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.

MRC Gap Fund for Early-stage Development of New Healthcare Interventions

Applications to the MRC Gap Fund for Early-stage Development of New Healthcare Interventions are opening on 7th May. This funding opportunity is designed to provide funding to prime the development of a medical prototype, medical product or behavioural intervention. The Developmental Pathway Funding Scheme has identified a gap within the product development lifecycle, between early projects that have established an idea or concept and the projects where significant amounts of preliminary data are required to support requests for larger scale funding. To mitigate this and support our continuum for funding in product development, a gap fund was proposed to sit beyond the small scale ’pump priming’ MRC Impact Accelerator Account (IAA) funding and before the substantive Developmental Pathway Funding Scheme awards. It was acknowledged that this scheme needed to be agile, light on bureaucracy, with a quick turnaround and managed by the experts on the Developmental Pathway Funding Scheme to invest in high risk, high reward projects.

Awards from £50k-300k will be available. To apply, you must be based at a research organisation eligible for MRC funding. The Gap Fund bridges the smaller Impact Acceleration Account (IAA) and the larger Developmental Pathway Funding Scheme (DPFS). For questions related to this specific funding opportunity please contact gapfund@mrc.ukri.org.

Call opens: Wednesday 7th May 2025, 9am

Call closes: Wednesday 9th July 2025, 9 am

Multidisciplinary Food Systems Catalyst – Sandpit Registration Now Open

Join a new UKRI-supported initiative to build and transform your impact in sustainable food systems. Researchers from the biosciences or social sciences can express interest for the 2-day in-person Sandpit (2–3 July) and be eligible for £100k funding and a 6-month innovation programme.

Deadline: Friday 13th June, 4pm.

Want to learn more? Join one of our upcoming info sessions: https://events.zinc.vc/multidisciplinary-food-systems-catalyst-information-session

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.

Workshop, Training and Events

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 - closing soon!

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
Be a voice for IBioIC and IB within your institution.
Develop activities to help raise awareness of the opportunities that IB offers.
Flag exciting research and innovation taking place in your institution.
Promote our events, training and funding opportunities locally.

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!

Impact Ignite 2025 - From Ideas to Action: Practical Research Impact

Impact Ignite 2025 is the essential conference for everyone driving research impact forward. Whether you’re a research impact officer, funder, policy maker, academic, or practitioner, this event is your opportunity to connect, collaborate, and ignite real-world change.

This isn’t just another conference—it’s a movement. Together, we’ll explore stories, strategies, tools, and solutions to accelerate and amplify the societal, economic, and environmental impacts of research. No matter your role, Impact Ignite 2025 has something tailored for you:

For Research Impact Officers and Managers: Learn actionable strategies to support your researchers and demonstrate measurable impact.
For Funders and Policymakers: Discover innovative approaches to embedding impact in funding frameworks and decision-making.
For Academics and Impact Practitioners: Share your success stories, find new tools, and collaborate on future projects.
For Research Administrators: Gain insights into how to create a culture of impact in your institution.
For Impact Champions: Connect with peers who are shaping the future of impact practices.

At Impact Ignite 2025, you’ll gain practical tools, fresh ideas, and meaningful connections to transform how you create, support, and communicate research impact. Fro more information, please see the Impact Ignite 2025 website or email info@impactignite2025.com. Register for Impact Ignite 2025 here.

Where: Southampton, UK

When: 25th & 26th November 2025 - Abstract Submission Deadline: Friday 30th May 2025

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!

IBioIC Industrial Biotechnology Champions for Scotland

Do you have an interest in biotechnology, circular economy and sustainability? Are you keen to develop professionally, learn new skills and develop your networks? Then this could be the opportunity for you!

IBioIC provides support to every university and college in Scotland, which is a significant task for our small team. We are looking to recruit a ‘clan’ of helpers to champion industrial biotechnology across Scotland. You don’t need to be an expert in IB, just someone who is passionate about research, innovation and training in this field, and eager to be advocate for its value for our people and our planet. We are open to applications from postgraduates, post-doctoral researchers, or any staff (research, technical or professional services).

We need your help to:

We ask for a minimum commitment in the role for a year, although you can agree to longer. This role will require no more than one day a month in total although you are welcome to contribute as much time and energy as you can. Full details can be found on our website her e.

If you'd like to be considered as an IB Champion, please complete [http://Industrial Biotechnology Champion for Scotland]this brief application form by Friday 16th May.

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 Session

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 learn more about the fund, and answer any questions, we are hosting an information session on Tuesday 29th April. You can sign up on Eventbrite at the link below.

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

IEE Links and Contacts