NEOF provides funding for small pilot/ development projects to access the latest ‘omics technologies specifically for independent researchers (including Research Fellows) who work within NERC’s remit.

Pilot/development projects should be directed at generating preliminary data or proof of concept in advance of full research grant 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: ‘digital’ 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.

Applications are graded by the NEOF Steering Committee, following the usual NERC procedures, but with special 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 appropriate bioinformatics support. This funding call covers the costs of work carried out at NEOF only. The costs of consumables or reagents associated with sample preparation outside NEOF prior to submission cannot be included in the budget.