Set your Pulse racing

It’s time for science and arts students to get their pulse racing again, as the Wellcome Trust re-launches it’s science inspired arts programme.

Pulse is the grant funding programme which supports arts projects throughout the UK focussed on engaging young people with biomedical science issues. The latest round of funding will consider grant applications for performing arts, but also photography, film, creative writing, new media, visual arts and craft. Projects are to be developed by, for, or with people under the age of 22 and should spark off ideas, debates and enthusiasm for scientific issues amongst those involved.

This is the second season for Pulse, the first round of 23 projects started work in 2003 and have been running throughout 2004.Groups, including youth theatre members and school science classes, have looked at issues as diverse as the science of left – handedness and the medicinal properties of the African cherry. The Wellcome Trust has produced a booklet and DVD which gives an idea of the range of approaches used by the different projects.

The programme strives to get beneath the surface of scientific issues and explore the social and ethical implications of the science developments we hear about in the news each week.

Simon Parry, project manager at the Wellcome Trust said:

“Pulse breaks down the doors between science and art and brings the meaning and possibilities of science, from the laboratories into daily life. After a hugely successful first term we’re really excited by the projects that’ll emerge over the next few months and look forward to some fresh and inventive applications.”

Pulse encourages innovation and freedom in applications and is open to any organisations working in education, science and the arts. Grants of up to £50,000 will be considered.

Applications for projects aiming to start inSummer or Autumn 2005 must be completed by 11th March 2005 and there will be another application deadlineon 7th October for projects aiming to start in 2006. Application packs can be downloaded from www.wellcome.ac.uk/pulse

ENDS

Notes to editor:

1.The Pulse booklet and DVD can be obtained free of charge from the Wellcome Trust by emailing pulse@wellcome.ac.uk or leaving your name and address on 020 7611 8222

2. The Wellcome Trust is an independent research funding charity established in 1936 under the will of the tropical medicine pioneer Sir Henry Wellcome. The Trust's mission is to foster and promote research with the aim of improving human and animal health and it currently spends over £400 million per annum.

Media Contacts:

Mark Anderson

Wellcome Trust

020 7611 8612

m.anderson@wellcome.ac.uk