New Industry Partnership Development Bursary Launched to Accelerate UK Functional Genomics Collaboration

The UK Human Functional Genomics Initiative has announced a new Industry Partnership Development Bursary designed to foster closer collaboration between academic researchers and industry partners across the UK.

The funding call will provide targeted, flexible support to help scientists establish and strengthen partnerships with commercial organisations, accelerating the translation of functional genomics discoveries into real-world applications in healthcare, biotechnology, and beyond.

The bursary is intended to support early-stage engagement activities that are often difficult to fund through traditional research grants, including partnership-building meetings, short visits, networking, workshops, and exploratory discussions that could lead to future joint projects.

Strengthening pathways from discovery to impact

Functional genomics, the study of how genes and genetic variation influence biological processes and disease is a rapidly advancing field with major potential to transform medicine. However, translating discoveries into diagnostics, therapies, and commercial innovations requires strong collaboration between academia and industry.

By lowering the barriers to partnership development, the bursary aims to stimulate new collaborations, unlock translational opportunities, and enhance the UK’s leadership in genomics research and innovation.

Who can apply

The scheme is open to researchers within the UK Human Functional Genomics Initiative network who are seeking to:

• Establish new industry collaborations

• Develop existing partnerships

• Explore translational or commercial potential of their research

Funding can be used for activities that directly support partnership development and future joint funding opportunities.