Funding briefs

Rolls-Royce is offering ?120,000 for investment in UK science education through its Science Prize, open to science teachers across the UK and Republic of Ireland, now in its third year. The prize goes to the institution demonstrating how best to improve any aspect of  science teaching. Closing date for entries is 28 February 2007. 

The UK’s eight Research Councils have announced a new protocol for assessing and funding  multidisciplinary research grant applications. Any one council must consider whether an application’s scope extends into another council’s remit; funding can be provided by all the councils concerned. 

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has granted $2.6 million (?1.4 million) over three years to  Keystone Symposia , a non-profit organization headquartered in Colorado, US, which organises scientific conferences on biomedical research and infectious disease. The grant supports travel awards for scientists, physicians and students from developing countries to attend the meetings. 

The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), part of the US’ National Institutes of Health (NIH), has announced $13m funding for research aiming to cut  whole-genome sequencing costs to $1,000. The largest slice, $3.8 million, went to Michael Ramsey’s University of North Carolina group, researching nanoscale fluidic technologies. 

The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Chemistry Programme has allocated up to ?3 million to support speculative research in  green and sustainable chemical technologies and sustainable energy solutions. The Chemistry Programme has funded similar proposals previously with the Crystal Faraday Partnership. Deadline for proposals is 4pm on 27 March 2007.