To help scientists working within the NERC remit to take advantage of these opportunities, NEOF is providing funding for small pilot/development projects that wish to access the latest genome sequencing, proteomics and metabolomics technologies. Applicants should consult the web pages of NEOF and the Centre for Genomic Research, Centre for Proteomic Research and Centre for Metabolomic Research (which host the omic capability of NEOF). Enquiries and project discussion should be made through our enquiries page.

Pilot/development projects should be directed at generating preliminary data or proof of concept in advance of full research grant or fellowship proposals, particularly when it is necessary to demonstrate the applicability or the technical feasibility of new techniques or approaches to NERC-relevant research problems.

The pilot competition is also an excellent opportunity for researchers familiar with genomics to extend their research methodology and trial proteomics and metabolomics as a means to explore the mechanistic or phenotypic basis of genomic results.

Examples could include:

Genomics: transcriptomics using next-generation sequencing, deep metagenomics of environmental samples, de-novo genome assembly from long-read data, or the use of high-throughput sequencing as a genetic tool in natural populations..

Metabolomics: use of mass spectrometry in broad metabolite discovery and identification of metabolomic changes between samples, targeted metabolite identification, or the use of vibrational spectroscopy methods for spatial distribution of metabolites. See Metabolomics FAQs.

Proteomics: use of high-throughput global protein identification from environmental samples, label free quantification for comparison of protein expression in samples collected exposed to different environments, and post translational modification identification of specific proteins or at a global levels. See Proteomics FAQs

See Case studies for all ‘omics.

Applicants should note the following:

• Projects must be within the NERC remit;
• Recipients of NEOF pilot funding in 2024 will not be considered. 
• Only one project will be considered per applicant across all 3 approaches (genomics, proteomics and metabolomics), although proposals that include more than one technology are eligible.
• Eligibility: Postgraduate students are not eligible as PIs; neither are applicants not currently based in a UK institution.
• Applicants will provide confirmation from their supervisor that they will make the time available to applicants to conduct the research should it be funded (not required for Research Fellows).
• Samples suitable for analysis (i.e. meeting minimum quality and quantity requirements) must be delivered to NEOF by Monday 1 December 2024; failure to deliver suitable samples to the NEOF by the submission deadline will result in funding being withdrawn.
• It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that any necessary permits or ethics approvals are in place before submission of samples.
• Applicants may either prepare samples in their own laboratory or use the NEOF Visitor Facility, which houses expertise and equipment for nucleic acid extraction and QC. If this is required, please flag during project discussions.

Proposals for projects associated with PhD students (who do not themselves have to be NERC-funded) will be considered. In such cases, the application should show how the proposed work integrates within the timeframe of the doctoral project.

All proposals should include a clear plan for the bioinformatic analysis of the resulting data, noting that NEOF can, by agreement, provide some bioinformatic and statistical support as part of the funded project.

Applications will be graded by the NEOF Steering Committee, following the established NEOF procedures, but with particular reference to:

• Scientific excellence, including the novelty, timeliness and/or impact of the proposed work
• The likely importance of the pilot data to a full grant or fellowship proposal

Each successful project will include access to staff, equipment and consumables costs, to a total value of up to £15,000 plus some bioinformatics support. Successful applicants will be required to report publications or other outputs arising from work conducted at the facility in line with NEOF standard terms and conditions.

Your project description should include:

• Underlying rationale, scientific and technological issues to be addressed
• Specific objectives of the project
• Methodology and plan of research including, for example, any bioinformatic analyses

Applicants will also be asked how their proposal will help their transition to become an independent researcher.