The Neuro-University of Cambridge Neuroscience Research Collaboration
The Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital (The Neuro) at McGill University and the Departments of Clinical Neurosciences and Psychiatry at the University of Cambridge, have partnered to establish collaborative research and training opportunities in neuroscience.
Within the framework of this formal partnership, we invite applications for competitive Joint Pilot Project Grants to support collaborative work in the areas of
- Nervous System Homeostasis, Degeneration and Repair, and
- Neurodevelopment and Neurodevelopmental Disabilities.
The objective of these pilot projects will be to build on synergistic interactions between the two universities to establish long-standing collaborations, ideally leading to joint external research grant applications.
Proposals are invited for up to three 1-year Joint Pilot Project Grants, to support new or ongoing collaborations. A collaborative application should involve one Neuro-affiliated principal investigator (PI) and one University of Cambridge-affiliated PI. Each PI can participate in maximally one application. Early-career PIs are encouraged to apply.
The maximum total amount that can be requested for each joint application is C$50,000 (approximately B£32,000). Proposals should clearly demonstrate the added value of the planned joint research that would not be possible without the collaboration; and how planned joint research will provide training opportunities. High-risk/high-impact approaches will be considered. In these cases, risk will be evaluated against the potential to deliver ground-breaking results.
Proposals should clearly demonstrate:
- The added value of the planned joint research.
- How planned joint research will provide training opportunities for at least one trainee (MSc, PhD, MD students or postdoctoral fellows).
It is anticipated that data generated through these collaborations will allow researchers to pursue more comprehensive joint external research funding.
Key Dates: 2022 Competition
|
Application call |
September 9 2022 |
|
Closing date |
October 7 2022 |
|
Decision expected |
October 2022 |
Costs
Eligible Costs: Salary of a student, research assistant or postdoc, research consumable costs, equipment costs, travel to foster collaboration, and per diem costs to cover accommodation and reasonable out of pocket expenses during travel.
Non-eligible Costs: Salaries of Principle Investigators, visitor fees, student fees, or bench fees, honoraria for guest lecturers, and publication costs.
Review Process
A Joint Review Panel composed of Principle Investigators from The Neuro and the University of Cambridge will review applications according to the following criteria:
- Quality and originality of the proposed activities.
- Alignment with the priority areas described above.
- Track record of the applicants.
- Evidence that the proposed research might lead to a continuing collaboration between the partner laboratories.
- Demonstrated potential for enhancement of training of students/fellows.
Funding recommendations may take into consideration the longer-term strategic objectives of the partnership; or other factors deemed appropriate. The Panel’s decision will be final and there will be no appeal procedure. The Joint Review Panel reserves the right to not award any grants. Applicants may not take part in the review process.
How to Apply
For each application, PIs will need to send electronically:
- Completed application form:
The Neuro-University of Cambridge Neuroscience Research Collaboration Application Form - Biosketch of PIs including a list of significant recent publications.
- Short biosketch of any listed collaborators (publication list not required).
- A budget including justification of all costs requested.
At project end, pilot projects and workshops should provide a brief (normally 1-page max) report detailing achievements. This should highlight key results, potential impacts of continued research in the area, student mobility, abstracts, talks at scientific meetings, funding applications, publications in preparation, and any media highlights.
Any publications generated as a result of the awarded funding must acknowledge the partnership. Investigators should update the partnership coordinators on the progress of publications arising from these awards. Should a project cease for any reason, including project end, unspent funds will be returned to the partnership.
Please email applications to Prof. Stefano Stifani (stefano.stifani [at] mcgill.ca), Dr. Stefano Pluchino (spp24 [at] cam.ac.uk), and Dr. Richard Bethlehem (rb643 [at] medschl.cam.ac.uk).
