Research development fellowships

Scheme discontinued.

We will be launching a new flexible interchange programme to support research development in 2012.

Permanent members of academic staff of a UK university with a minimum of 5 years in their current or similar post who wish to devote all their time to research. We encourage applicants seeking to develop interdisciplinary dimensions by integrating new techniques or methodologies into their research.

Nature of award

Awards are for 1-3 years, and include a research support grant to cover costs associated with the proposed research development activities.

Research areas

Submit a proposal in any area of science within the BBSRC portfolio. We particularly encourage proposals:

Linked to our strategic priorities (see related links)
Where a systems biology approach is being proposed to the research programme

How to apply

Submit a proposal electronically via the Joint Electronic Submissions (Je-S) system with the following mandatory attachments:

CV (see downloads section)
You should complete the standard CV template. We do not accept stand alone CVs.
Case for support
List of publications
Head of department statement
Justification of resources
Impact plan

Fellowships are awarded under full economic costing (fEC).

You should submit costed research support grant proposals in line with the Grants Guide.

Detailed guidance on how to complete proposal forms and proposal attachments can be found on the Je-S system and in the Fellowships Handbook (available in the Downloads section).

We do not accept late proposals.

Important: applicants should ensure proposals are submitted to their host institution's Je-S submitter/approval pool well in advance (a minimum of 5 working days) of the published deadline. This enables institution checks to be carried out before final submission to BBSRC.

Case study

Professor Martin Sheldon’s career at the Royal Veterinary College has undergone a major step-change recently, with the help of a BBSRC Research Development Fellowship.

“The Fellowship has allowed me to take a new direction in my research to test how the biological systems governing immunity and reproductive hormone status are integrated in mammals,” says Sheldon.

Having made the transition from a largely clinical and teaching role, where he specialised in bovine uterine disease, to a full-time research position, Professor Sheldon will test whether the concepts he has developed in cows apply across mammals.

“We have already shown that cells lining the uterus have receptors, which can detect bacterial infections in the genital tract, and these cells can affect the levels of uterine hormones that regulate the ovarian cycle. As well as this indirect effect on the ovary, we have also recently reported that other cells surrounding the egg itself can also detect bacterial toxins, and these bacterial toxins reduce sex hormone secretion. Our findings are important because they show that these cells, which are essential for mammalian reproduction, also have immune responsibilities and directly impact the ovary,” explains Sheldon.

Now with funding through his Fellowship, Professor Sheldon has visited the Jackson Lab in the USA to acquire novel techniques, which will allow his research team to study uterine and ovarian function in mice. He is also collaborating with US scientists at Cornell University, to explore gene expression and the ‘phylogeny’ of bovine uterine pathogens.

“In the long-term, a better understanding of the mechanisms by which uterine infection disrupts the function of the female reproductive system could lead to new drugs that can prevent infertility in cattle and other animals, including humans,” says Sheldon.

Contact

Innovation and Skills Group - Fellowships
postdoc.fellowships@bbsrc.ac.uk
tel: 01793 413256
fax: 01793 414674