Queen Mary, University of London Discipline Bridging Initiative

1. Queen Mary, University of LondonDiscipline Bridging Initiative Funded via the MRC/EPSRC Institutional Discipline Bridging Award scheme Professor David Lee Launch Event 17th January 2007

2. QMUL Discipline Bridging Initiative Funded for 3 years by the MRC and the EPSRC Strategic Aims • To establish infrastructure and support conducive to the development of multidisciplinary collaborations across QMUL and beyond • To establish QMUL as a leading international centre of excellence for multidisciplinary programmes of research

3. Queen Mary, University of London Research Mission • ‘to position ourselves, across a range of measures of research performance, in the top decile of UK universities’ Research Priorities • ‘to develop interdisciplinary and collaborative research within the college and partner institutions…in response to the needs and opportunities available nationally and internationally.’

4. QMUL Discipline Bridging Initiative Focused around 5 generic research themes • Imaging and sensing (Prof Jim Elliott) • Bio-molecular manipulation and biomaterials (Prof Pankaj Vadgama) • Multiscale mechanobiology (Prof Dan Bader) • Regenerative medicine and tissue engineering (Prof Ian Mackenzie) • Modelling in bioengineering and medical science (Prof Wen Wang) • Complement current interdisciplinary activity • Link to one or more existing research centres • Each lead by an experienced academic coordinator

5. QMUL Discipline Bridging Initiative Key Objective - To facilitate staff mobility and circumvent barriers to working across traditional medical, science and engineering disciplines Barriers to interdisciplinary activity • Lack of awareness of expertise, facilities etc • Lack of opportunity to learn and to interact • Barriers affecting staff mobility • Lack of funding for initial proof-of-concept/collaboration • Input into college-level policy making

6. QMUL Discipline Bridging Initiative Goal - Enhance awareness of multidisciplinary activity across QMUL Seminar programmes and themed workshops • Encourage networking and overcoming ignorance • 3rd Wednesday of the month • Rotates between Mile End, Whitechapel and Barts • Complementary background of speakers • Networking social events • Workshops focussed on research field, techniques or problem-solving • Suggestions for speakers and workshop topics welcome

7. QMUL Discipline Bridging Initiative Web-site - Clear branding for the DBI • Information on events, funding calls etc www.dbi.qmul.ac.uk

8. QMUL Discipline Bridging Initiative Ideas factory/sandpits - • Small, focused, off-site forum for brainstorming and networking • College policy development • Funding prioritisation • Ideas generation/problem-solving for major initiatives • Involve participants at different levels - Profs to Post-docs

9. QMUL Discipline Bridging Initiative Small Grant Schemes - • Pump priming awards • Discipline bridging awards • Inward/outward research visit awards • Schemes will be active from February • Short application form • Case for support - maximum 2 pages • Flexibility in type of support i.e. salary, running costs etc

10. QMUL Discipline Bridging Initiative Goal - To support pump-priming research leading to multidisciplinary grant proposals Pump priming awards • Supports development of new interdisciplinary collaboration • Up to £10k • Can support staff, running costs, small equipment etc • Gain proof of concept/collaboration data • Key criteria for funding • Clear, new multidisciplinary collaboration • Innovative approach • Likelihood of leading to a full application

11. QMUL Discipline Bridging Initiative Goal - To support discipline bridging activities including training Discipline Bridging Awards • Supports staff mobility, training and skills development • Up to £10k • Can support costs for ‘bridger’ and/or host department • Can support time buy-out for the hosting expert • Key criteria for funding • Clear evidence of multidisciplinary approach • Innovative approach • Likelihood of leading to a full application

12. QMUL Discipline Bridging Initiative Goal - To support inward and outward research visits Inward/outward Research Visit Awards • Supports QMUL staff to spend time at another institution • Supports external staff visits to QMUL • Up to £10k • Can support travel, subsistence and running costs • Key criteria for funding • Funding will enhance multidisciplinary capability at QMUL • Capability/expertise not available at QMUL • Matching funding available from an external source

13. QMUL Discipline Bridging Initiative FAQ - • Do I need to collaborate with someone from a different department/institute? No - as long as you can demonstrate a link between disciplines

14. QMUL Discipline Bridging Initiative FAQ - • Can I get funding for a PhD student? No - the scheme is not for PhD training

15. QMUL Discipline Bridging Initiative FAQ - • Do I need to get full costing for my proposal? Yes - Costing needs to be provided by Research grants or NHS/SMD Joint research office

16. QMUL Discipline Bridging Initiative FAQ - • Can I collaborate with someone outside QM? Not normally - but could support visits where clear QM benefit is demonstrated

17. QMUL Discipline Bridging Initiative FAQ - • Can I use funding to continue an existing collaboration No - should be used to develop new collaborations

18. QMUL Discipline Bridging Initiative Summary - • Significant added value will be achieved • Institution commitment to interdisciplinary research and the DBI • Complements existing interdisciplinary structures • Practical - aimed at ‘making things happen not just talking’