Joint Synthetic Biology Initiative
Researchers are invited to apply for funding from a new Joint Synthetic Biology Initiative, which has made up to £2.4 million available from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), and the Medical Research Council (MRC).
The aim of the initiative is to fund a cohort of preliminary, short, innovative, proof-of-concept speculative scientific investigations that seek to explore the potential applicability of synthetic biology to the UK’s current and future national security and defence needs.
Projects may include, but are not limited to:
- Research that can underpin novel sensors, detectors and diagnostic approaches, including in-field devices.
- Development of new materials and methods for decontamination.
- Development of new materials and methods for trauma care, including wound management and healing.
- Smart materials and coatings, especially those that can reduce the weight of equipment.
- Improvements to bioprocesses or metabolic engineering to support technology development, such as the above, with the production of biologics or small molecules.
For further information, including guidance on how to apply, please visit:
http://www.bbsrc.ac.uk/jointsyntheticbiology
Application deadline: 4pm on 22 November 2011