BBSRC and other funders: EXTENDED DEADLINE Developing engineering biology breakthrough ideas

22/07/2021

02/09/2021

The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, Medical Research Council and Natural Environment Research Council invites applications for their developing engineering biology breakthrough ideas call. This supports the process of taking synthetic biology concepts and translating them into real-world solutions. This can for example be the design and fabrication of biological components and systems using engineering technologies and principles from modifications to natural systems through to artificial biology. The total budget is £1.5 million and grants are worth up to £100,000, covering up to 80 per cent of full economic costs.

The aim of this call is to: •seed the development of novel and high-risk ideas in engineering biology that will enhance the current potential impact of engineering biology in the UK; •engage with new research communities and develop early exemplars in engineering biology, beyond current known applications. Applicants from organisations eligible for UKRI funding such as, higher education institutions, strategically funded institutes, eligible independent research organisations and public sector research establishments may apply. New collaborations and partnerships are encouraged, including across disciplines and sectors. The involvement of private sector partners is welcome, however businesses cannot be funded. Principal investigators and co-investigators must be at lecturer level or above and meet the standard UKRI eligibility criteria.

Investigators in both early career as well as individuals from other disciplines may apply.