Wellcome Trust Investigator Awards Feedback from Expert Review Group members

28 March 2011

1 Roughly 7 months between application and final outcome

The Expert Review Groups

1. Cell and 2. Cellular and Molecular (Zaf Bashir) 3. Cognitive Neuroscience and Mental Health 4. Genetics, Genomics and Population Research () 5. Immune Systems in Health and Disease (David Wraith) 6. Molecular Basis of Cell Function 7. Pathogen Biology and Disease Transmission 8. in Health and Disease (Paul Martin) 9. Population and Public Health (Rona Campbell)

2 Summary Feedback from ERG Panels • The bar is very high across all nine panels • Track record led - CV must demonstrate a substantial impact of your research (e.g. high impact journals, record of ground breaking research, clear upward trajectory etc) To paraphrase Walport ‘to support scientists with the best track records, obviously appropriate to the stage in their career’ • Notable esteem factors (but note ‘several FRSs were not shortlisted’) • Your novelty of your research vision is CRUCIAL. Don’t just carry on doing more of the same • The Trust is not averse to risk (but what about ERG panel members?) • Success rate for short-listing for interview is ~15-25% at Senior Investigator level (3-5 proposals shortlisted from each ERG) • Fewer New Investigator than Senior Investigator applications – an opportunity? • There are fewer applications overall for the second round, but ‘the bar will not be lowered’

The Challenge

UoB has roughly 45 existing -funded Programme and Project Grants amounting to ~£4m p.a. in direct funds (plus ~£1.1m via ‘FEC’)

How do we maximise the number of successful proposals? Do we carpet bomb the Trust with proposals? Do we work together strategically to identify and support individuals to maximise their chances of success?

This scheme may not be the most suitable for you at this specific time (EC/EU, BBSRC, MRC… etc)

3 Timeline of application process

Applications are accepted by the Trust on a rolling basis

Upcoming Expert Review Group meeting dates • June / July 2011 • October / November 2011 • February 2012 • April / May 2012 • September 2012

The UoB Process - I

CV check by Wellcome Trust (please provide confirmation email) Submit an outline proposal by email to Lorna Colquhoun in RED ([email protected]) which includes the following: • Your CV (in the format required by the Trust) • Your research vision (1000-3000 words) and how this addresses one of the Trust’s five major challenges • Details of total funding requested (to the nearest £100k) • Summary of any discussions with your Dean or Head of School • Summary of requirements for for strategic or capital investment prior to submission to Trust (note that the Trust do NOT necessarily expect this level of support)

4 The UoB Process - 2

Your proposal will be reviewed by an Advisory Group comprising: • Guy Orpen (PVC-Research; Chair) • Clive Orchard (Dean FMVS) • Peter Mathieson (Dean FMD) • Jon Keating (Dean FS) • Jeremy Tavaré (Research Director FMVS) • Andrew Dick (Research Director FMD) • Alistair Hetherington (Research Director FS) • Specialist (e.g. ERG) members co-opted as appropriate • Lorna Colquhoun (RED)

The UoB Process - 3 The purpose of the UoB internal process is to: • Prepare you for an application at the most appropriate time in you career to maximise the chance of success (i.e. optimise your CV) • Advise you on how to best enhance your research vision • Avoid you being barred from reapplying at a critical career stage if unsuccessful (1/2 years) • Ensure competition between our own candidates at individual ERG panel meetings is avoided • Rationalise the number of proposals being put forward AS REQUESTED OF US BY THE TRUST At all times your FRD and RED/Finance will work with you to prepare and/or improve your proposal (if you so wish!). ERG panel members also available for expert advice.

5 The UoB Process - 4

A letter of support signed by the PVC-R is required and will be prepared by your HoS, Dean and FRD together with RED and you. This will need to detail how the ‘University’ has: • Supported your career to date • Committed to and invested in your research area • Will continue to support your research going forward

Questions?

Slides and notes will be made available; including ERG panel membership

6 Cell and Developmental Biology

Cells, their behaviour, lifecycle and interactions with their environment. Its remit includes: • Developmental biology including neurodevelopment at all stages • Stem cells • Cell biology • Cell cycle • Extracellular matrix • Cell migration • Cell signalling • Membranes and receptors • Gene expression where the study is focused on the biology of cell function

Cell and Developmental Biology • Professor Frank Grosveld (Chair), Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam • Professor Dame Linda Partridge (Deputy Chair), UCL • Dr , MRC National Institute for Medical Research • Professor Karl Kadler, University of Manchester • Professor Robb Krumlauf, Stowers Institute for Medical Research • Professor Peter Parker, King's College London and London Research Institute, CRUK • Dr Catherine Rabouille, Hubrecht Institute, • Professor Margaret Robinson, • Professor Graham Warren, Max F Perutz Laboratories • Professor Fiona Watt, Cancer Research UK Cambridge Research Institute

7 Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

To improve understanding of how the brain functions at the molecular and cellular level. Its remit includes: • Basic neurobiology • Neural signalling and function • Sensory neuroscience • Autonomic Nervous System • Neuro-immunology • Genetics with detailed phenotypic assessments at the cellular level

Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

• Professor David Attwell (co-Chair), UCL • Professor David Rubinsztein (co-Chair), University of Cambridge • Professor Zafar Bashir, • Professor Patrick Chinnery, Newcastle University • Professor Charles ffrench-Constant, University of Edinburgh • Professor Gero Miesenboeck, • Professor Trevor Owens, University of Southern Denmark • Professor Giampietro Schiavo, London Research Institute, CRUK • Professor Lawrence Wilkinson, Cardiff University

8 Cognitive Neuroscience and Mental Health To improve understanding of how the brain functions at the cognitive level, and to find improved approaches for treating brain and mental health disorders. Its remit includes: • Systems-based research including cognition and behavioural neuroscience • Neurological disorders • Mental health disorders • Translational neuroscience including cognitive interventions • Genetics with detailed clinical phenotypic assessments

Cognitive Neuroscience and Mental Health

• Professor Dorothy Bishop (co-Chair), University of Oxford • Professor Roger Lemon (co-Chair), UCL • Professor Anke Ehlers, King's College London • Professor Derek Jones, Cardiff University • Professor Michael Morgan, City University of London • Professor Anna Christina Nobre, University of Oxford • Professor David Porteous, University of Edinburgh • Professor Edward Watkins, University of Exeter • Professor Simon Wessely, King's College London • Professor , University of Cambridge

9 Genetics, Genomics and Population Research To improve understanding genetic variation in individuals and across populations. Its remit includes: • Studies of interactions between genes and environment • Bioinformatics and statistics as generic tools • Genetic/genome evolution • Population based genetics • Genetics in Health and Disease

Genetics, Genomics and Population Research • Professor Andrew Morris (Chair), University of Dundee • Professor John Danesh (Deputy Chair), University of Cambridge • Dr Inês Barroso, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton • Dr Ewan Birney, European Bioinformatics Institute, Hinxton • Professor George Davey Smith, University of Bristol • Professor Cathryn Lewis, Institute of Psychiatry, KCL • Professor James Lupski, Baylor College of Medicine, USA • Professor Gilean McVean, University of Oxford • Professor Nazneen Rahman, Institute of Cancer Research • Dr Camilla Stoltenberg, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Olso

10 Immune System in Health and Disease To improve understanding of the immune system. Its remit includes: • Cellular and molecular immunology • Inflammation, allergy and auto-immunity • The immune response to • Immunity and disease susceptibility/resistance • Identification and early-stage development of vaccine candidates and adjuvants

Immune System in Health and Disease

• Professor Paul Lehner (Chair), University of Cambridge • Professor Tim Elliott (Deputy Chair), University of Southampton • Dr Berndt Arnold, German Cancer Research Centre, Heidelberg • Professor Paul Crocker, University of Dundee • Professor David Goldblatt, Institute of Child Health, UCL • Dr Jean Langhorne, MRC National Institute for Medical Research • Professor Fiona Powrie, University of Oxford • Dr Felix Randow, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge • Professor Alexander Rudensky, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Centre, New York, USA • Professor David Wraith, University of Bristol

11 Molecular Basis of Cell Function

Focused on the structural, biophysical and biochemical properties of genes, chromosomes and . Its remit includes: • The fundamentals of gene expression (alternative splicing, imprinting, methylation, transcription, translation, DNA repair and DNA replication) • Chromosome structure/biology and the fundamental biology of mitosis and meiosis • Biochemistry • Proteomics • Chemistry and chemical biology • Bioinformatics • Biophysics • Mathematical modelling • Structural biology • Nanotechnology

Molecular Basis of Cell Function

• Professor Angus Lamond (Chair), University of Dundee • Professor Wendy Bickmore (Deputy Chair), MRC Human Genetics Unit, Edinburgh • Professor David Barford, Institute of Cancer Research • Dr Justin Molloy, MRC National Institute for Medical Research • Professor , Birkbeck College London • Professor Andrew Sharrocks, University of Manchester • Professor David Sherratt, University of Oxford • Professor Janet Thornton, European Bioinformatics Institute, Hinxton • Professor David Tollervey, University of Edinburgh • Dr Sylvie Urbe, University of Liverpool

12 Pathogen Biology and Disease Transmission To improve understanding of the emergence, transmission, pathogenesis and control of acute and chronic infectious diseases. Its remit includes: • Parasite, bacterial and viral of humans and animals • Vector biology • Identification and early-stage development of antimicrobial agents • Antimicrobial drug resistance • Population studies of the distribution and transmission of infectious agents

Pathogen Biology and Disease Transmission • Professor (Chair), Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton • Professor Keith Gull (Deputy Chair), University of Oxford • Professor Gurdyal Besra, • Professor Peter Borriello, Veterinary Laboratories Agency • Dr Elisabeth Carniel, Institut Pasteur, Paris • Professor Janet Hemingway, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine • Dr Tony Holder, MRC National Institute for Medical Research • Professor Matthew Keeling, University of Warwick • Professor Geoffrey Smith, • Professor Robin Weiss, University College London

13 Physiology in Health and Disease

Focused on the physiology, pathology and pharmacology of cells, tissues and systems relevant to health and disease. Its remit includes: • Physiology, pathology and pharmacology relevant to health and disease • Physiological processes at the cellular level • Specific disease mechanisms, which will be tested on small groups, e.g. looking at clinical or pharmacological interventions • Integrative physiology • Research focusing on how a body system is influenced by neuronal activity • Gene expression studies focused on a disease state or body/organ system • Environment at individual health level

Physiology in Health and Disease

• Professor Peter Ratcliffe (Chair), University of Oxford • Professor Andrew Hattersley (Deputy Chair), University of Exeter • Professor Wiebke Arlt, University of Birmingham • Professor David Crossman, University of East Anglia • Professor Ann Daly, Newcastle University • Professor Alan Knox, University of Nottingham • Professor Paul Martin, University of Bristol • Professor Andrew Prentice, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine • Professor Michael Schneider, Imperial College London Professor Jonathan Seckl, University of Edinburgh

14 Population and Public Health

Population-based research for the improvement of public health, focusing on UK and low- and middle-income countries. Its remit includes: • Epidemiology, demography, social science and health economic studies • Multifactorial studies of disease and complex interactions using longitudinal and case-control studies • Informatics - health records and public health • Impact of climate and environment change on health and populations • Healthcare systems and policy research • Small/pilot non-pharmacological intervention studies, particularly those investigating behavioural change • Promoting translation into policy and practice

Population and Public Health

• Dr Jeffrey Koplan (Chair), Emory University, Atlanta, USA • Professor K K Cheng (Deputy Chair), Public and Environmental Health, University of Birmingham • Professor Tony Barnett, London School of Economics • Professor Zulfiqar Bhutta, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan • Professor Rona Campbell, University of Bristol • Professor John Cleland, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine • Professor Anna Glasier, University of Edinburgh • Professor Allan House, University of Leeds

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