The AHRC, BBSRC, ESRC, and EPSRC have allocated £950,000 to co-fund networks in the emerging area of synthetic biology. Synthetic Biology is widely acknowledged as a growing area of interest across several disciplines, notably the biosciences, engineering and the physical sciences. The Research Councils recognise that research in this area should be investigated concomitantly with the scientific agenda and as a research progresses. To this end, it is anticipated that whilst network applictions will be lead by the natural sciences and engineering, the social sciences and humanities will be key contributors. As such, the networks should be mutually beneficial to all disciplines involved, and fulfill the interests of all participants.
In recognition of the involvement of researchers in the social sciences and humanities, the AHRC and the Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC) will consider co-funding relevant networks on a case-bycase- basis, with total contributions of £50,000 and £100,000 respectively.
The BBSRC is leading on the administration of this scheme. More information about this call is available on the BBSRC website.
The AHRC contact for this scheme is Louise Matter.