BioNEt Industrial Studentships Scheme

Bionet invited academics at the Universities of Durham, Newcastle, Northumbria, Sunderland and Teesside to apply for a 3-year Bionet industrial studentship to support research in ageing and health, stem cells, regenerative medicine, bioinformatics, molecular engineering, medical devices, biopharmaceuticals, bioprocessing, biomanufacturing and diagnostics. There have been 8 PhD students funded by this scheme since its introduction in 2003 (details at www.bionetatcels.com/grants_funding/fundedstudentship.php). The scheme is closed to applications.

1. Background
CELS Ltd agreed to contribute £4,500pa (for 3 years) to cover the University fees (ca £3,300pa) and some project costs for two studentships. Academics found a source of funding for the student support grant (ca £12,500pa) and a local industrial sponsor who could contribute towards the research costs of the project (£4,000-£6,000pa). CELS Ltd provided help in identifying an industrial partner. The student support grant could be covered from several sources e.g. Fundraising Office, Graduate School, Department, Institute, Faculty and Industry.

2. Eligibility
Applicants had to provide evidence of a:
1. Source(s) for the student support grant (ca. £12,500pa over 3 years)
2. North-East based industrial partner who would contribute £4,000-£6,000pa (over 3 years) towards project costs including the purchase of research consumables and equipment.
3. Proposal for a research project in the areas of ageing and health, stem cells, regenerative medicine, bioinformatics, molecular engineering, medical devices, biopharmaceuticals, bioprocessing, biomanufacturing and diagnostics.

3. Terms and Conditions
Terms and conditions for the Bionet industrial studentship are similar to existing research council industrially-linked studentships. The student are expected to have a placement within the company for a period of between 6 and 18 months. Ownership of intellectual property rights is negotiated between the University, Industry and CELS Ltd. Academics produce a short progress report for the Bionet Strategy Group at the end of each academic year of the project.