BBSRC have launched the 2023 round of their ALERT ‘mid-range equipment for biosciences research’ scheme: Mid-range equipment for biosciences research: ALERT 2023 – UKRI
Whilst there is no cap on numbers for an institution, the guidance strongly encourages institutions to discuss and prioritise submissions given the limited budget available. To that end MPLS and MSD will jointly run a light touch process to ensure that multiple bid teams do not submit applications asking for the same capabilities – where duplications are found, bid teams will be asked to work together where possible.
Those wishing to apply should submit an expression of interest application form through IRAMS (form available in the portal) by midday on Thursday 14 December. Decisions and guidance for applicants will be provided before the Christmas break.
Outline of call
The ALERT 2023 call aims to fund equipment costing between £200k - £1.5 million (including VAT) that is widely used and underpins capability across all scientific areas within BBSRC remit (relevance to the priority areas in BBSRC’s delivery plan is particularly encouraged). It enables the use of emerging advanced research technology or utilisation of equipment in new ways of working and promotes collaboration and equipment access between users within industry, public sector and other institutes.
Eligibility
- Only one piece of capital equipment may be requested per application, although this can include equipment that requires assembly or involves several components provided they constitute a single technology platform.
- In a large multi-component application that is otherwise in scope, one or more small components costing under £10,000 can be supported, but these must be from the same supplier so that they can come together as one invoice.
- All equipment must be on the market at the time of the call closing date.
- Host contributions towards the purchase of equipment are not mandatory.
The BBSRC deadline for applications is 30 January 2024 at 4pm.
Any questions should be directed to research@medsci.oc.ac.uk (MSD) or research@mpls.ox.ac.uk (MPLS).
