Sandpits

We invite Network members to arrange sandpit meetings where a select number of key collaborators (UK, EU and international) can be gathered to discuss a particular research idea which can be turned into a grant application to UKRI (EPSRC, BBSRC, MRC) or other research councils. Meetings can receive up to £4k in organisation costs and administrative help (if required). Following from the meetings, successful collaborations seeded from sandpits can receive a further £5-10k to pump prime any proof of concept research in support of grant applications.
 
The aim of this resource is to assist the formation of new collaborations, with an emphasis on projects bringing together physical scientists and biologists.

The Sandpit platform

Sandpits are interactive meetings which involve a small group of researchers, including lead academic(s), who define a topic and facilitate discussion, a team of subject experts, working as mentors in support, and a number of independent stakeholders. Sandpits have a highly multidisciplinary mix of participants, some active researchers and others potential users of research outcomes, to drive lateral thinking and radical approaches to address research challenges. Participation will be open, but numbers will need to be limited, prioritising key collaborators working towards a particular key research question and future grant application. 

The sandpit platform is designed to inject innovation through enabling participants to transcend boundaries across disciplines, mindsets and institutions to produce new and innovative grant proposals. As such, it is anticipated that outputs from sandpits will be draft grant proposals, associated teams and if required an application to PoLNET3 Pump Priming funds (£5-10K). See here the range of sandpits supported during phase 2 of this network (PoLNET2).

Funding availability

The maximum award available for a sandpit event is £4K. Linked to each sandpit event, pump priming funds (£5-£10k) may be available to support of larger grant applications that result from a given sandpit.

How to apply

There is an open call application. In order to propose a sandpit please complete the Sandpit PoLNET Application Template and submit to k.h.baker@dur.ac.uk.

polnet3_sandpit_application_form.docx
File Size:	50 kb
File Type:	docx

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Selection Procedure

Applications will be circulated to the PoLNET3 steering group for comment. High quality ideas which are aligned to PoLNET aims (i.e. strong evidence of collaboration between physics and biology or medicine) will be among the criteria for success. In your applications, please use clear evidence of interdisciplinarity between these disciplines, anticipated outputs and the development of excellent collaborative relationships. It is aimed that a decision will be made within one month of the application being submitted.