BioFair Pathfinder Project Funding

Pathfinder Projects – Second Funding Call Now Open

The UK Human Functional Genomics Initiative is pleased to announce the launch of the second round of BioFair’s Pathfinder Projects, providing an exciting funding opportunity for researchers and research technical professionals to address real-world challenges in making life sciences data FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable) and AI-ready.

BioFair welcomes innovative proposals that identify barriers and develop practical, data-driven solutions, underpinned by a clear scientific question. Pathfinder Projects aim to demonstrate how new approaches can improve the accessibility, usability and interoperability of life sciences data, while helping to shape the future requirements of the BioFAIR initiative.

Successful projects will have the opportunity to develop proof-of-concept solutions that can contribute to and benefit from the UK’s emerging national research infrastructure, including BioFAIR’s planned Data Commons in 2027.

A total of 10–12 projects will be funded across a range of scientific domains, with successful applicants eligible to receive up to £100,000 over 12 months.

This is an exciting opportunity to test innovative approaches, encourage the adoption of FAIR data practices and drive meaningful change across the UK life sciences research community.

Closing date: 15th December 2026

Apply now and help shape the future of data-driven life sciences research in the UK.