent KTP Associate , Andrew Frazer who is now a PDF at MIB, provided a view on his very successful partnership at ALMAC in Northern Ireland to the audience and is available here. Zoher Kapecee, from the University’s Business Engagement Team was there to provide information on the support available from the University for those engaged on these Partnerships.
www.ktponline.org.uk. For more information you can contact Penny (penny.johnson-
[email protected]) , Zoher
([email protected]) or Fiona (07823 324342 or
OBR MANCHESTER PRESENTS: "From Discovery to Market: Part 2 – Protecting Innovation" Sponsored by Appleyard Lees Wednesday 19th June - Michael Smith Lecture Theatre Patents are the foundation of technology-based companies, and many of these innovations start life as an insight in an academic laboratory. But how does academic research become a patented invention?
This event is the second in our series to explore the translation of scientific discoveries into successful businesses. At this panel discussion, hear from patent attorneys and entrepreneurs about how patents can be used to protect ideas and start companies.
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITY
from NHS Research North West Let’s Talk Research is a developing programme of work at NHS R&D North West aimed at increasing public engagement with health research. This work programme has a number of strands, one of which is focussed on providing the opportunity for researchers to explore innovative approaches to communicating their research to the
public. Information is available about an opportunity we are providing for 3 research groups to work with the Big Comedy Shop to explore the use of comedy in communicating research. https://www.intranet.ls.manchester.ac.uk/structure/communications/announcements/search.aspx?id=4030 If you require further information please contact Lynne Goodcare ([email protected])
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SME-ACADEMIC PARTNERING FOR EU FUNDING EVENT Monday 24th June, St. James’ Building Boardroom, Oxford Road, Manchester Bionow, The University of Manchester and Manchester Science Park would like to invite you to a FREE event focussed on EU funding opportunities. Find ways to add value through partnering to create long term growth for your business. We will to introduce SMEs in the biomedical sector to EU funding and provide a flavour of the types of schemes available ahead of Horizon 2020, how to engage with academic partners, and an opportunity to ask questions and share experiences. For further information and to register please click here.
EU FUNDING NEWS UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER STAFF EVENT – 11TH SEPTEMBER 2013 “Horizon 2020 – What’s in it for me?” Horizon 2020 will be the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation between 2014 and 2020 and the successor to the current programme (FP7) which will run until the end of 2013. Horizon 2020 will bring together all existing EU research and innovation funding currently provided through the Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7), the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (CIP) and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT). This event will outline the new Programme structure, identify the primary thematic research areas and the proposed funding regime. The event will be opened by Professor Luke Georghiou - Vice President Research and Innovation. Main speaker: Sobia Aslam from the UK Research Office (UKRO) in Brussels. http://www.eventbrite.com/event/6814515399
Horizon 2020 - Overview Horizon 2020 will be the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation between 2014 and 2020 and the successor to the current programme (FP7) which will run until the end of 2013. Horizon 2020 will bring together all existing EU research and innovation funding currently provided through the Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7), the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (CIP) and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT). In early February 2013 with discussions on the EU seven-year budget, it was proposed that H2020 be reduced to just under €70B but the Parliament wants to increase this. The latest EU Horizon 2020 Overview document by the EU Funding and Development Team can be found at the following link: http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/display.aspx?DocID=16000
ERASYNBIO 1ST JOINT CALL FOR TRANSNATIONAL RESEARCH PROJECTS: Building Synthetic Biology capacity through innovative transnational projects
The Synthetic Biology ERA-NET (ERASynBio) is pleased to announce its 1st joint call for transnational research projects in Synthetic Biology. The call will be open until 26 August 2013 and represents a unique opportunity for Europe and the USA to build Synthetic Biology capacity through innovative transnational projects.
The launch date of the call is Monday, 13 May, 2013. Submit your application: The proposal must be uploaded on the system after registering at the following link: https://www.pt-it.de/ptoutline/application/ERASYNBIO1 Call text and further information The Synthetic Biology ERA-NET (ERASynBio) is pleased to announce its 1st joint call for transnational research projects in Synthetic Biology. The call will be open until August 26 2013 and represents a unique opportunity for Europe and the USA to build Synthetic Biology capacity through innovative transnational projects. Submissions of proposals will be in a single step procedure at
FUNDING
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https://www.pt-it.de/ptoutline/application/ERASYNBIO1. The deadline for submitting proposals is August 26 2013, 17:00 CET (16:00 BST)
2ND CALL OF THE ERA SYNBIO TWINNING PROGRAMME
Application deadline: 15 July 2013 … to encourage mobility and the possibility of establishing collaborations across borders (including the US). In an emergent field such as Synthetic Biology, there is a particular need for cooperation among practitioners in order to share good practices and to develop common ideas. On a strictly scientific side, small workshops on topics decided bottom-up by a few teams have proven invaluable and a great complement to top-down decided actions. ERASynBio will implement a web-based biannual call for project twinning grants (SynBioTWIN). These twinning grants will be explicitly aimed at building team-level scientific collaborations involving the principal investigators of EU - or national projects in Synthetic Biology. The involvement of social scientists as one of the partners in the twinning projects would be welcome. Twinning activities can be carried out within the EU or with third-country partners, but in the latter case only EU partners are financed. More information is available at the link: http://www.mmtrack124.co.uk/13/link.php?M=3639373&N=3629&L=7633&F=H
CALL FOR EXPERTS IN SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY (SynBio) Call for expression of interest for experts in the Synthetic Biology area (SynBio) The European Commission has requested the Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks (SCENIHR),in association with the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) and with the Scientific Committee on Health and Environmental Risks (SCHER) to deliver an opinion on Synthetic Biology (SynBio).
More information about the official mandate (25 KB) To enable a comprehensive assessment in the area of Synbio the SCENIHR has identified a need for experts to constitute the relevant working group who will work on this opinion, in the following areas: genomics, genetic modification of microorganisms, medical devices and drug delivery, bioremediation, environment and biodiversity, risk assessment, bio molecular engineering, bioethics, environment, genome engineering, microbiology, synthetic chemistry, systems biology, biosafety.
Following the Rules of procedure (480 KB) of the Scientific Committees, a call for expression of interest for experts in the areas mentioned above is launched. SCENIHR is particularly interested in international experts in Synthetic Biology, who are encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to candidates with outstanding background in the list above.
The deadline for submission for this call for experts is 23 June 2013 (Please note that the registration to the database of
experts with regard to the general work of the Scientific Committees is permanently open). Applicants are requested to use the application form available on http://ec.europa.eu/health/scientific_committees/experts/database/index_en.htm and to indicate "Synthetic Biology - call for experts" in the subject title of the message sent with their application.
Should you need help, please contact: [email protected] The successful candidate will be required to read and accept the conditions for his/her membership in the working group,
as explained in detail in the Rules of procedure (480 KB) of the Scientific Committees. More information on SCENIHR and the other non-food Scientific Committees of the European Commission
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HUMAN FRONTIER SCIENCE PROGRAM: 2014 CALL FOR POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS
Deadline(s) 29/08/2013 Closing Date for Requesting Information 13/08/2013
The Human Frontier Science Program (HFSP) postdoctoral fellowships encourage early career scientists to broaden their research skills by moving into new areas of study while working in a new country. HFSP offers two different types of fellowships for basic research in life sciences: Long-Term and Cross-Disciplinary Fellowships. Long-Term Fellowships (LTF) are for applicants with a PhD in a biological discipline, who will broaden their expertise by proposing a project in the life sciences which is significantly different from their previous PhD or postdoctoral work. Cross-Disciplinary Fellowships (CDF) are for applicants with a PhD from outside the life sciences (e.g. in physics, chemistry, mathematics, engineering or computer sciences), who have had limited exposure to biology during their previous training. HFSP fellowships are for three years. Fellows may choose to stay for up to three years in the host country or use the last year of their fellowship to return to their home country or to move to another HFSP member country. Eligible applicants must be in possession of a PhD (awarded between 1 September 2010 and 29 August 2013 or for candidates who have not obtained their PhD yet, it must be awarded at the latest in December 2014). Furthermore, applicants must have at least one lead author paper - either published, in press, or accepted for publication - on 29 August 2013. A candidate who is not from one of the HFSP supporting countries may apply to work only in a research institution in any of the supporting countries. A candidate from one of the supporting countries can apply to work in a research institution in any country. The list of the supporting countries is available on the HFSP website.
Deadlines: Initiation deadline for registering the proposal: 13 August 2013 Submission deadline: 29 August 2013
Call website Proposal registration and submission website
MARIE CURIE FELLOWSHIP CALLS FOR INDIVIDUALS
The 'People' Specific Programme of the Seventh Framework Programme acknowledges that one of the main competitive edges in science and technology is the quantity and quality of its human resources. To support the further development and consolidation of the European Research Area (ERA), the overall strategic objective is to make Europe more attractive for researchers. The Specific Programme aims to strengthen, quantitatively and qualitatively, the human potential in research and technology in Europe, by stimulating people to take up the profession of a researcher, encouraging European researchers to stay in Europe, and attracting to Europe the best researchers from the entire world.
2013 Career Integration Grants (CIG) – returning to UK from overseas
2013 Intra-European Fellowships (IEF) – for fellow from EU country to MIB
2013 International Incoming Fellowships (IIF) – for fellow from RoW to MIB
2013 International Outgoing Fellowships (IOF) – from MIB
Further information: http://www.ukro.ac.uk/mariecurie/schemes_indiv/Pages/calls.aspx.
If someone who wants to work with you is planning to apply for a fellowship and you require any assistance, please do get in touch with Penny Johnson (6-4474 or [email protected]). The deadline for applications is 14 August 2013. To apply, please visit http://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/portal/page/funding
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Applicants are expected to start the application process but please ask them to get in touch with Penny Johnson ([email protected] or 6-4474) if they require help.
"MARIE CURIE spotted: COFUND" at the OPEN DAYS
From 7 to 10 October 2013 the "OPEN DAYS – 11th European Week of Regions and Cities" will take place in Brussels. The Marie Curie COFUND Action will participate on Tuesday 8 October 2013 in the afternoon with the workshop "MARIE CURIE spotted: Co-funding of regional and national programmes for the training and mobility of researchers by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions" at the Conference Centre of Albert Borschette. The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCAs) will be the EU's flagship programme for supporting training and mobility of researchers under Horizon 2020, the future Framework Programme for Research and Innovation 2014-2020. Regional authorities that are funding or managing doctoral or fellowship programmes for researchers can receive additional funding under the MSCA COFUND. The workshop will give best practice examples of COFUND programmes, demonstrating their potential to support regional policies by internationalising the human resources in European regions. Special attention will be paid on possible synergies of COFUND on one side and the European Structural and Investment Funds on the other side. The registration for participants will start in July 2013 and further information is available at the OPEN DAYS website!
DO YOU HAVE A BRIGHT IDEA FOR A NEW COLLABORATIVE PROJECT? Are you part of a small or medium sized enterprise (SME) or University/Research Institute? The Biosciences KTN is delighted to announce a new call for up to 12 SPARK Awards as a means to encourage new collaborations between
the research community and industry.
How it works: The grants, which are of a fixed value of £5,000 (plus any applicable VAT), are awarded to the research partner to tackle a problem relevant to the SME.
Projects must be in one of the four market sectors addressed by the Biosciences KTN:
Domestic Animal Bioscience,
Food Technology and Manufacture,
Industrial Bioscience,
Plants & Crops. The scheme is designed to provide quick approval with minimal bureaucracy.
How to apply: The application form is now available online (https://connect.innovateuk.org/web/spark-group).
Submit your contact details and upload your case for support via the online application form. More information, including guidance on what to do, is available on to the Apply page in the SPARK Awards group on our website. If you would like assistance finding a collaboration partner or would like to discuss the SPARK Awards in more detail please contact the KTN office: 0131 651 7332 or email: [email protected] The deadline for applications is Midnight 14th June 2013.
MRC EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE CHALLENGE GRANT SCHEME
About the call: The MRC has released its latest call for proposals to the Experimental Medicine Challenge Grant scheme. The Challenge Grants initiative supports “ambitious, challenge-led programmes of research into disease pathophysiology in humans. These studies will produce major new mechanistic insights into human disease, with potential application to new therapeutic approaches and opportunities for “reverse translation” to more basic research. The anticipated funding range is £2-4M over 4-5 years per project although applications for smaller “Pathfinder” awards (up to £1M) are also sought for more focused or exploratory work or for less established
researchers”.
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Go to http://www.mrc.ac.uk/Fundingopportunities/Grants/EMCG/MRC008385 for further details. Proposal Development: The Deanery can match researchers with appropriate expertise within the Faculty to help develop the highest quality bids. In particular, the Faculty has strong methodology & statistical expertise -- the MRC has highlighted as being an area that will be assessed in the review process. Clinical Research Facility (CRF): The CRFs can provide support with facilities, nursing staff and equipment for experimental medicine studies with finance planning of any bid to provide 'added value' to any grant. Contact the appropriate CRF Director as soon as possible and at the earliest stage:
Cancer (Christie Hospital): [email protected]
Respiratory, allergy, infection (UHSM –Wythenshawe Hospital): [email protected]
Other major medical specialities, including paediatrics (Wellcome Trust @ CMFT ) [email protected]
The FMHS Research Deanery will be coordinating and supporting bids to the MRC Experimental Medicine Challenge
scheme. Contact [email protected] or 57594 for further information:
Deadline for outline proposals 25th July 2013
PROGRAMME AVAILABLE FOR VALORISING WOODY BIOMASS EVENT, 25-26TH JUNE, ROTHAMSTED
By: Michelle Carter May 3, 2013 3:21 PM
Interested in the production of chemicals and fuels from woody biomass?
Do you have any wood waste streams? Do you have bioprocessing technology? Are you looking for a bio-based alternative
for your product?
If so, you will be interested in this bi-national event, valorising woody biomass.
Check out the programme here.
The event will enable you to find the funding and collaborative partners you need to develop your business or R&D
capabilities in the area of wood-derived chemicals and fuels. We aim to bring together people with the wood waste
streams, the bioprocessing technology and the end-users (e.g. packaging manufacturers, personal care industries, biofuel
companies, fine, speciality & bulk chemical industries, pharma).
Details:
UK – Norway symposium: Valorising woody biomass
When: 25th & 26th June 2013
Where: Fowden Hall, Rothamsted Conference Centre, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 2JQ
Cost: £25 for 2 days; £55 with conference dinner
Registration: http://woodybiomass.eventbrite.com/#
Join the bioenergy discussion – new toolkit launched BBSRC has launched a new toolkit to encourage researchers and
the general public to engage in a national conversation about
bioenergy. The Bioenergy Dialogue Toolkit provides a range of
resources including a 'Democs' bioenergy game, potential future scenarios, and guidelines to help people plan and
run dialogue events this summer. Patrick Middleton, BBSRC's Head of Engagement, said: "BBSRC is running a
national project which will enable us to discuss bioenergy with a wider audience. By taking part you can ensure that
BBSRC strategy and policy development in bioenergy will be responsive to public opinion and that your views on
research are heard."
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RESEARCH COUNCILS/GOVERNMENT
BBSRC
Next responsive mode application deadline: 25 September 2013 BBSRC International Scientific Interchange Scheme (ISIS) Application deadline: apply at any time (at least six weeks before travel)
BBSRC-Brazil (FAPESP) joint funding of research Application deadline: apply at any time Latest deadlines for BBSRC funding schemes that can support industry-HEI collaboration.
1. INDUSTRIAL CASE STUDENTSHIPS (iCASE) – closing date 31 July 2013
2. FLEXIBLE INTERCHANGE PROGRAMME – FLIP – next closing date 11 July 2013
3. MODULAR TRAINING PARTNERSHIPS (MTP) – next closing date 11 July 2013
NERC: http://www.nerc.ac.uk/funding/available/researchgrants/
Standard Grants & Partnership Research Grants – 1 July and 1 Dec 2013 Large Grant outlines – currently closed Urgency grants – Applications at any time
Wellcome Trust: http://www.wellcome.ac.uk/funding/
Investigator Awards – 12 July 2013 Strategic awards – preliminary applications at any time
EPSRC Fellowships are available in a number of priority areas http://www.epsrc.ac.uk/skills/fellows/Pages/areas.aspx. Applications can be submitted at any time and will be processed on a rolling basis - further information on the application and peer review process http://www.epsrc.ac.uk/skills/fellows/Pages/peerreviewprocess.aspx.
FLS FUNDING BULLETIN: and https://www.intranet.ls.manchester.ac.uk/public/downloads.aspx?DocId=52171
BBSRC – ADVANCED LIFE SCIENCES RESEARCH TECHNOLOGY INITIATIVE
full proposal deadline 23 July BBSRC are inviting applications for research grants to purchase items of advanced research equipment. The capital equipment budget for this call is approximately £8M. Applications will typically be in the range of £250k-£750k excl. VAT and will typically be from groups of researchers in one or more eligible institutions, for instrumentation to be deployed on a multi-project/multi-use basis. Applications that seek to pioneer the use of emerging advanced research technology in the UK and its novel application in areas of bioscience are particularly encouraged. Contributions from the host institution(s) and/or other external sources are not mandatory, though they are encouraged. Applications for single-user or single-project instruments, requests for contributions to very large facilities, or for buildings and other types of infrastructure are not eligible and will be rejected. Awards will be announced in October/November 2013 and grants must start by 31 January 2014. Capital expenditure must be complete by 31 March 2014. http://www.bbsrc.ac.uk/funding/opportunities/2013/alert13.aspx
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INDUSTRIAL CASE STUDENTSHIPS Call opens: 7 May 2013 Proposal deadline: 31 July 2013
CASE studentships (formerly known as 'Collaborative Awards in Science and Engineering') are collaborative training grants that provide students with a first-rate challenging research training experience, allowing top quality bioscience graduates to undertake research, leading to a PhD, within the context of a mutually beneficial research collaboration between academic and partner organisations. This call is one of two main ways in which we fund collaborative training. See our CASE studentships page for more information. Important: applicants should ensure proposals are submitted to their institution's submitter/approval pool a minimum of 5 working days in advance of the published deadline. This enables institution checks to be carried out before final submissions.
HEALTHCARE INNOVATION CHALLENGE AWARD…
MAHSC (UMIP, MIMIT and TRUSTECH) announce 12-18 months seed grant funding of up to £80 k per project in the area of ‘Enhancing Functional Rehabilitation’ …available to support early-stage, collaborative research projects to address this particular
unmet healthcare need. This call forms part of a MIMIT led collaboration between the five Academic Health Science Centres in England. Deadline for submission of outline proposals is midnight on the 30th June 2013. Please see www.umip.com/healthcare-innovation-challenges for details of the two challenges being addressed by this initiative and for further information on how to apply.
DIET AND HEALTH RESEARCH INDUSTRY CLUB (DRINC) In 2007 BBSRC, in partnership with the Medical Research Council (MRC) and the
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), established DRINC with 13
company members.
Over £12M has been provided to enable high quality research into diet and health within UK universities and research
institutes, aimed at helping the food industry develop products that deliver enhanced health benefits for consumers.
This research has generated underpinning knowledge and improved skills in a research community that provides valuable
pre-competitive outputs for the UK food and drink industry. An evaluation of DRINC in 2011 recommended continuation
of the Club to benefit UK industry by maintaining the UK's strength in diet and health research. Discussions are now
underway to develop the next phase of DRINC with an anticipated launch in November 2012.
The club supports high quality research into diet and health within UK universities and research institutes that underpins the needs of the food industry to:
Fulfill increasing public demand for healthier foods
Help the UK to remain internationally competitive in this sector Substantial opportunities for innovative research exist across the food supply chain. Diet and health is a primary driver for all businesses in the chain, from primary producers to retailers. Interdisciplinary research is required to address these opportunities bringing together biosciences, physical sciences and engineering. The guidance for the first call of DRINC2 is now available on the BBSRC website:
http://www.bbsrc.ac.uk/business/collaborative-research/industry-clubs/drinc/apply.aspx. The call will be open for
outline applications from 9 May – 3 July 2013 and will provide at least £3M of funding to projects that seek to improve our
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understanding of the relationship between diet and health. Details of the call launch workshop on 10 June 2013 in London
are also on the website.
Recent Grant Awards:
Neil Dixon “TSB Rapid Creation of Cellular Factories “26 Apr to 13-Aug-15 £107K
David Leys (PI), Andy Munro, Nigel Scrutton BBSRC IPA with Shell In vivo alpha-olefin production: a sustainable hydrocarbon source Total Award £700K
Nick Goddard (PI) DSTL UK “Central Government Automated sample processing system for biological assays £25K
John Keane (PI) and Goran Nenadic, National Institute of Health Research Occupational Therapy Interventions for children with Central System Tumours: A pilot study to demonstrate feasability for Multi-centre application £38K
Jon Waltho (PI) and Matt Clifff, BBSRC “Dynamics, Gating and Opening in Enzyme Catalysis” 01-Jul-13 30-Jun-16
£383K.
Speech: Biofuels, science and society conference 13 May, 2013 at 08:00am
Explaining the role of sustainable biofuels in our wider transport strategy. Originally given at Durham University. This contains a transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered by Norman Baker MP
€10,000 COUPONS AVAILABLE FOR UK SMES TO CONDUCT
PILOT-SCALE STUDIES The European Commission has launched a new three-year project
“Bio Base NWE” to support the development of the bio-based economy in North West Europe (NWE).
The €6.2 million (£5.35 million) project will work mainly with small and medium businesses (SME’s) to help facilitate innovation and business development in bio-based technologies. SME’s will be able to apply for a €10,000 coupon to enable them to access the facilities and expertise of Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant (www.bbeu.org) or to assess the feasibility of taking an idea or a technology to industrial production (cost-assessment, concrete steps and possible barriers). It can be regarded as a type of ‘seed capital’ to test the feasibility of an idea, so that a business plan can be written. There are 50 coupons available of maximum € 10,000 each, to do:
a. Feasibility analysis b. Lab work c.Pilot tests
Details on how to apply and who qualifies can be found HERE
Check out the website here NNFCC are coordinating this funding competition for the UK. Please contact Adrian Higson for
an application form or further information: [email protected]
New Commission Research and Innovation Magazine
The European Commission recently published a new online magazine on EU research and innovation, entitled ‘Horizon’.
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PEAKDALE MOLECULAR (www.peakdale.co.uk) is a leading UK-based CRO delivering an array of high quality services for early phase discovery with passion and skill. Our customers are drawn from the pharmaceutical and biotech sector worldwide, and an increasingly diverse range of other industries for whom chemistry is a strategic necessity.
The company was founded in 1992 by Dr. Ray Fisher, the company CEO. The company started life as a supplier of organic chemistry synthesis services, trading on Dr. Fisher’s long experience in that sector in the UK and globally. Using its heritage in the supply of rational building blocks for medicinal chemistry, biased screening libraries and custom synthesis as a springboard, Peakdale now operates a comprehensive suite of services for hit-to-lead and lead optimisation studies encompassing computational and medicinal chemistry design, in vitro ADMET studies and process R&D studies for scale-up. Above all, the most vital resource the company offers is the skill of Peakdale workforce. With over 85% PhD-level scientists, they relish the challenge of problem-solving within client projects, offering scientific initiative, high levels of communication and utter confidentiality. The Peakdale combination of high productivity, critical thinking and innovation translates into exceptional value-for-money. Based at two UK locations, Chapel-en-le-Frith (Derbyshire) and Sandwich (Kent), Peakdale has all the essential hardware for discovery and organic chemistry, complemented by a purpose-built ADMET lab. , scale-up laboratories and automated purification to support array synthesis. Today it is probably the UK’s leading employer of organic chemists with ca. 120 scientists within an overall workforce of 150. It is classed as an SME, with revenues in the range of £5-20M. Peakdale offers a variety of customised commercial frameworks, from simple fee-for-service to long-term FTE projects.
We are trusted by major pharma & biotech companies and at one extreme, we operate an embedded team of Peakdale FTE scientists inside the client’s facility.
DESKTOP GENETICS
…. Is looking for some academic users to enrol in the AutoClone beta.
In short, it is a DNA search engine that allows users to rapidly share and recycle DNA constructs into new ones. Think of it as dropbox for DNA, with automatic generation of cloning protocols to
get any gene you want without ordering it in from a provider.
The link to the video follows: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCy8xcEjFjU
If you have an interest in beta accounts, please just let me know and I can make as many as required.
Edward J. L. Perello Director & Co-founder, Desktop Genetics Ltd.(UK) +44 777 577 0533|LinkedIn profile
OBR IS SEEKING A CEO
Since launching OBR in Oxford back in June 2011, I’ve had the incredible privilege of working alongside the most creative, ambitious and dedicated students and postdocs across the UK and California. Two years, eight chapters and nearly 10,000 members later we’ve grown from a small student club into a global network that consistently delivers high-profile events, consulting services
to blue-chip companies, news from the intersection of science and business, and the world’s largest biotech idea competition, OneStart. We’ve also been fortunate to partner with some of the biggest players in the life sciences: SR One, Roche, Ernst and Young, UCB, and top-tier universities. I’m looking for a tenacious student*, recent graduate, postdoc or young professional who wants to lead OBR into
COMPANY NEWS
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its next phase. A great candidate will: - Have a proven track-record of leadership - Know how to sell and hustle - Do good work for the sake of doing good work. - Be incapable of understanding the word “excuse” or "giving up" - Be inhumanly optimistic - Be inhumanly competitive - Always ready to learn and teach. - Have good people skills Start date is flexible, but ideally no later than July 15, term is for 12 months minimum. £45k + travel budget Please email your CV and Cover letter to [email protected]. Please tell me about your track record, a time you hustled to get something done, what you understand about OBR generally, and 3 initiatives you'd like to deliver on over your term. Also, recruiting new Presidents for several of our chapters: Oxford, Cambridge, London and Manchester. This is a great way to build transferable skills and earn leadership experience, while interacting with life science executives. If interested in one of these positions, please email your CV and Cover letter to [email protected] with the Subject Line: Chapter President (Chapter name, ie: London) *if you're a current student, must be willing to take a year out. ps: If you know someone interested, please forward this to them.
Topical issue on 'Metabolomics and metabolite profiling' published in Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry vol. 450(15); Prof. Roy Goodacre, Editorial Board http://link.springer.com/journal/216/405/15/page/1 Commentary highlighting the need for more international research: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v497/n7451/full/497557a.html
Ellis DI, Cowcher DP, Ashton L, O'Hagan S, Goodacre R. Illuminating disease and enlightening biomedicine: Raman spectroscopy as a diagnostic tool. Analyst. 2013 May 31 Paper Kandathil SM, Fletcher TL, Yuan Y, Knowles J, Popelier PL. Accuracy and tractability of a kriging model of intramolecular polarizable multipolar electrostatics and its application to histidine. J Comput Chem. 2013 May 29 Paper Wilburn J, McKenna SP, Perry-Hinsley D, Bayat A. The impact of dupuytren disease on patient activity and quality of life. J Hand Surg Am. 2013 Jun;38(6):1209-14 Paper Webb SJ. Supramolecular Approaches to Combining Membrane Transport with Adhesion. Acc Chem Res. 2013 May 17 Paper Geenen S, du Preez FB, Snoep JL, Foster AJ, Sarda S, Kenna JG, Wilson ID, Westerhoff HV. Glutathione metabolism modeling: A mechanism for liver drug-robustness and a new biomarker strategy. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2013 Apr 30 Paper Jimenez-Hernandez M, Hughes C, Bassan P, Ball F, Brown MD, Clarke NW, Gardner P. Exploring the spectroscopic differences of Caki-2 cells progressing through the cell cycle while proliferating in vitro. Analyst. 2013 May 3 Paper Geenen S, Yates JW, Kenna JG, Bois FY, Wilson ID, Westerhoff HV. Multiscale modelling approach combining a kinetic model of glutathione metabolism with PBPK models of paracetamol and the potential glutathione-depletion biomarkers ophthalmic acid and 5-oxoproline in humans and rats. Integr Biol (Camb). 2013 Apr 30 Paper
PUBLICATIONS
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BEST WISHES TO JOHANNA AVIS AND DAVID BERRISFORD
Jo was appointed as a lecturer at UMIST in 1996 and earned promotion to Senior Lecturer in 2004….and now she will be leaving us to begin a new venture What is the new challenge? Jo and her husband David Berrisford, have bought a
campsite and will be running it as franchisees with the Camping and Caravanning
Club in the Northumberland National Park (Bellingham Club site)! This is a very
exciting time for Jo and David who are looking forward to this new challenge and
spending more quality time with their children and generally enjoying a lifestyle that
suits them better too.
We wish them the very best in their new life!
MARIA ‘MARA’ NARDELLI
It was with great sadness that we learnt of the death of our beloved
colleague and friend, Dr. Maria ‘Mara’ Nardelli, who passed away
peacefully following a battle with cancer in the early hours of 24
May 2013.
Mara originally moved to Manchester from Bari, Italy in 1998 to
take up a postdoctoral post in Professor John McCarthy’s lab. Mara
commenced her scientific studies at the University of Bari, Puglia in
1986 where she later carried out her Year of Professional
Specialization, the C.N.R. Fellowship, her PhD and a postdoctoral
research fellowship for the Consortium C.A.R.S.O. during her studies Mara married her childhood sweetheart,
Lorenzo Marzullo, and they later went on to have a son, Bryan, who is currently in his 2nd year studying Chemistry at
UoM.
Mara worked with John McCarthy for a number of years overseeing numerous research projects and supervising
many PhD students. However, she is probably best known for her input and work with the MCISB DTC which she
joined as an experimental officer in 2007. Mara especially loved working with young researchers and as a key
member of the MCISB was able to utilise her knowledge and experience overseeing the teaching and supervision of
the various cohorts of students which she completed with her usual aplomb. It is testament to her dedication that
without exception all of the DTC students with whom she worked have commented on her generosity as a colleague
and later a friend who often went beyond the call of duty to guide and support them through their studies.
Mara was a dedicated scientist and well-loved colleague and friend to many and will be remembered for her passion,
dedication and unerring loyalty - a woman who inspired others with her vivacity for life and her compassion for
others.
Those of us who were lucky enough to have known Mara are immensely privileged for she touched all of our hearts
in many ways. A loyal and devoted wife, mother, colleague and friend she will live on in the memories of those
whose lives she has touched immeasurably.
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