The MRC and the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) have announced a R9 million (approximately £520k) Newton Fund funding opportunity to foster innovation in addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The research will be conducted through partnerships between South African and UK researchers, with the possibility of researchers from other countries in Sub-Saharan Africa also participating. The research must be led by and include work in the UK and South Africa, but can also include work in other Sub-Saharan African countries.
The ultimate focus of the call is to foster UK-SA collaborations and provide seed funding that will eventually lead to the development of innovations to address this global threat.
How to Apply:
This is an SAMRC led initiative and so applications must be submitted to the SAMRC. Applicants should therefore visit the SAMRC website for the full call details and guidance relating to how to apply: http://www.mrc.ac.za/funding/NewtonCall3.htmopens in new window
Applicants should contact SAMRC with queries in the first instance; however, UK applicants with queries specifically relating to UK participation may contact:
- Alex Harris (international@headoffice.mrc.ac.uk)
Aim
Through this initiative it is envisioned that we will establish partnerships that are better equipped to seek funding through future funding opportunities. Proposals in the following areas are sought:
- New drugs for gram negative bacteria (E. Coli, P. Aeruginosa, K. Pneumoniae, A. Baumannii and E. cloacae) and TB.
- Rapid point of care diagnostics for any of the above pathogens (excl. TB)
- New technology innovations to improve surveillance. How can technology be used to improve and scale surveillance? We are seeking ideas that can scale across regions/countries.
Funding
The size of the partnership grants will vary according to the needs of the project; however, we anticipate supporting approximately 7-8 awards (approximately £80k per project in total).
The grants will cover direct costs including:
- Travel to the UK and SA (to promote collaboration)
- Travel within SA to establish research networks
- Partnership activities; e.g. exchange programs (to promote collaboration) and workshops
- Consumables
- Visits/access to facilities
- Other collaborative activities
The grants will not cover:
- Salary costs
- Indirect and estate costs
- Items of equipment
For further information, please visit the SAMRC websiteopens in new window.
The Newton Fund
The Newton Fund through science and innovation partnerships promotes economic development and social welfare of partner countries. It is a £735 million Fund, now extended to 2021, which has matched resources from the 15 partner countries: Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mexico, Philippines, South Africa, Thailand, Turkey and Vietnam. By collaboratively working together on bi-lateral and multi-lateral programmes with a science and innovation focus, the UK will build strong, sustainable, systemic relationships with partner countries. It is managed by UK Department of Business, Skills and Innovation (BIS) and delivered through 15 UK delivery partners: Research Councils, National Academies, British Council, Innovate UK and Met Office, working closely with partner countries’ funders.
Activities are in three broad areas:
- People: increasing capacity for science and innovation in partner countries.
- Research: research collaborations on development topics.
- Translation: creating collaborative solutions to development challenges and strengthening innovation systems.
For more information visit the Newton Fund homepage and follow via Twitter:@NewtonFund