Masterclasses in Clinical Neuroscience

CALL FOR PROPOSALS CLOSED

Background and purpose

The Wellcome Trust is piloting a new initiative - 'Masterclasses in Clinical Neuroscience' - to bring together basic researchers and clinicians to tackle key clinical problems in the field, and to promote translational research.

The need to promote this interaction was highlighted by the Trust's Neuroscience and Mental Health Strategy Committee.

The Neuroscience and Mental Health stream is now inviting applications for funding to create and host Masterclasses in Clinical Neuroscience, in partnership with UK-based learned societies.

Designing your Masterclass

Masterclasses by definition should expose participants, at all levels of seniority, to the selected topic in all its complexity.

During the Masterclass, major challenges in a field should be identified and tangible solutions discussed that have the ultimate aim of improving human and animal health. You should be aiming to achieve practical, achievable outcomes, including initiating new collaborations and identifying opportunities for funding.

The programme for the Masterclass should be innovative and promote interaction, education, the exchange of ideas and collaboration among the participants.

Your application for funding should focus on a particular disease and the aspects covered could include:

• Clinical issues - including presentation and diagnosis; epidemiology; variability and heterogeneity in clinical progression; clinical tools used to monitor disease; pathology; clinical biochemistry; treatments; and therapeutic intervention.
• Basic science - the molecular and cellular events underpinning a disease. This could also include the use of technology and particularly the development of novel approaches.
• Pharmaceutical industry perspective.
• Patient perspective - a personal account.
• Carer perspective - to highlight the concerns of carers.
• Public engagement and education.

Duration and number of participants

The Masterclass is not intended to be a large meeting, and should be restricted to approximately 50 participants. When deciding on duration, adequate time for discussion, exchange of ideas and networking should be factored in. Participants are expected to commit to attending for the full duration.

Who can apply?

The Trust will consider applications from principal applicants in the UK or Republic of Ireland who meet our eligibility criteria.

The application must be made in partnership with a UK-based learned society. The following learned societies have indicated a willingness to participate in the scheme in principle:

• Anatomical Society
  Contact: Prof Diana Watt
  E Diana.Watt@bsms.ac.uk
• The Biochemical Society
  Contact: Sheila Alink-Brunsdon
  E sheila.alink-brunsdon@biochemistry.org
• British Association for Psychopharmacology
  Contact: Susan Chandler
  E susan@bap.org.uk
• British Neuroscience Association
  Contact: Dr Yvonne Allen
  E y.allen@bna.org.uk
• British Pharmacological Society
  Contact: Luisa Hambley
  E lvh@bps.ac.uk
• The Physiological Society
  Contact: Prem Kumar
  E p.kumar@bham.ac.uk

The learned society will provide the necessary administrative support to organise and run the Masterclass, and a letter of support is required as part of the application.

Awards will only be made either to the host institution of the principal applicant or directly to the learned society.

Individuals contributing to the organisation of the Masterclass should be highlighted in the application as members of the organising committee and their specific role described. A coordinating applicant, willing to address any queries on the application, may also be identified.

The Trust recognises that other organisations (e.g. charities) may wish to contribute towards a Masterclass as a partner.

The Wellcome Trust reserves the right not to process an application if its eligibility criteria are not met.

What does a Masterclass grant provide?

Applicants may apply for any of the directly incurred costs of organising and holding a Masterclass. Although there is no upper limit on the amount that can be requested, all costs must be fully justified. The costings part of the application should be completed in conjunction with the learned society. Details of any funding contributions, aside from those requested from the Wellcome Trust, should be included.

Value for money will be one of the assessment criteria.

How to apply

An application form [Word 163KB] can be submitted to the Neuroscience and Mental Health Funding stream at any time before the deadline.

We regret that application forms for masterclasses are not available on eGrants, as this is a pilot scheme.

Deadline

The deadline for applications is 1 December 2006 for consideration in February 2007.

Contacts

Applicants are invited to discuss their ideas for a masterclass with Jessica Hendon, Science Programme Officer, or Pamela Reid, Science Programme Manager:

T +44 (0)20 7611 7337
E nmh@wellcome.ac.uk