Proof of Concept Awards (PoCAs)

Results of April 2021 Call

The successful projects are as follows:

Principal Investigator: Dr Scott Dillon 
Institution: Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge
Project title: Multiscale imaging of matrix vesicle breakdown during biomineralisation

Principal Investigator: Dr Ben Sherlock 
Institution: College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter
Project title: Hierarchical Effects of Mineralisation on Collagen Structure and Biomechanics

Principal Investigator: Dr Maxime Berg 
Institution: Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London
Project title: Inferring Engineered Tissue Properties Combining In Vitro Experiments, High-Resolution Imaging and Mathematical Modelling

April 2021 Call Description

The ImagingBioPro network has funding for up to 18 exchanges to stimulate inter-disciplinary research on imaging of orthopaedic and musculoskeletal processes, with a core focus on using the UK’s Large Facilities (e.g. Diamond Light Source, ISIS Neutron Source, and the Central Laser Facilities). These PoCAs will cover up to 2-months PDRA salary and £3500 for research consumables, travel and subsistence.

Eligibility

Funding is available to ImagingBioPro network members only, please join before applying. 

Key Features

  • Funding value total ~£21k/PoCA and includes:
    • up to 2-month PDRA salary (at UCL rate: £17.5k, including overheads)
    • up to £1500 for research consumables
    • up to £2000 for travel and subsistence
  • Funding is paid at 80% fEC, which goes to the PIs’ institution to manage as appropriate (under normal UKRI terms and conditions). Costings must be approved by the PIs’ academic institution.
  • Applications must be interdisciplinary, involving at least two disciplines (one from the home and one from the host institute), and have clearly defined deliverables and impact.
  • The applicant researcher(s) should work in the host laboratory, different to their current place of work (exceptions considered during pandemic).
  • Early Career Researcher (ECR) engagement is strongly encouraged. PDRAs can be named as PI or CoI provided that they have a contract of employment with the academic institution for the duration of the grant prior to application.
  • The PI must be from a UK academic institution, which can be either the ‘home’ or ‘host’ institute for the PoCA.
  • PhD student involvement must follow UKRI guidelines, limiting the hours they can work. Their salary cannot be requested in project costings.
  • Project must be completed, reported and invoiced by 31st January 2022.

Application Process

  • Please download Funding Application Form.
  • Completed applications should be emailed to Imagingbiopro@gmail.com and use the subject header: “PoCA2 Application - Name - Institution”
  • Application deadline: 14th May 2021
  • A decision will be announced 1 month after application deadline
  • For more info please read: Funding Guidance for Applicants.

Evaluation Criteria

The applications will be judged on their fit to the following criteria:

  • Scientific excellence
  • Inter-disciplinary
  • Fit to Technologies Touching Life remit
  • Involvement of early career researchers
  • At least one academic partner or a UKRI funded partner (ie. Large facilities).
  • Clear future impacts
  • Likelihood to lead to further funding

Acknowledgements

All publications arising from these exchanges should acknowledge the MRC/EPSRC/BBSRC ImagingBioPro grant (MR/R025673/1). (E.g. state "This work was funded in part by the MRC/EPSRC/BBSRC ImagingBioPro grant MR/R025673/1").