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

2. Queen Mary, University of London: Discipline Bridging Initiative 1 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: Discipline Bridging Initiative 1 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. Queen Mary, University of London: Discipline Bridging Initiative 1 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. Queen Mary, University of London: Discipline Bridging Initiative 1 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. Queen Mary, University of London: Discipline Bridging Initiative 1 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 QMUL Discipline Bridging Initiative

7. Queen Mary, University of London: Discipline Bridging Initiative 1 Web-site - Clear branding for the DBI Information on events, funding calls etc www.dbi.qmul.ac.uk QMUL Discipline Bridging Initiative

8. Queen Mary, University of London: Discipline Bridging Initiative 1 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. Queen Mary, University of London: Discipline Bridging Initiative 1 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. Queen Mary, University of London: Discipline Bridging Initiative 1 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. Queen Mary, University of London: Discipline Bridging Initiative 1 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. Queen Mary, University of London: Discipline Bridging Initiative 1 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. Queen Mary, University of London: Discipline Bridging Initiative 1 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. Queen Mary, University of London: Discipline Bridging Initiative 1 QMUL Discipline Bridging Initiative FAQ - Can I get funding for a PhD student? No - the scheme is not for PhD training

15. Queen Mary, University of London: Discipline Bridging Initiative 1 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. Queen Mary, University of London: Discipline Bridging Initiative 1 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. Queen Mary, University of London: Discipline Bridging Initiative 1 QMUL Discipline Bridging Initiative FAQ - Can I use funding to continue an existing collaboration No - should be used to develop new collaborations

18. Queen Mary, University of London: Discipline Bridging Initiative 1 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’