Call on the development of Next Generation Non-animal Technologies

Posted on: 29/03/2024

The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and the UK National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs) are launching a joint call of £4M to support the development of non-animal technologies (such as complex 3D tissue models, organ-on-chips, MPS, and in silico or computational tools).

These alternative approaches should

  • mimic the physiological environment,
  • consider a whole system approach (e.g. intra-organ interactions, micro-environmental factors),
  • model human and/or animal biology and
  • predict interactions.

This call will help to increase confidence in the use of non-animal technologies and will strengthen partnerships between academia and industry.

 

What are the eligibility criteria?

  • You can submit a project up to £250k. The BBSRC and NC3Rs will fund 80% of this total cost. The project can last up to 24 months.
  • The scope of the project has to fit in the BBSRC’s remit to receive funding. BBSRC funds research in: plants, microbes, animals, humans, tools and technologies underpinning biological research, wild species and managed land.
  • The project should be able to replace in vivo models or animal studies in line with the NC3Rs mission.
  • Applicants should be part of UK-based organisations. These organisations have to be one of those:
    • Higher education institutions,
    • Eligible independent research organisations,
    • Public sector research establishments,
    • UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)-funded laboratories and facilities.

 

What are the key dates and how to apply?

  • 23 June 2022: The application form will be available on the Je-S system.
  • 8 September 2022: Deadline for application via Je-S. Proposals should be submitted via the Je-S system. A guidance for applicants will be published in early June.
  • November 2022: Assessment panel meeting and notification of results to applicants.
  • 3 January 2023: Deadline to start award.

 

How will your proposal be assessed?

The projects will be evaluated by senior independent academic and industry members. The assessment criteria will be published early June.

 

Sources:

NC3R call for development of next generation non-animal technologies