Overview
This UKRI-BBSRC- and UKRI-MRC- supported User Access Fund is for UK researchers seeking access to biological imaging technologies and data analysis services through one of the current sites comprising the UK Node of Euro-BioImaging or other Euro-BioImaging Nodes. There are more than 25 imaging technologies as well as image analysis services available through the UK Node - for more info, please go to this webpage.
- Application Deadline: Rolling basis with evaluation every 4 months (31 March, 31 July, 30 November) and decisions expected not more than 4 weeks later
- Funding Available: Up to £5000 at 100% FEC for access to bioimaging hardware or up to £2000 for image analysis services only (maximum funding for applicants without current funding support)
- Funding Coverage: This scheme can cover facility access/instrument time, data scientist time, user consumables, travel costs, accommodation, sample shipment, and other reasonable justified project costs
- Eligibility: UKRI eligible research organisations within the UK (academic institutions only - industry-based users are not eligible for this funding)
- Application Limit: Maximum of one funded application per applicant per year
- A preview of the application questions is
here
Important Documents and Links |
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| Application Form Link | |
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UK Node Contact & Info Sheet
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Preview of Application Questions
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Submission Guidelines
Before Submission:
MANDATORY: Discuss and agree your experimental plan (feasibility, cost, timeframes) with the chosen host facility(s).
We expect most applications to be for one of these UK Node sites*:
- ESRIC (Edinburgh Super-resolution Imaging Consortium)
- University of York, Imaging and Cytometry Facility
- University of Liverpool, Centre for Cellular Imaging, Biomedical Electron Microscopy Unit, Pre-clinical Imaging,
- Oxford Brookes University, Centre for Bioimaging
- King's College London, Nikon Imaging Centre, Microscopy Innovation Centre, London Metallomics Facility
- The Francis Crick Institute, CALM facility
*Since the OCTOPUS facility at Harwell already benefits from having dedicated UKRI-funded user access arrangements in place, this facility is excluded from this funding scheme; to access their equipment please visit the relevant pages on the Central Laser Facility website
Here is a list of eligible UK Node Facility information and contacts -
UK Node Information and Contact Sheet
Evaluation Criteria:
- Scientific excellence and potential impact of the work
- Career stage (priority for PhD Students, Research Technical Professionals (RTPs), junior Post-docs (< 2 years in role), junior PIs (< 2 years in role)
- Existing financial support available to applicant/team
- Evidence of need and lack of local technology/expertise availability
- Justification for non-UK facility access (if applicable)
- Value for money
- Applications are evaluated in March, July, November by the Biological User Access Panel (BL-UAP)
- We expect funding decisions to be communicated within 4 weeks of panel meeting
- Successful applicants receive award letters with detailed terms and conditions
- Project must commence within 6 months of timeline described in question D3
- Maximum one funded application per applicant per year
- Since the OCTOPUS facility at Harwell already benefits from having dedicated UKRI-funded user access arrangements in place, this facility is excluded from this funding scheme; to access their equipment please visit the relevant pages on the Central Laser Facility website
- All biological research projects or fields are within scope
- Completion of a short post-access survey is mandatory
- All costs must be pre-agreed with facilities
- Costs will be paid after completion of the work and completion of the post-access survey
Support: For assistance with this application or facility connections, contact: UK Node Manager: [email protected]