Grantholders e-newsletter

Issue 16: January 2009

1. Open access: compliance audit

Early in 2009 the Trust will be undertaking an audit to assess the level of compliance with its open access (OA) mandate. In cases where we find that papers have not been made available through PMC/UKPMC, in line with our mandate, we will be contacting grantholders (and their institutions) and asking them to explain why this grant condition has not been adhered to.

Grantholders are reminded that it is a condition of grant funding to ensure that all research papers funded in whole or in part by the Wellcome Trust must be made freely accessible through PubMed Central (PMC) and UK PubMed Central (UKPMC) as soon as possible, and in any event within six months of publication. Further information can be found in the authors’ guide and FAQ.

Open access and publisher policies
The Trust has produced a list of the journals frequently used by Wellcome Trust grantholders, along with advice - at the journal title level - on how to comply with the Trust’s open access (OA) requirements in a way that also meets the journals’ publishing policy.

If the journal you are seeking to publish in is not included in this list, please consult the Sherpa/RoMEO database to determine its open access policy.

2. Grant System update

The status of the project to deliver an automated grant processing system has been reviewed and as a consequence the supply contract has been ended and the project terminated.

The Trust is now carefully considering its future options. In the meantime, please continue to submit grant applications using our existing eGrants electronic application system. Current payment arrangements will also continue for now.

If you have any specific queries about the above, please contact Roger Blake:
T +44 (0)20 7611 8427
E r.blake@wellcome.ac.uk

If you have any queries regarding grant payment arrangements, please email:
grantpayments@wellcome.ac.uk

Funding opportunities

3. Biomedical vacation scholarships 2009

Applications are now open for this funding scheme, which enables undergraduate biomedical and veterinary science students to conduct hands-on research during their summer vacation. The deadline for applications is 16 February 2009.

Visit the biomedical vacation scholarships page.

4. Science media studentships

The Trust and Imperial College London have launched studentships to support biomedical students looking to explore a career in science broadcasting. The deadline for applications is 27 February 2009.

Visit the science media studentships page.

Other updates

5. 2009 Science Communication Conference

Do you want to share your experiences with others? The 2009 Science Communication Conference, organised by the British Association for the Advancement of Science in partnership with the Wellcome Trust, will take place on 22 and 23 June 2009 at Kings Place, London.

Other Wellcome Trust news

6. War and Medicine

An operation for appendicitis at the Military Hospital, Endell Street; Chalk drawing by Francis Dodd, 1917

A new exhibition considering the constantly evolving relationship between warfare and medicine runs in Wellcome Collection until 15 February 2009.

Visit the ’War and Medicine’ web pages.

7. Wellcome Collection Club concession

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

Visit the Wellcome Collection website to find out more.

8. Getting media coverage of your research

Are you about to publish a paper that you think may be of interest to the public? Have you reached a significant milestone in your research? Could you act as an expert, commenting on the science behind the headlines?

If so, please let our Media Office know. We can help you to:

identify the key story
prepare a media strategy
write a press release
coordinate interviews.

We have produced a ‘Guide to Working with the Media’, with helpful advice and tips. To obtain your free copy or to notify us about a forthcoming research paper, please contact Craig Brierley:
T +44 (0)20 7611 7329
E c.brierley@wellcome.ac.uk

View recent Wellcome Trust press releases.