BBSRC IAA Pump-Priming 2024

The BBSRC IAA Pump-priming funding call 2024 is now open to support knowledge exchange and early-stage impact projects to progress research outputs and outcomes to the point at which further translational funding can be sought.

• Call opens: 13 November 2023
• Call closes: 16 February 2024 at 16:00
• Awards: up to £40,000 per application
• Project start date: 15 April 2024 onwards
• Project duration: up to 9 months
• Due to funder budgetary restrictions, all expenditure, and projects, must be completed by 31 January 2025. This is expected to be the final call for 9 month projects from the University’s BBSRC Impact Acceleration Account 2022-2025.

We strongly encourage contacting Dr Carmen Fernandez-Posada and Lauren Maggs (iaa@admin.cam.ac.uk) to discuss your idea in advance so we can provide tailored support and advice to maximise the strength of your application.

Funding is open to researchers employed by the collegiate University and with department affiliation. Project proposals must be within the BBSRC remit. Please note that, in contrast to previous BBSRC IAAs, previous/current BBSRC funding is NOT a requirement. Applications from early career researchers (ECRs) with principal investigators as co-applicants are encouraged*. Interdisciplinary applications are also welcome. If your project falls across council remits (e.g. BBSRC and EPSRC) we strongly encourage you to contact us (iaa@admin.cam.ac.uk) before submission  so we can discuss if your application should be considered for co-funding.  

*There is no standard definition of ECR. However, an ECR is generally considered as someone who is within eight years of the award of the PhD. 

Pump-priming projects should enable impact to be achieved in an effective and timely manner. Funds can be used for a wide range of activities, including but not limited to: 

• Activities which aim to impact on policy, business and third sector practice (e.g. engaging with stakeholders to influence their resources/procedures, encouraging adoption of your methods/guidance etc.) 
• Validation of technology/process/prototype/models in a relevant environment (e.g. crop field testing, testing models/diagnostics in real world settings or conditions etc.) 
• Repurposing existing technology for new applications beyond the laboratory 
• Engaging with non-academic partners and end users through workshops/demonstrations to enable impact (e.g. prototype/process/tool refinement etc.)
• Pursuit of commercialisation, for example, by: 

• Developing ways to enable potential users to understand the benefits of novel ideas or technologies, e.g. initial product design, developing virtual demonstrations, prototypes etc.  
• Providing access to expertise to enable exploitation and commercialisation, e.g. undertaking market intelligence, understanding the regulatory landscape, or establishing early-stage freedom to operate etc. 

• Undertaking market validation 

Application is via the online IAA Application System. Please provide:

• Outline details of the project in the IAA Application System
• A completed BBSRC IAA application form , including HoD signature

• A copy of the draft project costing from X5
• A letter of support from external partner (if applicable)
• Any additional documents, such as a Gantt chart showing the intended project timeline, as appropriate (max 4 pages excluding letters of support)

Please note the submission system only accepts PDF documents

 To maximise the strength of your application, please : 

• Refer to BBSRC IAA guidance  for key information including eligible costs and assessment criteria 
• Refer to Summary of Impact Acceleration Accounts Terms and Conditions 
• Contact Dr Carmen Fernandez-Posada and Lauren Maggs (iaa@admin.cam.ac.uk) for advice and support

If your project involves working with external parties, please refer to the Working with Third Parties section of our IAA website.

For any queries or advice, please contact: Dr Carmen Fernandez-Posada and Lauren Maggs (iaa@admin.cam.ac.uk). Please also contact us if you have a potential project which does not fit the timescale or budget for this call, as there may be future funding opportunities.