Seedcorn projects

Applications for the SMQB Research Incubator are now open!

Apply now for funding and resource for your interdisciplinary seedcorn project in collaboration with the SMQB. Application deadline 4pm, Friday 12^th April

The next round of seedcorn projects will start on Monday 24^th & Tuesday 25^th June 2024 and run for 6 months.

Our scheme supports your new and emerging interdisciplinary research collaborations which address a biological or healthcare challenge using mathematical and computational approaches.

Who can apply?

Project teams need to include at least 2 investigators from different disciplines - typically a biomedical or clinical scientist, and an investigator from a quantitative discipline such as maths, computer science or engineering from across UoB and the associated NHS Trusts. Teams can include industry partners.

You are strongly advised to discuss your ideas with one of the SMQB centre fellows in advance. We are hosting informal drop in events across campus on the following dates. Alternatively, please contact Dr Rebecca Ward, SMQB Programme Manager (r.j.ward.2@bham.ac.uk) in the first instance.

Wednesday 28th Feb, Wolfson Common Room Medical School, 0900 – 1100
Wednesday 28th Feb, School of Computer Science, LG23, 14:30 – 15:30
Thursday 7th March, Dearden Lounge, 1st floor of the School of Chemical Engineering (Y11), 1200-1330.

What support is available?

Project teams will be paired up with a SMQB fellow with the necessary quantitative skills to drive forward the project. The fellow will work with you 50% of their time over the 6 months.

Funding of up to £10K per project is also available for consumables, essential travel for project teams and activities to disseminate the results of the project such as PPIE or outreach.

Projects are also eligible to be paired up with an Artist in Residence who collaborates with scientists to bring new perspectives and insights into the research project, while leading on creative outputs where they transform and interpret the research into artform. Funding for creative artwork is provided in addition to resources needed to deliver the scientific project.

What is the objective of the scheme?

These projects ‘seed’ new interdisciplinary collaborations across campus and produce preliminary results suitable for first publication and onward significant funding applications. Ongoing research support for future grant applications is available through the SMQB professional services staff.

How do I apply?

Applications are via the application form here. Completed applications should be returned to Rebecca Ward (r.j.ward.2@bham.ac.uk), by the deadline 4pm Friday 12^th April. Any questions, please get in touch with Rebecca.

How do seedcorn projects work?

To maximise the 6 month duration of this pilot funding, seedcorn projects kick off with a 2 day facilitated event led by SMQB Director Professor John Terry. Two investigators (must include the PI) from the project team are required to attend this off-site event. This will be held on Monday & Tuesday 24th and 25^th June at the Hogarth’s Hotel, Solihull. All travel and accommodation (if required) will be provided for the attendees. Teams will work with their SMQB fellow to further develop their project plan, integrating the skills of the fellows into the project, and agree milestones, ways of working and formulate and agree the budget. Sessions will be held with professional services staff around industry engagement, budget planning, identifying future sources of funding applications and with our AMIGOIs (our lay PPIE panel) to develop PPIE plans.

What topic should the seedcorn project be on?

Projects can address any biological or healthcare challenge, using mathematical and computational approaches. There is no subject or research field requirements beyond that.

However, if your project fits within the remit of the N-CODE network to use neurotechnology to improve the diagnosis and management of neurological conditions in the community then projects can be supported via N-CODE. Please speak with Rebecca Ward.

What data do I need in advance?

Please note that projects strongly dependent on collection of new data are unlikely to be suitable for support through this mechanism given the short time frame of the projects. Data should predominately be available or accessible. Please get in touch to discuss if you have any questions.