Medical Research Council, GB and other funders: Cell and oligonucleotide therapy fellowship with AstraZeneca

02/12/2021

28/01/2022

The Medical Research Council and AstraZeneca invites applications for its cell and oligonucleotide therapy fellowship call. This supports research proposals that underpin the development of cell and oligonucleotide therapies. The total budget is £4 million. The cost of the fellowship can be up to £500,000 for up to three years and the MRC will fund up to 80 per cent of the full economic cost. Funding covers salary, consumables expenses and travel costs.

Proposed research should focus on: •mechanistic understanding to define and refine cell based-therapies; •human cell engineering, gene editing and cellular reprogramming approaches for cell therapy; •modulation and improved understanding of the human tissue niche; •improving efficacy of engraftment and regeneration of transplanted cells; •universal cells; •application of immune cells in non-oncology cell therapy settings; •mechanistic understanding of processes involved in oligonucleotide delivery, intracellular processing and activity; •exploration of factors affecting efficacy and tolerability of therapeutic antisense oligonucleotides in disease-relevant cell types; •establishing generalised predictive systems to improve in vitro-in vivo correlation in the development of oligonucleotide therapies; •development of approaches enabling standardised analysis of oligonucleotide uptake, distribution and activity.

Applicants must have completed a PhD or equivalent research degree and must have the support of an eligible research organisation. Both clinical and non-clinical researchers may apply.