Seed funding call – researchers can apply for up to £30,000

Researchers can apply for up to £30,000, which must be at least match funded by an industrial partner or show a strong case for commercialisation of your research. Applications must focus on the advancement of Precision Medicine in the Health care arena. This fund is aimed at research-led opportunities for Scottish University based researchers.

The project should aim to foster new projects and collaborations across the academic, NHS and industry sector and drive novel and exciting research and innovation in Precision Medicine. Applicants are encouraged to reach out to innovation centres and similar.

Eligibility

Essential: Main applicant must be based at a Scottish Research Funded University or College. Main applicant must have match funding or better from a grant or funding from an industry collaborative partner.* An industry partner is not essential, but match or better other funding is essential. All applicants must have at least 12 months remaining on their contract/current funding from the 1st January 2022. If your contract is ending before then, you are still eligible if you can secure a letter from your host institution confirming that your contract will be extended.

*For applications for the commercialisation of research where there is not an industry partner tied in this is not required, however you must show a strong case of support from a business development specialist.

Desirable: Additional co-applicants can be academics, post-graduate students, technologists and technicians, or anyone with a PhD employed as a researcher. Including ECRs, with a defined plan of engagement and CPD, will be looked favourably upon. We would encourage applications to be multidisciplinary and collaborative across multiple national or international universities. Engagement with an Innovation Centre or similar external organisation. Further funding agreed in principle.

Conditions

Up to £30,000 is available per application. The lead applicant’s institution will be required to accept the Award Terms and Conditions prior to any award being made. The funding can be used for Personnel costs, Instruments and equipment, contractual research, knowledge, consultancy and equivalent services. If you are unsure whether your requirements qualify, please reach out to discuss further with us. Up to 10 projects will be awarded, depending on the amount requested for suitable applications. We expect that funds will be awarded in October 2022. Connecting with relevant organisations external to your academic institution will be seen as a strength, these do not have to be Innovation Centres. Funds will be awarded to the lead applicant’s institution. Updates on the collaboration will be provided to Precision Medicine Scotland as and when requested. Precision Medicine Scotland reserves the right to clawback funds not used in accordance with these terms and conditions. A short report (template will be provided) to be submitted to Precision medicine Scotland 3 months into the project summarising expected outputs. Industry partners must agree to this prior to the award being funded.

Additional Information

Judging Criteria: Applications will be reviewed in two stages, firstly by the Scientific Advisory Panel at Precision Medicine Scotland and secondly by a multi-disciplinary panel who will consider: The novelty, innovative nature and need for the project. Impact and commercial feasibility of project The collaborative strength Engagement of external organisations’ potential to bring Precision Medicine Innovations to the NHS/SME arena in Scotland Sustainable and impactful outcomes Consideration of group member support.

How to Apply

Complete and Submit an Application using form available from admin@precisionmedicinescotland.com

Application Deadline

Friday 30th September 2022 at 5pm.

Submit your completed Application for Seed Funding Programme – Precision Medicine to admin@precisionmedicinescotland.com

Please read through our Pre- Application Checklist for Seed Funding From Precision Medicine Scotland before completing your application. You will receive this with your application.

Notification of Outcome

Successful applications will be notified by email.

Payment of Funds

If successful, funds will be transferred to your lead Institution in line with milestones of project. Funds are expected to be paid in two instalments – milestone 1 (project specific) and completion of project with written report part of the final milestone. Funds must be spent within 12 months of the date of transfer. Upon request funds can be divided up between applicant’s host institutions. Reporting: You must provide the Precision Medicine Scotland administration with project updates and outcomes at 3 months and 12 months post-award. If this project leads to a published article, or leverages grant funding, please contact the Precision Medicine Scotland administration to make them aware. Additional support from Precision Medicine Scotland for a variety of support functions during the project may be available please contact us to discuss further.