MVLS Innovation, Engagement and Enterprise Newsletter

The Translational Research Initiative (TRI) would like to bring to your attention the following funding opportunities, seminars, events, workshops and support opportunities.

Funding Opportunities

Glasgow Knowledge Exchange Fund (GKEF) Spring Call 2025

Since 2012, the University of Glasgow has strengthened its knowledge exchange activities and research-led impact generation through the GKE Fund. The GKEF remains responsive to changes in the funding landscape, adapting its priorities in order to support exciting and innovative projects that embody the GKEF’s aims and ethos.

Two of the GKE funding streams are now open for applications:

The GKEF Enabling Fund supports UofG staff members at an early stage in their research independence to develop their potential in impact generation by building experience and leadership in the delivery of engagement, knowledge exchange, and impact-focused projects.
The GKE Flexible Fund supports UofG staff members to exploit the outcomes of their research through the delivery of knowledge exchange and engagement projects.

For the GKEF Spring 2025 call, we will receive direct applications to the Flexible Fund and Enabling Fund projects that would normally be in scope for IAA funding.

We will be holding one online pre-application information session on April 10 – you can register here.

We will also be offering an in-person application and project support workshop April 23rd – you can register here.

If you are thinking about applying to the GKE Fund and would like to discuss your project ideas and application, or have questions about this fund, you can book a meeting using this here or you can also reach out the University’s Research Impact and Engagement team at RIandE@glasgow.ac.uk.

Applications will be open to Thursday 15th May, 11am. For more information about the GKEF and how to apply, please visit the GKEF website.

Biofortification Hub Funding

The Biofortification Hub has launched its next round of funds. To apply, you need to be eligible for BBSRC funding and have an industry link or partner, you’d also have to become a member of the Hub (no cost, and short registration form.) The funds available are:

PoC = up to £100k and 12 months
Business Interaction Voucher = up to £50k and 9 months
Flexible Mobility Award = up to £20k and 3 months
Collaboration building workshop fund = 2 workshops in the UK, up to £4k per workshop

For more information, please visit the Biofortification Hub website. Deadline for applications: Friday 25th April 2025

Scotland Beyond Net Zero (SBNZ) seed funding

Scotland Beyond Net Zero (SBNZ) have announced a new round of seed funding to help drive impactful research collaborations across Scottish universities and support partnerships that address key environmental and climate challenges. SBNZ is a coalition of Scotland’s universities designed to catalyse the technologies, systems and behaviour change needed to reduce emissions, adapt and build resilience to the impacts of climate change, and ensure the transition is fair and inclusive. SBNZ is a key element of our Glasgow Changing Futures (GCF) programme of activity and reflects our commitment to Sustainable Futures.

With awards of up to £15k per project, the fund will support initiatives that align with SBNZ’s core themes of food, finance, built environment, natural systems, energy, and transport. SBNZ and GCF particularly welcome seed fund proposals that are led by SHAPE researchers and/or demonstrate meaningful, equitable collaboration between SHAPE and STEM researchers.

As with the previous fund, it will fund collaboration across at least two SBNZ university members who are participating in the fund. Projects should include clear plans for co-creation, engagement or partnership with at least one other organisation (e.g. community group, third sector organisation, local or national government or industry). A list of participating members and examples of the types of projects the fund expects to support can be found here. Applicants are invited to apply for funding between £5 to £15k. The awards will be split across research partners. Ideally there will be an even split of funds across partners.

To apply, please visit the SBNZ website. Deadline for applications will be 5pm, Friday 23rd May 2025. Applicants will be informed of the outcome of their submission in June 2025.

There will be a webinar on Wednesday 23rd April, 12 - 1pm. Sign up by emailing sbnz@ed.ac.uk and noting ‘webinar’ in the subject line. If you have questions about the fund, please contact the Scotland Beyond Net Zero Senior Research Partnership Manager, Dr Kate Symons, on k.symons@ed.ac.uk.

Job and Fellowship Vacancies

Research Impact Officer - College of MVLS, University of Glasgow

The College of Medical Veterinary & Life Sciences are looking for a Research Impact Officer to join their College Services team on a permanent basis. The post holder will work closely with the Research Institutes and Schools to provide support in raising the reputation of research impact from the College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences at the University of Glasgow.

The main focus of this role will be to work proactively with key academic and professional service staff to identify opportunities for research impact, coordinating the creation of a College Impact Pipeline, and ensuring that impacts are investigated, tracked and clearly evidenced throughout the development lifecycle. To create a reportable database of impact stories, impact projects, and Research Excellence Framework (REF)-appropriate impact case studies that will be used to raise the profile of research impact, both internally and externally, and to support the College submission to REF or similar reporting.

Apply online at: www.jobs.gla.ac.uk/job/research-impact-officer (Internal candidates can also apply here: https://www.jobs.gla.ac.uk/job/research-impact-officer). Informal enquiries may be directed to Louise Mason, Louise.Mason@glasgow.ac.uk. This post is full time (1 FTE, 35 hours per week), Grade 7 £40,497-£45,413 per annum, and open ended. Please note, applications for part-time post (0.8 FTE, 28 hours per week) will also be considered. Relocation assistance will be provided where appropriate.

Closing date for applications: Sunday 13th April 2025, 23:45

Emerging Innovators Postdoctoral Fellowship - MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences, London, UK 

The LMS is a biomedical research institute with a strong history of training and mentoring the next generation of clinical and non-clinical scientists. Postdoctoral scientists at the LMS have gone on to accomplish great scientific achievements both during and beyond their time with us. 

The Emerging Innovators Fellowship Scheme is funded by the MRC’s ‘Black in Biomedical Research’ project, which is an overarching programme of work established to tackle the sustained under-representation of researchers from Black heritage backgrounds across MRC and the biomedical sciences.

This is a training and development position suitable for you if you are from a Black heritage background and have recently completed your doctoral studies or are an early career researcher. Alongside world-class scientists you will be working in an institute renowned for its excellent scientific facilities and high-quality research. 

You will be an enthusiastic individual with a PhD in the relevant field, or due to complete by Spring 2025, with a strong background in one of our three research priority areas. There will be opportunities to present scientific work at seminars within the laboratory and at external meetings, draft scientific papers and contribute to the overall preparation of research for publication. 

We will be delivering a live webinar at 9am on Tuesday 8th April 2025 to launch the programme and answer any questions prospective applicants may have. Please click here to sign up.

Applications are open to Sunday 11th May 2025. To apply and access full details about the Fellowship please visit our website Emerging Innovators Fellowship - MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences. If you have any questions, please contact us at peopleandculture@lms.mrc.ac.uk.

Workshop, Training and Events

IBioIC Business Simulation Competition - closing soon!

Applications are now open for the IBioiC Business Simulation Competition! We are looking forward to welcoming colleagues from across the college for the 2-day event in the ARC on the 7th and 8th of May 2025. Participants will take on the role of biotech entrepreneurs, starting and managing their own companies. You will compete in teams against your peers to create the most successful business, navigating real-world challenges such as funding, supply chain management, intellectual property (IP) strategy, and financial planning. You will then pitch your ideas to a panel of dragons, with the winning team announced at the end of day 2.

Whilst the content is framed around Biotech, the fundamentals of the course will translate well regardless of school/discipline. Spaces are limited to 40 attendees, and we expect the demand to be very high for this event. Have a look at the video and testimonials on our webpage to get a taste of the outcomes you can expect from participating.

The deadline for applications is noon, Thursday 17th April. Please apply here: IBIOIC Business Simulation Competition Application Form

For any specific questions, please contact David Faulds, Employer Engagement Manager within MVLS at david.faulds@glasgow.ac.uk

When: Wednesday 7th and Thursday 8th May 2025

Where: ARC Seminar Room 237C, University of Glasgow

RISE@UofG presents: A Conversation with Professor Pat Gunning; Dream Big, Start Small

The next RISE@UofG founders’ club event will host Professor Pat Gunning, a celebrated serial entrepreneur, who has made groundbreaking contributions to biotech and healthcare, earning numerous awards and accolades for his research and innovation. Pat’s journey is a testament to the power of dreaming big and starting small. He has founded multiple successful biotech companies, including Janpix Inc, Dunad Therapeutics, and Dalriada Therapeutics.

During this event, Pat will share his real-world experiences in entrepreneurship—highlighting his struggles, a few failures, and many remarkable successes. Following his presentation, Pat will be joined by Professor Andrew Jamieson, UofG’s Professor of Chemical Biology, for an engaging fireside chat. Together, they’ll delve into Pat’s past and future entrepreneurial ventures focussing on the lessons he’s learned along the way. The event will also feature an open Q&A session, giving you the chance to ask all your burning questions.

This event will be available both in-person and online, hosted by the university’s entrepreneurial teams. In-person attendees will enjoy a networking reception with a buffet and beverages, providing the perfect opportunity to connect with like-minded innovators. Don’t miss this chance to gain invaluable insights from one of the brightest minds in biotech and entrepreneurship!

When: Monday 28th April 2025, 3.45 - 6 pm

Where: Hothouse (282), Adam Smith Business School or online

Booking Link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/riseuofg-a-conversation-with-professor-pat-gunning-tickets-1267047165179?aff=oddtdtcreator

Broadening Horizons Mentoring Programme

Broadening Horizons 2025 is now open! This cross-sector mentoring programme is designed to support, develop, and empower early-career researchers in health and life sciences, equipping them with the skills, networks, and mindset needed to translate discoveries into impact. By sharing your knowledge and experiences, you can help these researchers recognise and seize new opportunities.

Mentees will be UK and RoI early career researchers which includes post-doctoral and junior group leaders within the first few years of independence and/or on their first permanent, open-ended or long-term rolling contract. At the current time, this programme is not intended for PhD students. Ideal mentees will have the following qualities:

An interest in translational research

Keen to develop, and are prepared to take responsibility for professional development
Ready to be mentored, with a willingness to seek feedback and receive advice

Broadening Horizons are also looking for mentors from diverse backgrounds across health and life sciences, including those working in health-related innovations (e.g. therapeutics, vaccines, medical devices, digital health), public health, the arts, humanities, social sciences, and bioethics.

Deadline for applications: Wednesday 30th April 2025. Please find an info pack here, along with a dedicated webpage here. Please contact broadeninghorizons@moving-ahead.org if you wish to know more!

Tay Health Tech Annual Conference

We are thrilled to invite you to the Tay Health Tech Annual Conference, taking place on 21st May 2025 in Scotland’s sunniest city, Dundee. The event brings together people from across academia, industry, health and social care, local government and members of the public to explore the latest innovations, trends, and challenges, and to explore what the Tay Health Tech project is doing.

Why Attend?

Engage with Experts: Hear from top sector leaders and innovators.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with professionals and peers.
Cutting-Edge Insights: Discover groundbreaking technologies and solutions shaping the future of health tech.
Community: Meet and interact with members of our Citizens Assembly, who are actively shaping Tay Health Tech and the activities we fund.

Event Details:

Date: Wednesday 21st May 2025
Location: Dundee, Scotland
Registration: Register Here

Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a transformative experience that will inspire and empower you. Secure your spot today and join us in driving the future of health technology. We look forward to seeing you in Dundee!

Healthcare Technologies (HCT) Strategy for CoSE/MVLS

The University of Glasgow is a UK leader in research in Healthcare Technologies (HCT). This includes a nexus of academics, support services, NHS clinicians, patients and businesses, all of which play a crucial role at various points in the translational development of healthcare technologies. In addition to this, the University of Glasgow and the Glasgow City region is a dynamic environment with the capability through innovation, skills and infrastructure to accelerate the translation and delivery of novel healthcare solutions, which serve to reduce health inequalities and transform approaches to healthcare in the communities of Glasgow and beyond.

We are developing a strategy for Healthcare Technologies in collaboration with colleagues in CoSE and wish to appoint a College lead for this effort. CoSE will also appoint a lead and together they will drive forward the Healthcare Technology agenda across our 2 Colleges. If this is of interest to you, please email James (james.d.wilson@glasgow.ac.uk) by 5pm, Monday 14th April and we will arrange interviews for applicants. Prof Gerry Graham (Dean of Research and Innovation) and Dr Louise Mason (Head of Innovation & Enterprise) would be happy to provide more details if that would be useful.

Clinical 1-to-1 drop-in sessions

The TRI are offering a translational research regulatory support scheme, aimed to provide interested researchers with personalised regulatory support from expert consultants. This initiative is funded by the Wellcome Trust and provides applicants with the opportunity to attend a 1-1 session with therapeutics and clinical device regulatory experts, who can provide tailored guidance and support on the regulatory requirements of clinical translational projects. Interested researchers are invited to submit a short application along with their questions to Pamela Sandu, and successful applicants will be invited to attend an online meeting with the regulatory consultant. In case further support is needed, eligible researchers will be offered with the option to attend a follow-up session.

Who should attend? This event is open to all University of Glasgow research staff of all levels, who are actively involved in translational projects and have identified specific areas where regulatory support or advice is required.

When? Drop-in sessions are now available on-demand. Please email Pamela Sandu to book or to register interest.

Engagement

MVLS IEE Public Engagement Delivery Fund Info Sessions

The MVLS IEE Public Engagement Delivery Fund is open for applications until Monday 30th June 2025. This is a rolling call to enable our staff and PhD students to deliver high-quality engagement activities. The award is for a max £500 and is intended to support colleagues who do not have access to other funds for these types of activities. Applicants are encouraged to apply ASAP. Apply or find out more here.

To share more about the fund, and answer any questions, we are hosting two online information sessions in April. You can sign up for these on Eventbrite at the links below.

Session 1: Monday 7th April 2025, 2-2:30pm – link to sign up

Session 2: Tuesday, 29th April 2025, 4-4:30pm – link to sign up

Policy and Political Engagement courses

Sarah Weakley, Research and KE Lead (CoSS) and Centre for Public Policy, is offering all MVLS staff access to her course - 'Foundations of Policy Engagement'. The course will be co-facilitated by Kimberley Somerside, Communications and Policy Engagement Lead, Centre for Public Policy.

Foundations of Policy Engagement - 29thApril (in person); Interested in learning about policy engagement, influence, and impact in your research career? This foundational session will provide an overview of policy and policy engagement in the UK, helping you navigate and approach these areas effectively.

To book, please access the course via the link above. If you sign into the Inkpath platform and navigate to these courses yourself you will not be able to register. Once you click the link you will need to select University of Glasgow as the destination on the home page, sign in via the UofG page and then wait a while – then the exact course registration page will come up. If you are having trouble and are not able to register at all via Inkpath, please get in touch with Sarah Weakley (Sarah.Weakley@glasgow.ac.uk) directly and she will add you to the roll.

IEE Links and Contacts