Grantholders’ News

Two of the world's most influential scientific organisations have launched a joint scheme to identify and support future world leaders in biomedical research. Funded in partnership by the Royal Society and the Wellcome Trust, Sir Henry Dale Fellowships will provide the brightest biomedical scientists with the best possible start to their research careers in the UK.

Funding updates

2. Early clinical careers scheme open for applications

This new scheme provides up to three years' support for clinicians who have recently gained a higher degree and wish to obtain high-quality postdoctoral training to lay the foundations for a successful independent research career.

3. iGEM

The next round of applications for the iGEM scheme is now open. This scheme aims to provide promising undergraduates with hands-on experience of synthetic biology during their summer vacation and to encourage the students to consider a career in interdisciplinary research.

4. Applications now open for Wellcome Trust Science Media Studentships

Our Science Media Studentships offer support for two biomedical scientists to undertake a postgraduate qualification in Science Media Production at Imperial College London plus a six-month placement working in the broadcast industry. Applications are now open.

5. Forthcoming application deadlines

WT/NIH Four-year PhD Studentships (14 Nov)
Research Fellowships in Medical History and Humanities (1 Dec 2011)
University Awards in Medical History and Humanities (1 Dec 2011)
Short-term Research Leave for Clinicians and Scientists (1 Dec 2011)
University Awards in Ethics and Society (2 Dec 2011)
Research Fellowships in Ethics and Society (2 Dec 2011)
Research Fellowships for Health Professionals and Scientists (2 Dec 2011)
Research Leave Awards for Health Professionals and Scientists (2 Dec 2011)
New Investigator Awards in Biomedical Science(16 Dec 2011)
Senior Investigator Awards in Biomedical Science (16 Dec 2011)

See upcoming deadlines on our website.

See more information on forthcoming scheme deadlines in the biomedical sciences and medical history and humanities.

Grant-related updates

6. Grant Conditions update

The Wellcome Trust's standard Grant Conditions, which are used for biomedical science, medical humanities and technology transfer awards, have recently been updated in regard to (i) the standards and procedures relating to the control of expenditure, and (ii) governing law, jurisdiction and compliance. Your attention is drawn to sections 3(i) and 10.

The Engaging Science Grant Conditions have also been updated. For projects that produce educational resources, and so projects can have a wider reach, there is now an obligation on the grantholder to deposit copies of those resources with the National STEM Centre in York.

Other updates

7. Wellcome Trust Book Prize

The shortlist has now been published for the Wellcome Trust Book Prize for works of fiction and non-fiction on the theme of health, illness or medicine. The winner will be announced on 9 November.

8. Sharing research data to improve public health - tell us your views

Earlier this year, we published a joint statement of purpose with 16 other major global funding organisations, emphasising a shared commitment to increasing the availability of health research data supported by our funding. The partner organisations are currently seeking input from the research community on the key barriers inhibiting greater sharing of public health research data and key priorities for research funders. If you would like to contribute to this work, please input your views via a web survey.

9. Winners of the Science Writing Prize

We are pleased to announce that the winners of the Wellcome Trust Science Writing Prize 2011, in association with the Guardian and the Observer, are Penny Sarchet and Tess Shellard.

10. Human Functional Brain Imaging Portfolio Review, 1990-2009

Twenty years after the publication of the first human study using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we have published a report providing reflections on the field of human functional brain imaging. For further details on the findings and methodology of this portfolio review, see the full report.

11. Can you contribute to our image collection?

Your work can reach a wider audience though our biomedical image collection, used by clients around the world. What's more, any images received before 16 January 2012 will be considered for the Wellcome Image Awards 2012. Email images@wellcome.ac.uk.

12. Wellcome researchers get involved in our 75th Anniversary

To celebrate 75 extraordinary years of the Trust, many of our Strategic Award holders are running a special series of activities to engage their local communities with their research. The activities will take place across the country between now and Christmas, presenting the science at the core of Wellcome research and enabling the public to hear directly from many of our researchers. Learn more about this series of activities.

13. Miracles and Charms

Until 26 February 2012
Explore the magic of faith, hope and chance through two fascinating free exhibitions and a season of events.

14. 2012 Science Communication Conference

Organised by the British Science Association and the Wellcome Trust, this will take place 14 and 15 May 2012 at Kings Place, London. The call for proposals is now open. If you are interested in submitting a proposal, please visit the website, where you can also view programmes and reports from previous conferences. The deadline for submitting a proposal is Friday 25 November 2011.

15. Structural Genomics Consortium - survey participants

The Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC) is carrying out a consultation exercise to assess the level of convergence of priorities and interests between the SGC and UK biomedical research communities. The consultation will run for five consecutive weeks, from 10 October 2011 to 15 November 2011.

16. News from the NC3Rs

Details of funding opportunities from the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research:
CRACK IT Challenges - a research competition to foster cross-sector collaboration in addressing business needs and reducing animal use; application process now open
Project grant and pilot study grants schemes - applications invited for 2012
David Sainsbury Fellowships - application form and guidance for applicants now available
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