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The University of Cambridge was awarded a BBSRC Impact Acceleration Account (IAA) to strengthen engagement with users and accelerate the translation of research outputs into impact. This includes facilitating the impact agenda by forging new collaborations with industry, policy makers and third sector organisations or strengthening existing external non-academic collaborations. 

Open Calls

The BBSRC IAA Pump-priming funding call 2023 is 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: 5th June 2023 

  • Call closes: 18th September 2023 at 16:00 

  • Awards: up to £40,000 per application  

  • Project start date: 1st November 2023-15th January 2024 

  • Project duration: up to 9 months  

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. 

Who can apply?

 

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. 

*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.  

What can be funded?

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 process

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 

Please note the submission system only accepts PDF documents 

 Please:   

  • Contact Dr Carmen Fernandez-Posada and Lauren Maggs iaa@admin.cam.ac.uk for advice and support 

 

 

Queries

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.