1. An Introduction to BBSRC & Current Funding Opportunities
Dr Jo O’Leary
Science Delivery Manager
Research Innovation and Skills Directorate
University of Leicester
23 June 2010

2. Overview Introduction to BBSRC BBSRC’s Strategy and Priorities
BBSRC Grant Funding and Peer Review
BBSRC Studentships
University of Leicester Funding
Current Funding Opportunities

3. Introduction to BBSRC
BBSRC’s Strategy and Priorities
BBSRC Grant Funding and Peer Review
BBSRC Studentships
University of Leicester Funding
Current Funding Opportunities

4. Research Councils UK
Strategic partnership of the UK's seven Research Councils
Combined budget of £3.4 billion in 2010/11

5. Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
Our Mission (Royal Charter) is:
to support high-class science and research training, and to promote knowledge transfer
in support of bio-based industries and public engagement in bioscience.
BBSRC funding totals around £450M p.a. (09/10)
STAKEHOLDERS
ACADEMIA
INDUSTRY
PUBLIC
GOVERNMENT

6. Introduction to BBSRC
BBSRC’s Strategy and Priorities
BBSRC Grant Funding and Peer Review
BBSRC Studentships
University of Leicester Funding
Current Funding Opportunities

7. Cross-Government Grand Challenges
Environmental Change
Food Security
Bioenergy
The Science of Life
Healthy Ageing
Diet and Health
Tools and technologies, including software
Importance of new techniques
Virtualisation of science
Distributed information and modelling

8. Delivery of Multidisciplinary Cross-Council Programmes
Food Security
Bioenergy
Living with Environmental Change
Ageing
Global Threats to Security
Bio-nanotechnology
(Digital Economy)

9. BBSRC Strategic Planning Documents
10 years
5 years
3 years
Vision
Practical delivery

10. BBSRC’s New Strategic Plan 2010 - 2015

11. Strategy Advisory Board
BBSRC Strategy
Strategy Advisory Board
and Strategy Panels
Formulation
Refreshment
Delivery
Committees
Membership and Agenda for Strategy Advisory Board and Strategy Panels will be on the BBSRC website

12. BBSRC Priorities Historically, multiple priorities covering everything
Restructured to enable Excellence with Impact
Now fewer priorities
BBSRC-wide priorities

13. BBSRC Priorities 2008-2011 Research Priorities Policy Priorities
Ageing Research: Lifelong Health and Wellbeing
Animal Health
Bioenergy
Crop Science (Food Security)
Global Security
Living with Environmental Change
Nanoscience Through Engineering to Application: Bionanotechnology
Synthetic Biology
Systems Approach to Biological Research
Technology Development for Bioscience
Policy Priorities
Economic and Social Impact
Impact on Public Policy
Increased International Collaboration
Replacement, Refinement and Reduction (3Rs) in Research Using Animals
Welfare of Managed Animals (including Livestock and Companion Animals)
Details of all these are
on the BBSRC website

14. Food Security Greater agricultural yields
“when all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life”
Greater agricultural yields
with fewer inputs of nutrients and water
in the face of competing demands for land use
and in the face of continuing threats of diseases of both plants and animals, and with a need for microbiological and nutritional safety

15. Examples of BBSRC Food Security Work
Rinderpest
Close to global eradication
estimated to benefit Africa by over $1 billion annually
Striga (Witchweed)
BBSRC research has lead to management and reduction of striga weed

16. Bioenergy Clostridium New Biofuel? BBSRC Bioenergy Review 2006
Centre for Sustainable Bioenergy Research (launched in 2009)
Multi-disciplinary and systems approaches
International collaboration through SysMo
Courtesy of Nigel Minton

17. Systems Biology Emerging research area
Predictive models of biological systems (pathways, cells, organs, organisms, ecosystems)
Iterative cycles of modelling (dry) and biological (wet) experiments
6 BBSRC Centres established (2005/06) and 6 SABR grants (2006/07)
International collaboration
ERASysBio (11 EU partners)
BBSRC:ANR (Fr)

18. Technology Development for the Biosciences
Need for improved technology from bioscience community
Multi-disciplinary (biosciences, physics, chemistry, engineering, computer sciences)
Engagement with industry, potential for spin-out

19. Synthetic Biology
Emerging area at intersection of biosciences and engineering
BBSRC-led UK Research Councils initiative to form networks to address Science and Engineering, Ethical, Legal, Societal Impacts
Need to form interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary partnerships
European Union – Transnational Roadmap for Synthetic Biology

20. Responsive Mode is the major vehicle to deliver our priorities
Key Messages
Responsive Mode is the major vehicle to deliver our priorities
We need to deliver more inter-disciplinary and strategically focussed science with greater impact
We must deliver excellence science with demonstrable impacts 20

21. The Funding Cycle Partnership

22. Excellence with Impact
What do we mean?
Excellent science
Strategic focus
Capturing outputs
Demonstrate benefit

23. Examples of high impact projects
Bluetongue research at BBSRC’s Institute
for Animal Health saves £485M in 2008
through prevention of outbreaks, and
protected 10,000 jobs
Tools and models which reduce leaching of nitrate from farmland by 38%
Food safety: improving techniques to chill foods; extended shelf life; reduced food poisoning contribute > £100M pa to the economy

24. Pathways to Impact

25. What is impact?
RCUK recognises that the research we fund has both academic, and economic and societal impacts.
The potential to maximise both of these is assessed within peer review process
Academic impact: Academic beneficiaries and case for support
Economic/societal impact: Impact summary and Pathways to Impact

26. Pathways to Impact?
Changing name of ‘Impact plans’ to clarify their purpose
Not changing the purpose
‘Pathways to Impact’ chosen to reflect that we want applicants to explore ways to enhance potential impact, not predict impact

27. What is economic and societal impact?
The demonstrable contribution that excellent research makes to society and the economy by:
Fostering global economic performance, and specifically the economic competitiveness of the UK
Increasing the effectiveness of public services and policy
Enhancing quality of life, health and creative output

28. RCUK is committed to excellence with impact
This means continuing to invest in the best research, people and infrastructure; whilst aiming to enhance the impact of that funding on society.

29. Why are we asking you to explore Pathways to Impact?
Asking applicants to consider activities to enhance economic and societal impact is not new
We know that the research we fund has a huge impact on the wellbeing and economy of the UK
Recent changes help emphasise the importance we place on this and ensure that potential impacts are demonstrated and supported
Also ensures common format for capturing and assessing this information across different Research Councils

30. What do I need to write in my application?
Academic beneficiaries
Should cover potential academic impact and pathways towards realising that.
Impact summary
Should cover potential economic and societal impact and seek to answer two questions:
Who might benefit from this research?
How might they benefit from this research?
Pathways to Impact
Should detail the activities which will help develop potential economic and societal impact, answering the question:
What will be done to ensure that potential beneficiaries have the opportunity to benefit from this research?

31. What exactly should I write?
Activities outlined in the Pathways to Impact should be
Project specific
Appropriate
For more guidance see individual Research Council websites.
From April

32. Will Pathways to Impact affect the funding decision?
Yes they could
The primary criterion is still excellent research
Beyond that, a number of considerations
Of which Pathways to Impact is one
Likely to affect decisions for example…
At the borderline
Where there is a clear need for user engagement

33. What if my research is assessed as excellent but my Pathways to Impact are deemed unsuitable?
BBSRC reserves the right to withhold the award of grant until Pathways to Impact are of a standard appropriate for the project.
What if my Pathways to Impact are assessed as excellent but my research is deemed unsuitable?
Excellent research remains the primary criterion, you will not be funded.

34. How does Pathways to Impact assessment compare with REF considerations?
We share a common understanding on the description of economic and societal impact.
The REF aims to assess impact which has been achieved.
The BBSRC peer review process is not trying to assess impact. It is designed to explore the potential for impact by considering potential beneficiaries from the outset.
RCUK undertake impact evaluations, but this is a separate exercise, and they are done retrospectively.

35. Can I request resources to fund the activities detailed in my Pathways to Impact?
Yes, all Research Councils provide resources to enable impact generating activities.
Applicants may request resources to cover the costs of eligible, project specific activity within their Pathways to Impact, unless applying via STFC where separate funding schemes for impact should be used

36. Introduction to BBSRC
BBSRC’s Strategy and Priorities
BBSRC Grant Funding and Peer Review
BBSRC Studentships
University of Leicester Funding
Current Funding Opportunities

37. Responsive Mode Must Deliver:
Excellent science
Basic, strategic and applied research
Impact
Strategic priorities
Interdisciplinary science
Grants of all sizes e.g. LoLas
Hypothesis- and non-hypothesis-driven research

38. Responsive Mode Research
To Clarify
Responsive Mode Research
Fundamental Research
Blue Skies Research = =
If there is no hypothesis it can be fundable
Applied research can be excellent research
We fund technology, resources and databases

39. C D A B Research Committees A: Animal Systems, Health & Wellbeing
bioenergy
environmental
biotechnology
evolutionary biology
population biology
genome analysis
applied plant science
soil science
basic plant science
agricultural systems
basic microbiology
environmental change
applied microbiology
crop science
ageing
immunology
drug delivery
tissue engineering
synthetic biology
3Rs
bioinformatics
animal welfare
animal physiology
animal disease
behaviour
diet & health
food borne pathogens
developmental biology
neuroscience
molecular biology
biochemistry
metabolic engineering
enzymology/biocatalysis
structural biology
chemical biology
cell cycle
recombination
gene action & regulation
cell biology
mathematical tools
for biology
bioprocessing
food technology
bionanotechnology
biomaterials
bioinformatic tools
bioimaging
methods development
technology
development
biophysics
biological chemistry
genetics/genomics
systems
biology
Stem Cells C D A B
B: Plants, Microbes, Food & Sustainability
D: Molecules, Cells & Industrial Biotechnology
C: Technological & Methodological Development

40. Research Committee Membership
CORE
Deputy
CHAIR
CHAIR
POOL
To serve on BBSRC Committees
Check BBSRC website
Subscribe to our monthly alert for opportunities to apply

41. Criteria for Peer Review
Animal
Usage
Ethical
& Social
Concerns
Data
Sharing
Impact
Scientific Excellence
Economic and Social Impact
Cost Effectiveness
Investment in People & Skills
Timeliness and Promise
Industrial/Stakeholder Relevance
Relevance to BBSRC Strategy

42. The Peer Review Principles
Recommendation
Application via JeS
Assessment by Referees
Response to Referees
Assessment by Committee

43. Committee Input into Strategy
Assessment
Responsive Mode Proposals
&
Reported Outputs
Evidenced Based Input
Council
Strategy Advisory Board
Strategy Panels
Strategy Development

44. Responsive Mode Schemes
New Investigator Award
early-career researchers
Industrial Partnership Award
must have at least 10% of the full economic cost of the project (cash only)
Applications in these schemes receive an uplift in the rankings - significant increase in likelihood of funding

45. Highlight Notices Will Deliver Timely Strategic Focus
Relate to BBSRC Strategic Aims
Time-limited
Focused

46. Strategic LoLas Run on an annual call – next call expected Spring 2011
Applications must be over £2M FEC and up to 5 years in duration
Support research projects requiring "big" science approaches: longer timescales, intensive resources or multidisciplinary approach
2 stage application process via Je-S
Outline
Full proposal
All applications must address BBSRC's strategic priority areas
Ensure scientific excellence
Focus on the impact and quality of the research team

47. Simple pre-submission checks
Is your Institution eligible?
Is the research within BBSRC’s remit?
Which research committee?
Is it a resubmission?
Are the PI/ Co-Is eligible?
Has all the paperwork been done and submitted correctly?
Are the fEC costs correctly inputted to the form?

48. Make the case properly A worthwhile and reasoned aim: what, why, how
Appropriate, measurable, achievable objectives with realistic timelines
Well-written, concise, & well-presented
Supported: evidence of skills, knowledge, preliminary data, etc
Risks and contingencies
Context: awareness/appreciation of current activity
Justify costs, related to case. Get the costs checked – appropriate admin help needed
Think about impacts: say what will be done to address them - links and contacts
Tips for grant applications

49. Help is at Hand Talk to us:
Prior to submission - submit 1-2 page research summary
After submission - read the feedback
Help the Office by:
Explaining your science (to intelligent non-experts)
Peer reviewing (refereeing) when asked
Reading the Je-S guidance notes and BBSRC grants guide
Treating the Office staff with respect

50. Introduction to BBSRC
BBSRC’s Strategy and Priorities
BBSRC Grant Funding and Peer Review
BBSRC Studentships
University of Leicester Funding
Current Funding Opportunities

51. www Studentships

52. Training highly-skilled scientists
BBSRC supports over 2000 postgraduate students
One third trained in collaboration with industry (CASE)
Additional training provided in “transferable skills”
Over 30% PhD students take immediate employment in private sector
Addressing skills needs e.g. bioprocessing, in vivo physiology, mathematical biology

53. Delivery Plan
‘Skills and Training’ positioned under Economic Impact
Warry Report: “.. the output of highly educated people rather than research results is widely regarded as the most effective knowledge transfer mechanism.”
Previous ( )
Studentships
£42.0M
£43.7M
£47.0M
£51.1M
Fellowships
£5.3M
£6.7M
£8.9M
£10.5M

54. Training highly-skilled scientists A significant investment
BBSRC funds around 2200 PhD students and 1900 postdocs at any one time

55. Training Awards Committee (TAC)
TAC responsible for assessment and monitoring of studentship and fellowship funding:
Membership includes academics and industrialists
Departmental Visits
Monitors progress of BBSRC Fellows
Members act as Mentors for BBSRC David Philips Fellows
Chaired by Professor Ian Roberts (Manchester)

56. Bioscience Skills & Careers Strategy Panel (BSC)
BSC advises on the wider agenda now facing BBSRC’s strategy for investment in skills and careers
Membership includes representatives from all other Strategy Panels
A more integrated approach to developing training strategy
Thinking about the broad economic and social impact of trained people in research and research related careers
Chaired by Professor Ottoline Leyser CBE FRS
Met for the first time 26 January 2009

57. Strategic use of Quota DTGs
Part of the 2007 Quota competition was to ask departments about their processes for using DTG flexibility
Processes need to take account of BBSRC priorities in selecting supervisors and studentship proposals
Vital element of Quota DTG approach is that this flexibility is used strategically – also responding to local research skill needs and needs of industrial collaborators
CASE requirement in Quota awards: 25% of studentships need to be CASE

58. Core Bioscience Skills Areas
Introduced as part of the 2007 Quota DTG competition
We expect all Quota DTG funded PhD programmes from October 2009 to provide students with a range of core bioscience skills
We do not wish to be prescriptive on the level of training needed, but all students need to have some exposure to these

59. Core Bioscience Skills Areas
Three groups of core skills for bioscientists:
Mathematical skills
Computational and data handling skills;
Multi-disciplinary approaches to biological systems
Public engagement and outreach opportunities
Ethical awareness training
Awareness of the social context of biological research
Commercial awareness
Business and management skills
Entrepreneurial awareness

60. Annual Industrial CASE competition 2010
Annual Competition with proposals submitted by companies or by academic partner
88 four-year studentships available again this year
Double the number available in the 2006 competition
Individual projects specified
Training Awards Committee reviews projects to ensure that they offer appropriate training vehicle to the student
Research training has to be robust and genuinely collaborative
Deadline 4pm, 28 July 2010

61. Introduction to BBSRC
BBSRC’s Strategy and Priorities
BBSRC Grant Funding and Peer Review
University of Leicester Funding
Current Funding Opportunities

62. General Trends in Funding

63. BBSRC funding at University of Leicester
Success rates for responsive mode and initiatives
2005/6
2006/7
2007/8
2008/9
Funded
Not funded
Success by value (£k) % 8 24 25 19 30 11 17 39 2 22

64. Introduction to BBSRC
BBSRC’s Strategy and Priorities
BBSRC Grant Funding and Peer Review
University of Leicester Funding
Current Funding Opportunities

65. Application Closing dates
Responsive Mode
23 June TODAY
6 October 2010
Fellowships
Next call TBC
Studentships
International Schemes
Next call September 2010
Business and Innovation Schemes
See Donald’s talk

66. Useful email contacts BBSRC remit queries remit@bbsrc.ac.uk
Specific queries about responsive mode applications:
Research Committee A
Research Committee B
Research Committee C
Research Committee D
Help with JeS
Details on Science Outreach Visits
Dr Jo O’Leary