BBSRC’s Post

How has the BBSRC ALERT programme supported the biosciences, and what would be the advice from a successful applicant? Our ALERT funding opportunity has supported the purchase of mid-range equipment for research across the biosciences. Dr Tony Larson is Head of the Metabolomics and Proteomics Laboratory at the University of York. In this video he talks about what it means to be a Research Technical Professional (RTP), along with his top tips for applying. Hear about the untold story of technicians as the Principal Investigator on research projects. https://orlo.uk/Q5mgH Video created in partnership with The UK Institute for Technical Skills & Strategy.

Regenerative medicine technologies play a crucial role in treating bone damage and related injuries. We have supported the development of stem cell and biomaterial technology, including research that led to an innovative custom-made hip replacement. Combining hip replacements with tissue engineering could improve the longevity of replacements, improve patient outcomes and decrease economic pressure. It costs the NHS around £4.4 billion a year to deal with over 5000,000 fractures connected to osteoporosis in the UK. Hip fractures alone cost the NHS £2 billion. The impact these injuries have on movement and function also affects the economy, in terms of the workforce and spending ability. They also have a massive toll on the mental and physical welfare of patients and cause serious and sometimes long-term pain. Research led by the Bone and Joint Research Group at the University of Southampton resulted in the first custom-made hip replacement using stem cells, plus the formation of a University of Southampton spin-out, Renovos Biologics Limited (Renovos). In 2014, a 71-year old whose hip had been crushed in a car accident underwent the first-ever hip surgery with a 3D custom-made hip replacement and bone stem cell graft. The hip implant was made from titanium and designed using a CT scan and ‘computer aided design and computer aided manufacturing’ technology for exact measurements. The patient’s bone marrow cells were extracted and used to regenerate bone around the implant, fusing the material and bone together. Between 2014 and 2020, a further 20 patients were treated using this method. It was estimated this form of hip replacements could save the NHS up to £34.8 million annually. Renovos are developing the first medical grade nanoclay that could be used in various medical applications, including orthopaedics, wound repair and dental. They were recently granted Breakthrough Device Designation by the US Food and Drug Administration for their RENOVITE® BMP-2 product. Find out more about the UKRI support and multidisciplinary scientific contribution that has made this research and technology possible: https://orlo.uk/ndpha

In our latest video series, Professor Pippa Hawes, Chair of the BBSRC ALERT Panel talks about her experience on the panel and the importance of recognition for Research Technical Professionals (RTPs). Find out more about how our ALERT opportunity supports mid-range equipment for research across the biosciences ⬇️ https://orlo.uk/EIjQ1 This video was created in partnership with The UK Institute for Technical Skills & Strategy.

We’re investing £34m in BioFAIR, a concept that could transform how we facilitate research data management. "Digital research infrastructure has fast become as critical to UK bioscience as physical infrastructure. The BioFAIR project will provide the backbone for ground-breaking research, enabling researchers to tackle key societal challenges head-on." ~ Dr Sarah Perkins, Executive Director for Strategic Planning, Evidence and Engagement at BBSRC and the UKRI Senior Responsible Officer for BioFAIR With a mission to transform the UK’s digital research infrastructure, BioFAIR is a concept which is set to future-proof the UK life sciences ecosystem with cohesive and collaborative partnership. In building a national platform, BioFAIR will leverage established best practices and capabilities, accelerate the adoption of findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable (FAIR) data principles across the UK life sciences. This will also: • Unify the UK’s currently fragmented digital research landscape • Break down barriers to democratise data accessibility • Coordinate and deliver extensive training and support for practitioners at all levels Inspired by a proposal from ELIXIR-UK community and supported by BBSRC and Medical Research Council, this funder-community partnership will bridge gaps between researchers, digital research technical professionals and existing institutional digital research infrastructures. Over the course of the five year project, four key capabilities will underpin the project mission: 💠 Data commons will catalogue sources of existing datasets, making them easily accessible to life science researchers. 💠 Method commons will enable the collaborative use of shared computational workflows with a national workflow capability. 💠 The community centre will provide a focal point for sharing expertise, best practice and troubleshooting within disciplines. 💠 The knowledge centre will enable those driving the collection and curation of existing knowledge resources and training materials to advance best practice in research data management. Read more about BioFair in the news section of our website.

Our ALERT programme invests in cutting-edge equipment, providing infrastructure for world-class bioscience research, and helps to enhance institutional research capabilities while bolstering national capacity. ALERT is one of the key investment programmes driving BBSRC’s infrastructure strategic framework ambition to ensure the UK bioscience community can access cutting-edge, sustainable research and innovation infrastructures. Read BBSRC’s infrastructure strategic framework here: https://orlo.uk/nR2Ls In a new three-part video series, brought to you in partnership with The UK Institute for Technical Skills & Strategy, we’re showcasing how Research Technical Professionals are leveraging BBSRC’s ALERT funding to support the delivery of bioscience research and innovation. Head over to our YouTube playlist and find out more: https://orlo.uk/haslG

We are inviting expressions of interest for our Responsive Mode Committee chair and deputy chair positions. One chair and three deputy chair positions are open to application, covering a three-year term. - Committee A deputy chair role starting on 1 February 2026 - Committee B deputy chair role starting on 1 April 2025 - Committee D chair role starting on 1 April 2025 - Committee D deputy chair role starting on 1 April 2025 Application closing date: 4 July 2024 Find out more about the roles and key dates: https://orlo.uk/SB6qo