Grantholders e-newsletter

Issue 14: July 2008

Contents

1. Integrated research application system

2. Use of animals in medical and veterinary research

3. Supporting the career development of researchers

4. Procuring tissues or cells for human application?

5. Wellcome Collection Club - grantholders eligible for concession

6. Free event: The Wellcome Debate

7. Senior Research Fellowships in Clinical Science

8. Translation Awards

9. Seeding Drug Discovery

10. The media and publishing your research

1. Integrated research application system

A time-saving research application system has been launched to help streamline administration and save time for researchers seeking permission to conduct research within the UK National Health Service.

Find out more

2. Use of animals in medical and veterinary research

Five of the UK’s major funders of animal research, the MRC, BBSRC, NERC, Wellcome Trust and NC3Rs, have collaborated to produce a common set of principles for using animals in research and applying the 3Rs (replacement, refinement and reduction).

Common guidelines have been published and compliance with the guidelines will be a condition of funding for new grants involving the use of animals.

3. Supporting the career development of researchers

A revised Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers was agreed in June 2008.

The Concordat sets out the expectations and responsibilities of researchers, their managers, employers and funders. It aims to increase the attractiveness and sustainability of research careers in the UK and to improve the quantity, quality and impact of research for the benefit of UK society and the economy.

The Wellcome Trust expects organisations that hold Wellcome Trust grants to adopt the principles of the revised Concordat for the management of their researchers.

4. Procuring tissues or cells for human application?

The European Union Tissues and Cells Directive was fully implemented into UK law on 5 July 2007 and extends the remit of the Human Tissue Authority to license organisations that: procure, test, process, distribute or import/export tissues and cells for human application, unless it is carried out on behalf of a licensed organisation under a third party agreement.

If you or your organisation requires an HTA licence you must apply by 5 July 2008.

5. Wellcome Collection Club - grantholders eligible for concession

Grantholders can join the Wellcome Collection members’ club for our concessionary rate of just £28 to enjoy many special privileges.

Visit the Wellcome Collection site to find out more

6. Free event: The Wellcome Debate

Should it be illegal to sell genetic tests except through a doctor? On Thursday 10 July 2008, 19.00-21.00, join our panel to explore the issues. Speakers: Christine Patch, Consultant Genetic Counsellor; Mark Henderson, Science Editor, ‘The Times’; Kári Stefánsson, deCODE genetics; Alison Stewart, PHG Foundation. Facilitator: Toby Murcott, science writer.

Tickets are free but must be booked in advance. For information and bookings visit the Wellcome Collection website or call 020 7611 2222.

New calls for proposals

7. Senior Research Fellowships in Clinical Science

This scheme provides support for clinical investigators to further develop their research potential and to establish themselves as leading investigators in clinical academic medicine. Preliminary applications deadline: 19 September 2008.

Find out more

8. Translation Awards

These awards are open to researchers from both academic institutions and early-stage companies. Projects covering any aspect of technology development from a range of disciplines - including physical, computational and life sciences - will be considered. Deadlines for preliminary applications: 15 August 2008 and 17 November 2008.

Find out more

9. Seeding Drug Discovery

This five-year, £91 million initiative aims to develop early-stage small-molecule drug discovery that will be the springboard for further research and development by the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry in areas of unmet medical need. Deadline for preliminary applications: 7 November 2008.

Find out more

10. The media and publishing your research

Are you working on some interesting research? Could you act as an expert, commenting on the science behind the headlines?

Whether through issuing a press release or acting as a journalistic buffer, the Trust's Media Office offers you all the support you need to reach a wider audience. We always respect embargoes and work closely with you, your institution, co-funders and all relevant journals.

To notify us about a forthcoming paper or to discuss working with the media in general, please contact Craig Brierley, +44 (0)20 7611 7329 or email c.brierley@wellcome.ac.uk.