New Academic–Industry Partnership Award Launched to Accelerate UK Functional Genomics Innovation

The UK Human Functional Genomics Initiative is pleased to announce the launch of the next round of Academic and Industry Partnership Funding Awards, designed to catalyse high-impact collaborations that accelerate translational functional genomics research across the UK.

This targeted funding call is open until 1 November 2026, and supports short-duration, delivery-focused projects that bring together academic excellence and industry capability to address key challenges in functional genomics.

Driving Translational Impact

The Academic–Industry Partnership Award provides £15,000–£100,000 per project for initiatives lasting 3–12 months. The scheme is specifically designed to:

• Accelerate proof-of-concept studies with clear translational potential
• Enable access to industry platforms, datasets and expertise
• De-risk innovative approaches in human functional genomics
• Strengthen sustained academic–industry partnerships

Projects must demonstrate genuine co-development between partners and a clearly defined role for the industry collaborator.

Strategic Alignment with the Initiative

This award forms part of our broader mission to build a coordinated, nationally integrated functional genomics ecosystem. Successful projects will:

• Align with UK Human Functional Genomics scientific priorities
• Integrate with national data infrastructure, including the Data Coordination Centre
• Complement and extend existing our funded activity
• Contribute to long-term UK capability in functional genomics

By fostering meaningful cross-sector collaboration, the scheme aims to accelerate translation from discovery science to clinical and commercial application.

Funding Scope

Applications must include:

• A clear and compelling scientific case
• Defined, measurable objectives deliverable within 12 months
• A robust data management and sharing plan
• An articulated intellectual property strategy
• Meaningful industry matched contribution (cash and/or in-kind)

Projects should demonstrate a credible pathway to further funding, translational development, or commercial progression.

Through this initiative, the UK Human Functional Genomics Initiative continues to strengthen the UK’s leadership in human functional genomics and enhance its capacity to deliver scientific, economic and societal impact.

Applicant Support Webinars:

To support prospective applicants, we are hosting two dedicated webinars: 

Monday 27 April: Funding Guidance and Live Q&A
A detailed overview of the call specification, eligibility requirements, assessment criteria and application process, followed by an opportunity to ask questions.

Register for the Academic-Industry Partnership Award Webinar – Fill in form

May – date TBC: Building Effective Academic–Industry Partnerships
A strategic session focused on developing competitive collaborations, featuring contributions from representatives from academia and industry. This interactive 90-minute online webinar will help researchers:

• Recognise translational and commercial potential within their current research portfolio
• Understand what industry partners look for in academic collaborations
• Learn how to position their work for industry engagement
• Gain practical strategies for initiating and sustaining industry conversations
• Understand what makes a strong, industry-matched pilot funding application

The session will combine academic, industry, and translational expertise to provide practical, experience-based guidance.

Register your interest for ‘Building Effective Academic–Industry Partnerships’ – Fill in form

Full details and application forms can be found here: