Network primer awards

Network primer awards provide funding for 3Rs Network members to establish collaborations to share 3Rs technologies and approaches between Network members and explore novel application areas for these. The awards aim to increase the uptake of existing 3Rs approaches by demonstrating that these can be transferred to different labs or applied to new research areas. 

Awards of up to £2k are available for 3Rs Network members.

It is anticipated that these awards will lead to the generation of proof-of-concept data which can be taken forward for use in applications to the NC3Rs or other funders.

Suggested activities include:

• Visiting a partner lab to meet collaborators and receive training in a 3Rs approach.

• Purchasing consumables required to establish a 3Rs approach in a new lab. 

• Proof-of-concept experiments to demonstrate that a 3Rs approach can be applied to a new research area.

Other activities which may be in scope include (but are not limited to):

• Delivering a practical workshop with potential collaborators to provide hands-on technical training in a 3Rs technique.

• Sharing resources (e.g., cell lines or data) to enable wider uptake of the 3Rs approach.

Activities associated with business development or advertising are not in scope.

• Applicants and proposed collaborators must be members of an NC3Rs Network (Cardiovascular, New Approach Methodologies or Oncology). Network registration is free through the NC3Rs website. 

• Applicants must be based in an eligible UK-based research establishment. Collaborators may be based overseas or in industry. 

• Applicants do not need to have previously received NC3Rs funding. 

Applications will be assessed by the NC3Rs Office staff. Final decisions will be made by the NC3Rs Chief Executive. 

The following criteria will be taken into consideration when making funding decisions:

• Strength of plans for the proposed activity including clear objectives.

• Benefit of the collaboration to the applicant’s research and the wider research field, as well as benefit of the activity to the applicant’s career. 

• Potential impact of the collaboration on the 3Rs.

• Value for money and justification for use of funds.