Collaborate with the functional genomics screening laboratory
Medical Research Council (MRC) · United Kingdom
Opportunity to collaborate with the Functional Genomics Screening Laboratory (FGSL) on projects using complex human in vitro models for CRISPR screening to better understand model biology and enable target identification.
Summary
Deadline
Rolling
Complexity
Medium
Time to apply
20-60 hours
Updated
9 Jun 2026
Opportunity to collaborate with the Functional Genomics Screening Laboratory (FGSL) on projects using complex human in vitro models for CRISPR screening to better understand model biology and enable target identification.
Eligibility
Applicant types
Business
Business size
SME, Large
Industries
Biomedical research, biotechnology, functional genomics, and CRISPR screening.
Match funding
Needs verification
Requirements
Researchers eligible for MRC funding. Team applications are permitted. Applications from UK-based small and medium-sized enterprises and industry parties may also be considered where capacity allows. Not specified Projects using complex human in vitro models to conduct arrayed CRISPR screening for biological investigation and target identification.
Eligible applicants
Researchers eligible for MRC funding. Team applications are permitted. Applications from UK-based small and medium-sized enterprises and industry parties may also be considered where capacity allows.
Funding and scope
Benefit amount
Amount needs verification
Total fund available
Not specified
Funding intensity
Not specified
Payment type
Grant (typically 80% FEC in arrears)
Eligible scope
Projects using complex human in vitro models to conduct arrayed CRISPR screening for biological investigation and target identification.
Eligible expenses
- Consumables for screens may be funded either by AstraZeneca where the model is of interest to AstraZeneca or through a screening access fund provided by MRC.
Ineligible costs
- Costs not eligible under MRC functional genomics screening laboratory collaboration terms.
Application and risks
Application platform
Application form submitted through Connect: Health Tech at the University of Cambridge and emailed to the programme team.
Competitiveness
Open (Rolling assessment)
Decision timeline
Applications are reviewed approximately twice per year by the Joint Steering Committee.
Assessment process
Applications are assessed by a Joint Steering Committee with representatives from MRC, AstraZeneca, and the Milner Therapeutics Institute.
Application sections
- Application form including details about the in vitro model, desired screen, and endpoint assay.
Application components
Not specified
Decision risks
Applications may be rejected if the proposed biological model is unsuitable for CRISPR screening or if feasibility requirements are not met.
Timeline and partners
Opening date
17 Apr 2024
Project duration
Determined on a case-by-case basis depending on the model, its expansion capacity, and the size of the proposed screen
Project start
Not specified
Project end
Not specified
Co-funders
- AstraZeneca
- University of Cambridge
Collaboration rules
- Projects must be collaborative with the Functional Genomics Screening Laboratory. Screens are carried out by scientists at the Milner Therapeutics Institute but conducted in collaboration with the proposing research team.
- Not specified
Consortium requirements
- Not specified
Additional guidance
[{"label":"Research Category","value":"Functional genomics research collaboration."},{"label":"Subcontractors","value":"Not specified"},{"label":"Interview Stage","value":"Not specified"},{"label":"Key Requirements","value":"Applicants must provide detailed information about the model used, screening design, and endpoint assays."},{"label":"Renewal Rules","value":"Not specified"},{"label":"Important Notes","value":"The Functional Genomics Screening Laboratory is a joint initiative between MRC, AstraZeneca, and the Milner Therapeutics Institute to provide access to advanced CRISPR screening capabilities for UK researchers."}]
Quick facts
- Status
- Open
- Deadline
- Rolling
- Funding amount
- Amount needs verification
- Funding band
- Verification Required
- Funding type
- Collaboration access (screening service funded by MRC, AstraZeneca and University of Cambridge)
- Payment type
- Grant (typically 80% FEC in arrears)
- Audience
- Business
- Industry
- Biomedical research, biotechnology, functional genomics, and CRISPR screening.
- Last updated
- 9 Jun 2026
- Published
- 17 Apr 2024