The Social Science Stem Cell Initiative: Capacitybuilding and Awareness Raising

ESRC Investment in

The Social Science Stem Cell Initiative: CapacityBuilding and Awareness Raising

Phase II

Call Specification May 2006

Executive Summary

As part of its investment in the social and economic aspects of Stem Cell science the Economic and Social Science Research Council (ESRC) is inviting applications from within the UK social science community for

Mid Career & Senior Fellowships

Postdoctoral Fellowships

These Fellowship awards are offered under the second phase of the Stem Cell Initiative: CapacityBuilding and Awareness Raising (CBAR). This Call for applications is open to researchers with a special interest in this research area andan interest in interdisciplinary working. Applications are invited from researchers from across the whole of social science and also collaborations across disciplines and institutions.

The main objectives of this Initiative are to:-

• build research capacity for high quality, independent social science research on Stem Cell technologies
• deepen interdisciplinary links to the biosciences
• foster translational social science research and activity that can contribute towards more effective deployment of stem cells in industrial and clinical settings
• demonstrate and publicise the important role that ESRC work makes to the field as a whole

Approximately £1millionis available to support these awards that cover junior, mid-career and senior level researchers. Applications are invited from all social science disciplines.

The closing date for all applications is 4.00pm on 28 June 2006. It is anticipated that the first Fellowships will commence 1 October 2006.

Background

As part of the 2000 Spending Reviewthe Economic and Social Research Council agreed to fund six awards under a research initiative on Stem Cell Research: The Social and Economic Agendain May 2004. Details of these awards are provided in the Additional Supporting Information document.

Stem Cell Initiative:CapacityBuilding and Awareness Raising (CBAR)

The overall aim of the Initiative is to:-

• build research capacity through the support of a range of social science research activities
• raise awareness within the UK social science community in regard to the field of Stem Cell science

The ESRC, along with other research councils, has already invested in a number of research projects in this area. Additionally, other related activities have been supported throughthe Stem Cell Initiative Office at the University of York.

The CBAR section of the Stem Cell Initiative was developed in two distinct but complementary phases.

Stem Cell Initiative: CBAR Phase I

The arrangement of this phase involved further investments in the ESRC's existing genomics investments, subject to peer and merit review.

Phase I set out to:-

• build on existing work and facilitate engagement in discrete but interconnected areas of research activities with clear capacity building and awareness raising elements
• facilitate capacity building and knowledge sharing activities more broadlyand where possiblewith a strong international orientation

On the basis of peer and panel review two awards were made. Details of these awards are provided in the Additional Supporting Information document.

Stem Cell Initiative: CBAR Phase II

Phase II includesopportunities for applications from the broader research communitythus increasingand enhancing the research capacity in the area. This element of the Initiative, Phase II, is to be addressed by the current Call.

Phase II sets out to:-

• establish the ESRC as one of, if not the, leading global player in the social science of Stem Cell research
• ensure a step change in the number, quality, depth and disciplinary range of social scientists with an expertise in Stem Cell research and foster the career of a new cohort of researchers through its doctoral training element
• develop interdisciplinary ‘intelligence’ and understanding across the social and bio-sciences
• build a number of national and international networks that will prevail beyond the whole Stem Cell Initiative itself
• showcase ESRC’s contribution to the Research Councils (RCUK) investment in this area

The Stem Cell Initiative: Capacity Building and Awareness Raising Phase IIis directly related to a number of ESRC's current strategic priorities, but particularly to its broad strategic vision in exploring

• science in society relationships
• building social science capacity
• establishing the role of social science within cross-Council programmes of activity

This Call is also linked to the ESRC’s related investmentsin genomics and health technologies, both substantively and at a generic level, in regards to methodological and theoretical analysis of the social dynamics of bioscience innovation. It may also help provide important support for future FP6/7 grant applications in the area.

Phase II is intended to provide opportunities for the broader research community to undertake intensive and concentrated research and communication activities. This will be achieved through the provision of Fellowships within this research. The research and communication activities are intended to increase and enhance research capacity in the area of social science and stem cell technologies. Additionally, these research activities are intended to develop links to the natural sciences.

Applications must be from researchers based at UK Higher Education Institutions or other Research Institutes eligible for ESRC funding.

Research Areas and Scientific Content

The current Call has a number of strategic objectives with regard to both developing new research capacity in the field and raising awareness of the contribution that social science can make to the field.

Strategic Objectives of the Call

• encourage a wider range of social science disciplines to engage with the field
• generate greater interdisciplinarity across both social and natural science especially in light of recommendations made by the current Pattison review of the area
• exploit new opportunities for translational and international research
• enhance links between the Genomics Centres in this area
• anchor social science more firmly in policy-focused Stem Cell networks
• ensure excellent media coverage of social science activity in this area

The Call will provide opportunities to:-

• strengthen links between social science and users including medical research, clinical, patient, health, policy and commercial constituencies
• provide new opportunities to profile UK social science in this field in international arenas

The Stem Cell Initiative: CBAR Phase IIis designed to ensure ongoing liaison with, and dissemination to, various users, including other Research Councils, Government, the Department of Health and NHS, private corporations, medical research, patient charities, interest groups and the wider public. This will occur through the co-ordination of elements of Phase II to maximise networking, knowledge transfer and the dissemination of research outputs. This will befacilitated through existing and yet to be developed mechanisms, such as programmes of seminars and workshops, web-based information and national and international knowledge networks. The co-ordination of these activities is managed through the Stem Cell Initiativeoffice at theUniversity of York under the guidance of Professor Andrew Webster.

Organisation of Stem Cell Initiative CBAR Phase II

Phase II has been arranged under two broad themes.

Theme 1Translational Activities:

Proposals in this first area should explore the processes through which the science of stem cells is ‘translated’ to clinical or commercial settings, and what influences, fosters or constrains this.

Applications would be especially welcomed in regard to:-

• legal and economic evaluation and review of the field
• implementation in clinical settings
• business modelling and future options for UK firms (both large and small)
• the contrasting socio-economic dynamics of adult and embryonic stem cell research
• the role of the media and other information sources in shaping publics’ perceptions of SC and how various individuals and groups decide what information is to be regarded as more valuable and/or more trusted
• the new knowledge and skills base that will need to be developed (via medical schools, biosciences, bioethics, the social sciences) to meet the needs of Stem Cell innovation and implementation

Award holders will also be encouraged to develop formal links to sites that combine commercial, clinical and policy-related bodies focusing on the translation of research from the laboratory to the clinic.

Theme 2International Dynamics:

Proposals in this second theme should explore the wider development of the field outside of the UK, within advanced or emergent states. Some of the core areas that need to be addressed include:-

• the changing regulatory contexts
• developments in clinical applications in emergent countries compared to the UK context
• factors shaping the development of global international scientific standards
• global capital investment in the field and its anticipated development over the medium term

Successful applicants looking to address issues in this area will be encouraged to build links with the international regulatory agencies in the field as well as the primary overseas agencies fostering Stem Cell sciences and international Stem Cell networks (such as the International Stem Cell Initiative).

Fellowships

Several types of Fellowship funding will be made available to provide flexibility and maximise potential research capacity. Applicants are invited to apply for:-

• Mid-Career through to Senior Fellowships - of one or two year’s duration will be available commencing October 2006. These will be invited to focus on one of the two themes: translational activities, or the international dynamics and developments in the field. The aim is to encourage theoretical and methodological innovation. Fellowships of 3 to 6 months may also be considered.

• Postdoctoral Fellowships - of up to one year duration (or two years part-time are offered to support career development. These will be invited to focus on one of the two themes: translational activities, or the international dynamics and developments in the field. Applications must be made through institutions eligible for receipt of ESRC research funding and should come with the full support of the institution and a nominated mentor who will guide the Fellow throughout the term of the Fellowship award. Mentors from different disciplines or institutions will be welcome where this will assist achievement of Fellowship objectives.

Mid-Career through to Senior Fellowships may be used to develop new research or consolidate previous researchthrough journal articles and to provide time to write books, and to assist theoretical and methodological development.

Postdoctoral Fellowships may be used to consolidate previous research through journal articles and presentations of their work to relevant audiences.

Note:Exceptionally, institutions may make applications from Heads of Department or equivalent, where the person to be appointed to the Fellowship is not currently available. However, any such post must be filled by 1 January 2007.

Financial Implications

Approximately £1million is being made available to support these Fellowship awards which address these challenges and opportunities. All UK institutions eligible for ESRC Programme support may apply. Collaborations across disciplines or institutions are welcome but not essential. The Fellowships will be at 100% full economic costing (FEC) of which the ESRC will fund 80% of these costs.

Process and Timetable

Full applications should be submitted to ESRC by 4pm on 28 June 2006. All applications must be submitted via the Je-S Submission System. Applications for Mid-Career through to Senior Fellowships should be submitted on the Research Fellowships form and Postdoctoral Fellowships should be submitted on Postdoctoral Fellowship form (see Application Guidance Notes).

Applications will be subject to peer and merit review and then considered by a Commissioning Panel. Awards will be announced in late August 2006 with the intention that all two-year Fellowships will commence from 1 October 2006 or between 1 October and 1 April 2007 for 12-month Fellowships. Proposals for Fellowships between 3-6 months will also be considered.

Summary of Key Dates

For further information contact:

Dr Isie MacIntyre

01793 413068

For further information on the Stem Cell Initiative Co-ordination contact:

Professor A Webster

01904 43 3041