This call is closed.
Focus
Conventionally head fixation for electrophysiology and imaging studies is achieved using a headpost surgically implanted under deep general anaesthesia. For neural recordings, a craniotomy and recording chamber are also required. Non-invasive means of head restraint have been developed, but are not suitable for all studies and require further validation.
Current implant designs utilise biocompatible material (e.g. stainless steel), tissue-friendly material (e.g. titanium coated with hydroxyl apatite) or MR-compatible material (e.g. plastic), sometimes in combination with dental acrylic or bone cement. Typically they are secured to the skull using metal or ceramic screws, bolts or other devices. Although these methods reliably restrain the monkeys head, many types of implant are not tissue-friendly, and eventually pressure on the implant leads to inflammation and infection, bone necrosis and instability or breakage of the device.
We are seeking innovative solutions to address these problems. We anticipate that proposals will be focused on one or more of the following areas:
- reducing inflammation and infection
- improving integration and stability
- improving surgical outcomes
- avoiding surgically implanted devices
Key dates | Who can apply | How to apply | Assessment procedure | Assessment Panel | Resources and awards
Key dates
7 December 2015, 4pm | Deadline for informal outline submission to NC3Rs Office |
8 December 2015 | Application form live on Je-S |
27 January 2016, 4pm | Deadline for full applications via Je-S |
April 2016 | Panel meeting for full applications |
End of April 2016 | Applicants notified of outcome |
July 2016 | Expected project start date |
September 2016 | Latest date for commencing projects |
Who can apply
Establishment eligibility |
Individual eligibility* |
Any UK research establishment including:
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Applicants should be UK-based researchers who can demonstrate that they:
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Individual eligibility update*
If an NC3Rs grant holder has more than 12 months remaining on their NC3Rs grant, at the time of application, they are not permitted to apply as a Primary Investigator for further NC3Rs funding (excluding CRACK IT and Strategic Awards – please contact the Office to discuss).
Overseas researchers
Overseas researchers cannot be primary investigators but can be included as collaborators. Overseas co-applicant status can be obtained in exceptional circumstances and at the discretion of the NC3Rs; approval should be sought before applying.
Resubmissions
The NC3Rs does not allow resubmission of previously unsuccessful proposals, unless explicitly invited by the Panel. Proposals previously declined by the NC3Rs will not be considered by another Research Council or funder within 12 months (from the date of submission to the original Research Council) unless substantially revised. More information can be found in the NC3Rs Applicant and Grant Holder Handbook.
Please note: The same or similar application cannot be considered by any other Research Council, the Health Departments or any other research funder at the same time
How to apply
This call is now closed. For information on future Strategic Award calls please sign up to the NC3Rs Newsletter for updates.
Assessment Procedure
Applications are evaluated by the NC3Rs Strategic Award Panel.
The following criteria are taken into consideration when making funding decisions:
- Relevance to the strategic call
- Potential impact on the 3Rs
- Quality of the science
- Current or future importance of the techniques to medical, biological or veterinary research
- Strategy for promoting the proposed research to the scientific community
- Expertise and track record of the team
- Relevance to the NC3Rs strategy
- Value for money
Assessment Panel
The following Panel considered applications submitted to this call.
Member name | Institution |
---|---|
Dr Alexander Easton (Chair) |
Durham University |
Dr Daniel Adams |
University of California, San Francisco |
Dr Ivan Balansard |
CNRS and Aix-Marseille University |
Professor Liam Grover |
University of Birmingham |
Professor Steven Percival |
University of Liverpool |
Professor Eric Rouiller |
University of Fribourg |
Resources and awards
A total budget of up to £750,000 was available for projects of up to 36 months in duration.
One award was made in April 2016.
Professor Alex Thiele (Newcastle University) |
Improving biological integration of osseous and dermal tissues in macaque cranial implants |