Queen Mary, University of London: Discipline Bridging Initiative 1 Queen Mary, University of London Discipline Bridging Initiative Funded via the MRC/EPSRC

Queen Mary, University of London: Discipline Bridging Initiative 1

Queen Mary, University of LondonDiscipline Bridging Initiative

Funded via the MRC/EPSRC Institutional Discipline Bridging Award scheme

Professor David Lee

Launch Event

17th January 2007


QMUL Discipline Bridging Initiative

Funded for 3 years by the MRC and the EPSRC

Strategic Aims• To establish infrastructure and support conducive to the

development of multidisciplinary collaborations across QMUL and beyond

• To establish QMUL as a leading international centre of excellence for multidisciplinary programmes of research


Queen Mary, University of London

Research Mission• ‘to position ourselves, across a range of measures of

research performance, in the top decile of UK universities’

Research Priorities• ‘to develop interdisciplinary and collaborative research within

the college and partner institutions…in response to the needs

and opportunities available nationally and internationally.’



Focused around 5 generic research themes

• Imaging and sensing (Prof Jim Elliott)

• Bio-molecular manipulation and biomaterials (Prof Pankaj Vadgama)

• Multiscale mechanobiology (Prof Dan Bader)

• Regenerative medicine and tissue engineering (Prof Ian Mackenzie)

• Modelling in bioengineering and medical science (Prof Wen Wang)

• Complement current interdisciplinary activity

• Link to one or more existing research centres

• Each lead by an experienced academic coordinator



Key Objective -To facilitate staff mobility and circumvent barriers to working across traditional medical, science and engineering disciplines

Barriers to interdisciplinary activity

• Lack of awareness of expertise, facilities etc

• Lack of opportunity to learn and to interact

• Barriers affecting staff mobility

• Lack of funding for initial proof-of-concept/collaboration

• Input into college-level policy making


Goal - Enhance awareness of multidisciplinary activity across QMUL

Seminar programmes and themed workshops • Encourage networking and overcoming ignorance

– 3rd Wednesday of the month– Rotates between Mile End, Whitechapel and Barts– Complementary background of speakers– Networking social events

• Workshops focussed on research field, techniques or problem-solving

• Suggestions for speakers and workshop topics welcome



Web-site - Clear branding for the DBI• Information on events, funding calls etc

www.dbi.qmul.ac.uk




Ideas factory/sandpits - • Small, focused, off-site forum for brainstorming and

networking– College policy development

– Funding prioritisation

– Ideas generation/problem-solving for major initiatives

• Involve participants at different levels - Profs to Post-docs



Small Grant Schemes -

• Pump priming awards

• Discipline bridging awards

• Inward/outward research visit awards

– Schemes will be active from February

– Short application form

– Case for support - maximum 2 pages

– Flexibility in type of support i.e. salary, running costs etc



Goal -To support pump-priming research leading to multidisciplinary grant proposals

Pump priming awards• Supports development of new interdisciplinary collaboration

– Up to £10k

– Can support staff, running costs, small equipment etc

– Gain proof of concept/collaboration data

• Key criteria for funding– Clear, new multidisciplinary collaboration

– Innovative approach

– Likelihood of leading to a full application



Goal -To support discipline bridging activities including training

Discipline Bridging Awards• Supports staff mobility, training and skills development

– Up to £10k

– Can support costs for ‘bridger’ and/or host department

– Can support time buy-out for the hosting expert

• Key criteria for funding– Clear evidence of multidisciplinary approach

– Innovative approach

– Likelihood of leading to a full application



Goal -To support inward and outward research visits

Inward/outward Research Visit Awards• Supports QMUL staff to spend time at another institution• Supports external staff visits to QMUL

– Up to £10k

– Can support travel, subsistence and running costs

• Key criteria for funding– Funding will enhance multidisciplinary capability at QMUL

– Capability/expertise not available at QMUL

– Matching funding available from an external source



FAQ -

• Do I need to collaborate with someone from a

different department/institute?

No - as long as you can demonstrate a link between disciplines



FAQ -

• Can I get funding for a PhD student?

No - the scheme is not for PhD training



FAQ -

• Do I need to get full costing for my proposal?

Yes - Costing needs to be provided by Research grants or NHS/SMD Joint research office



FAQ -

• Can I collaborate with someone outside QM?

Not normally - but could support visits where clear QM benefit is demonstrated



FAQ -

• Can I use funding to continue an existing

collaboration

No - should be used to develop new collaborations



Summary - • Significant added value will be achieved

– Institution commitment to interdisciplinary research and the DBI

– Complements existing interdisciplinary structures

– Practical - aimed at ‘making things happen not just talking’

Documents

Queen Mary, University of London: Discipline Bridging Initiative 1 Queen Mary, University of London Discipline Bridging Initiative Funded via the MRC/EPSRC