BBSRC-UKRI-DFG Lead Agency Agreement: Pilot Call on the “Integrative Microbiome"

27/07/2023

10/10/2023

The principal aim of proposals submitted under this opportunity should be the generation of new fundamental knowledge relating to the function of the integrated microbiome. Through building joint UK-German capability and capacity in integrative microbiome research, the BBSRC and the DFG ultimately expect to establish the fundamental knowledge and evidence needed to enable scientifically robust management and utilisation of these complex microbial communities in a range of contexts in the longer term.Award amount max £2,000,000.

Environmental Biology; Microbiology. Examples of key challenges include: Probing the role of variation and heterogeneity in microbiomes, within and between individuals (single-cell, microfluidics etc.). Establishing artificial minimal microbiomes as experimental models in the laboratory to test the effects of perturbations in a controlled context such as gnotobiotic systems, organoids, rhizoboxes and hydroponics. Developing an understanding of the integrative microbiome in a dynamic context across a time series including longitudinally and/or intergenerationally. Understanding the physical structure of microbiomes and how this influences functional relationships.

Applicant type Academic Institution; Commercial or Private Sector; Individuals: Early Career and Emerging in Field; Individuals: Mid-Career to Established in Field Eligibility Note Each joint research project must consist of a German and a UK team. Each national team must be led by one principal investigator eligible to apply to the respective funding agency. Applicants should demonstrate how bringing together researchers based in Germany and the UK will add value and advance research. It is expected that each partner substantially contributes to the common project. The division of responsibilities should be reflected in the amount of funds requested by each partner. Projects should be integrated but do not have to be symmetrical in the sense that neither the sums requested nor the items requested have to be identical on the German and UK sides. Teams should ensure there is a plan for effective delivery and coordination of research across the partners.