SULSA BioSKAPE programme: 2nd call for proposals

Funding is now available for industrial collaboration with the academic life sciences research base.

The Scottish Universities Life Sciences Alliance (SULSA) is pleased to announce the second call of its Bio-industry Skills Knowledge and People Exchange (BioSKAPE) programme.

This Scottish Funding Council supported initiative aims to drive industry collaboration with the Scottish life sciences research base. SULSA is now seeking applications from SULSA university researchers and companies for three BioSKAPE programmes.

1. 2011 Industry PhD Studentships

Funding for ten industry PhD studentships are available to start in 2011. Researchers at SULSA universities and UK companies are eligible to apply. Scottish-based small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) will be given priority. International companies will only be eligible if there is clear demonstration of impact on the Scottish economy. The skills and research outcomes for the project must address a clear area of demand for the Scottish life sciences sector. The awards are for 50% of student stipend and home-fees (~£38k). The matching 50% of stipend and fees, and full consumables costs must be provided by the company and/or the university. The minimum contribution expected from the company is a total of £20k, cash or in kind, over 4 years.

2. Industry Interchanges

The BioSKAPE Industry Interchange programme funds short-term exchanges of researchers in either direction, between the science base and industry. The aim is to foster new links between industry and academia by providing access to knowledge, skills, expertise, equipment and facilities. Interchanges may be full-or part-time, or in tranches.
Individual awards are not expected to exceed £50k. The programme is open to researchers within SULSA universities and UK companies. Applications from Scottish-based SMEs will be given priority. This programme is co-funded by BBSRC. Interchanges that involve SULSA research facilities are particularly encouraged.

3. Masterclasses for Industry

The BioSKAPE Masterclasses for Industry programme supports the development by SULSA universities of Masters level training courses for graduates working in industry. Pump-priming funding of £10-20k per course is available. Training courses should be developed in close collaboration with industry and a clear industrial demand within Scotland must be demonstrated. This programme is co-funded by BBSRC and courses within the BBSRC remit are particularly encouraged.

Linked applications (e.g. related PhD Studentship and Industry Interchange applications from the same company) are welcomed.

*UPDATED* Deadline is now 11 October 2010

For detailed information about all of these scheme click here.

For further information please contact your local SULSA Knowledge exchange representative or Matthew Ross, matthew.ross@sulsa.ac.uk, phone +44 (0)131 651 9066.