This funding aims to foster new projects and collaborations across the academic and industrial sector and drive novel and exciting research and innovation. Applications must focus on a topic that belongs to or is for the benefit of life sciences.

SULSA represents the entirety of life sciences which encompasses research on humans, plants, animals, microbes and the environment.

Funding can be used for research costs or facilities access, it cannot be used to employ staff. The amount requested must be match-funded through cash or in-kind contributions from industry. Projects should have significant consideration for sustainability post-award and show demonstrable potential for securing further funding. This scheme is not for continued funding of existing projects.

You can apply for £5,000 and we hope to award 3 projects.

• The lead applicant must be a Postdoctoral Researcher that has secured more than £50,000 in independent research funding or a Principal Investigator that has secured less than £100,000 of independent funding
• There must be an industrial co-applicant with agreed match funding as cash or in-kind contributions* Industrial co-applicants can be from out with Scotland, but the project must show a clear benefit to Scotland
• All applicants must have at least 12 months remaining on their contract from the application deadline (a letter from your line manager stating that your contract is likely to be extended will be accepted)

* For applications for the commercialisation of research, an industrial co-applicant is not required, however you must show a strong case of support from a business development specialist.

• Match funding from the industry co-applicant can be extended to in-kind contributions or be a combination of cash and in-kind. In-kind contributions may include consumables, use of lab facilities, or industry staff time.
• Applications that support the development of students, technical or research staff will be looked upon favourably.
• We encourage applications to be multidisciplinary and collaborative. This may include multiple universities (nationally and/or internationally) or engagement with innovation centres or similar external organisations.
• Applicants who are Postdoctoral Researchers must have their application signed by their PI to demonstrate their support.

Judging Criteria

Applications will be reviewed for scientific quality and commercial feasibility. The following will be considered during the review:

• The novelty, innovative nature and need for the project
• Impact and commercial feasibility of project
• The collaborative strength of the project
• Engagement of external organisations and/or development of students or staff
• Potential to leverage further funding
• Sustainable and impactful outcomes

Payment of Funds
If successful, funds will be transferred to the host institution of the lead academic applicant. Funds must be spent within 12 months of the date of transfer. Upon request funds can be divided up between applicant’s host institutions.

Awardee Reporting
You must provide the SULSA administration with project updates and outcomes at 3 months and 12 months post-award. If this project leads to a published article, or leverages grant funding, please contact the SULSA administration to make them aware.

Applicant Reporting
After awarding SULSA will circulate a demographic survey to all applicants of this funding call. The information is collected anonymously and is used internally by SULSA to understand the diversity of our applicants and identify areas for improvement. This information will not be shared with reviewers and will be held in accordance with SULSA’s privacy policy.

Call now closed.

SULSA’s Innovation Seed Award will return in place of this call launching on Monday 5th May 2025.

Eligibility Enquiries: Alison.Hughes@glasgow.ac.uk 

All Other Enquiries and Post-Award Communication: Jill.Inkster@glasgow.co.uk