New NC3Rs-BBSRC funding opportunity: Business Interaction Vouchers
Building academic-industry partnerships to improve the relevance and real-world impact of 3Rs models and technologies.
The NC3Rs and BBSRC are pleased to announce a new joint funding initiative, offering Business Interaction Vouchers (BIVs) to develop new partnerships or strengthen early-stage collaborations relevant to the 3Rs between academic researchers and industry or SME partners.
The aim of the scheme is to catalyse and strengthen cross-sector collaborations that enhance the biological relevance and real-world applications of models, tools, and technologies that replace, reduce or refine the use of animals. In particular, the call focuses on supporting work that improves the physiological accuracy and predictive validity of these 3Rs approaches.
Funding is available exclusively to members of the NC3Rs Networks and supports activities that are aligned with both the BBSRC remit and the NC3Rs mission. Proposed projects should clearly demonstrate a realistic potential to replace, reduce, or refine the use of animals in research, whether through the adaptation of existing tools for new applications, the generation of performance or validation data, or collaborative efforts to address technical barriers in model development or uptake.
Examples of suitable projects include:
- Generating data to demonstrate a 3Rs approach can be applied with confidence across different settings.
- Adapting a 3Rs technology for a new application or use in an industrial context.
- Solving a specific technical challenge that could help maximise the 3Rs impacts and broader benefits for partner labs.
By funding short-term and focused partnerships, the BIV scheme aims to create a foundation for future collaborative ventures, facilitating the exchange of 3Rs knowledge, models, and expertise between partner labs. Awards of up to £25k are available for projects lasting up to six months.
Find out more
- Further details on the funding opportunity, including how to apply: Business Interaction Voucher Awards.
- Learn about NC3Rs Networks and how to join: NC3Rs Networks.
Attend our events to get started
- In-person networking event
12 September, London
Connect with other network members and industry representatives to explore shared interests and cross-sector collaborations.
Register now to join us in London. - Applicant webinar
16 September, 2pm
Learn more about the application and assessment process, including how to submit a competitive proposal.
Register now to join us online.