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3Rs in asthma research: Call for research proposals

The deadline for this award has now passed.

Using the 3Rs as a framework for improving models of health research is a priority for the NC3Rs. Asthma has been chosen as the first priority area.

In November 2009 the NC3Rs held a joint workshop with the MRC on 'Animal models of asthma: value, limitations and opportunities for alternative approaches'. Following on from this the NC3Rs and Asthma UK are seeking high-quality applications to develop new experimental models of asthma with -

Improved scientific and clinical relevance
Reduced reliance on the use of animals and/or improved animal welfare

This call complements MRC initiatives on inflammation and immunity.

Background

In the UK, 5.4 million people receive treatment for asthma, and this number continues to increase. Current therapies fail to control symptoms for 10-20% of people with the disease, especially those with severe asthma, which accounts for half of the health costs for this disease. Only two new classes of asthma drug have made it to the clinic in the last 50 years despite considerable effort and investment in this area. It is clear from the scientific literature and the discussions at the workshop that current preclinical models of asthma are not sufficiently predictive of the human condition, and this has contributed to the paucity of novel drugs.

Recent advances in non-animal technologies such as tissue engineering, bioreactor design and in silico modelling may provide new approaches to address the limitations of the current models. Where in vivo models continue to be important, improving animal welfare is essential.

The NC3Rs and Asthma UK are now seeking to fund research in asthma using the 3Rs to support innovative and multidisciplinary approaches which increase knowledge of the mechanistic basis of the disease and/or improve the design of new therapeutics. This is a unique and exciting opportunity for collaboration between in vivo and in vitro scientists, and academia and industry to develop the next generation of asthma research models to address key questions, such as:

What role do potential susceptibility genes play in asthma pathophysiology?
How can the influence of environment and lifestyle on disease pathophysiology be modelled?
What are the mechanisms by which infections increase an individual's risk of developing asthma and experiencing disease exacerbations?

Who can apply?

Applications are invited from Principal Investigators from any UK research establishment, including higher education institutions, hospital/NHS trusts, research council establishments, charity laboratories and industry.

The NC3Rs will consider applications from any UK-based senior researcher (at least 6 years post-doctoral research experience) who can demonstrate that they will direct the proposed research and be actively engaged in carrying it through, and that they have the relevant expertise to address the challenge described.

Applications which demonstrate collaboration between academia and industry are particularly encouraged.

Please note that applicants who have submitted a proposal to past or present rounds of the Centre's main 3Rs Research Funding Scheme are welcome to submit a proposal to this call, but only if it is significantly different from that which has previously been submitted. Please contact the office if you would like to discuss this further.

Funding details

A budget of £500k is available. The award can be for any period up to 3 years. The financial support requested should be tailored to the scientific needs of the proposal. Requests for funding can include:

The salary of the Principal Investigator and co-investigators for up to 3 years
Support for additional research, technical or other posts
Consumables
Equipment
Animals (purchase and maintenance costs)
Travel and subsistence
Data archiving, data sharing and dissemination costs

In line with the Research Councils, applications should be submitted under the Full Economic Costing (FEC) model. Please see the MRC Applicant's Handbook and the guidance document (PDF, 57 KB) on completing the application form.

How to apply and timescale

Those intending to submit proposals are encouraged to discuss their plans with the relevant NC3Rs Programme Manager before submitting a full proposal.

To discuss your research ideas, please contact Dr Anthony Holmes:

Email: anthony.holmes@nc3rs.org.uk

Tel: 020 7670 5331

Applications should be made using the application form (DOC, 467 KB). For information on how to complete the form, please see the guidance document (PDF, 57 KB).

General guidance is available on writing a case for support (PDF, 102 KB)

The deadline for submission to 3Rsgrants@nc3rs.org.uk is 16.00 on 14 April 2010.

For enquiries prior to submission, please email 3Rsgrants@nc3rs.org.uk

Assessment procedure

Applications will be evaluated by peer review and assessed by an expert panel, using the following assessment criteria -

What is the potential to replace or reduce animal use and/or improve animal welfare?*
What is the potential for the model described to build upon and improve current approaches to better understand the mechanistic basis of the disease and/or improve the design of new therapeutics?
What are the prospects for good scientific progress, based on the expertise and track record of the team and the quality of the research plans?
Are the funds requested reasonable and justified?

The funding decision will be made in July 2010.

Terms and conditions

Holders of NC3Rs awards are expected to abide by the Research Councils' Terms and Conditions. Any additional NC3Rs conditions will be included in the award letter.

* This must be clearly defined, including possible metrics where appropriate.