Background

BioMed21 is an initiative by Humane Society International and The Humane Society of the United States to support strategic scientific dialogue regarding the potential of extending the U.S. National Research Council vision of 21^st century toxicology to the wider field of biosciences.

One dimension of BioMed21 is a grant program to support the preparation of independent, in-depth reviews of research progress in key human disease areas by experts in the relevant fields. Examples of previous funded reviews are available in the fields of autism, autoimmune disorders, cholestatic liver diseases, asthma, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Funding remit

Grants are now being offered for the writing and journal publication of in-depth reviews in eligible human disease areas. Areas ineligible for funding under this call include Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, addiction, obesity, diabetes, motor neuron disease/amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, stroke, asthma, autism, liver cholestasis and autoimmunity, as extensive reviews are already available.

Each review must 1) critically evaluate the state of the science, including mechanistic understanding of the pathophysiological pathways/networks underlying the disease in humans, the human relevance, translational success and limitations associated with available research models, and 2) provide a detailed proposal for optimizing the use of modern, human biology-based tools and approaches (in vitro, in silico, bioengineering, etc.) into the research paradigm to potentially improve translational success in future.

Reviews must be accepted for publication in a high-impact, peer-reviewed journal.

What is available?

Successful applicants will receive a stipend based on market equivalence, up to a maximum of 5,000 GBP, conditional upon signing an Independent Contractor/Consultant Agreement with HSI/HSUS.

In addition to publication of the review, applicants will be required to participate in at least one conference/workshop, to be agreed on with HSI/HSUS. The aim of this follow-up event will be to facilitate open discussion of animal models and further disseminate this research.

Who can apply?

Eligible individuals may currently be employed in the academic, private or public sectors anywhere in the world, or may have recently retired from such a position.

Applicants will hold a PhD (or equivalent) degree and be able to demonstrate extensive, relevant research experience that is pertinent to the disease area they propose to review.

How to apply

Applicants are required to complete an application form, which should be saved with the name of the applicant and the disease topic; e.g., Smith_lungcancer.docx.

A brief CV of no more than two pages for each applicant is also required, detailing scientific qualifications, doctoral degree, current post, recent research (including the disease models and techniques you are familiar with), and expertise and experience relevant to this project. Cite up to 10 recent, relevant publications (may include original research, reviews, or challenge or opinion pieces). List recent presentations made at scientific conferences or workshops. PDFs of up to four recent publications in the field of the disease that you wish to review should be included in the full application.

Successful publication of the review is a requirement of this funding; therefore, applicants are required to identify up to three candidate peer-reviewed journals of suitable impact and remit for their proposal.

Whom to contact

Applications and queries over eligibility or disease focus should be directed to Dr Lindsay Marshall.

Key dates