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Renewable ENergy Demand Assessment and eNtrepreneurial Growth (RENDANG) for Energy Access in Malaysia
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Our project addresses challenges and opportunities in rural electrification, particularly for remote Orang Asli communities in West Malaysia. Despite the country's considerable urban development and high electrification rates, about 200 of these villages remain under-electrified. A critical challenge in deploying distributed systems in communities is assessing and growing demand for electricity. Current approaches in distributed systems involve surveying communities, then designing and installing systems such as mini-grids based on this initial assessment. Mini-grid construction can be a slow process, and during the wait, communities may lose interest or trust in the electrification process. When the mini-grid eventually comes online, demand can be disappointingly low, as the community is only just starting to develop their productive use businesses and grow their payment behaviour. We propose to address this problem by integrating the Community Energy Toolkit (COMET), a community engagement software tool to assess demand, and a mobile mini-grid to provide quick and temporary electrification to build demand, while deploying more permanent solutions. Our project involves a collaboration between Smart Villages Research Group (SVRG), Energy Action Partners (ENACT), and the COMET team, to develop an integrated model that merges COMET's predictive capabilities with the immediacy of mobile mini-grids in Pos Titom located in the state of Pahang, Malaysia. This approach will accurately assess energy needs to be met by cost-effective Clustered Solar Home Systems (CSHSes), foster demand for productive uses of energy using the mobile mini-grid, and encourage sustainable income via targeted capacity building for village-based enterprises enabled by these systems. This innovative model aims to bridge the gap between the initial community engagement and the installation and commissioning of a distributed energy system. It will help maintain community interest and grow energy demand gradually, a crucial step for scaling distributed energy systems sustainably. We expect the combination of the two technologies to be widely scalable. Whilst we will be validating the approach in Malaysia, the successful demonstration of the impact will allow us to apply this innovative suite of tools to improving minigrid and energy access development worldwide, where for example latest estimates (World Bank ESMAP, 2022) forecasts a need for at least 200,000 more minigrids to be able to meet SDG energy access targets in Africa alone.
Protecting high risk groups from Plasmodium knowlesi malaria
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Malaria, an infection caused by Plasmodium parasites transmitted through infective mosquito bites can cause severe illness and remains a significant global health concern. In Southeast Asia, while progress has been made against major human malaria parasites, simian malaria parasites, including Plasmodium knowlesi, have emerged as a major source of zoonotic infections. In Malaysia, P. knowlesi now accounts for all malaria cases and together with recent outbreaks also reported in Thailand this parasite presents a major challenge to malaria elimination in the region. P.knowlesi is not affected by standard malaria control approaches and Malaysia, which has made exceptional progress in reducing P.vivax and P.falciparum is unable to be certified malaria free by WHO because it has P.knowlesi cases. Currently WHO guidlines are that P.knowlesi should be at ‘negligible’ risk, which will require a significant reduction in the number of zoonotic malaria cases in Malaysia. This proposal aims to facilitate that reduction. Our previous work has identified areas of rapid land use and land cover change as areas associated with both the primate host and mosquito vectors host of P.knowlesi. Thus individuals who work in these areas such as loggers and plantation workers are at highest risk of infection and developing disease. Our work will comprise of 3 aims. Firstly, we will work with partners to refine the P.knowlesi risk maps to identify using contemporary environmental and case report data. We will focus on the identification of specific sites for this study but the approach will provide a national and regional resource for future surveillance and control activities. Secondly, using the sites in aim 1 we will identify high risk populations withon these areas and evaluate control methods to reduce the incidence of infection in these people. The primary intervention for which the study will be be powered is a cross-over chemoprophlatic study monthly using Dihydroartemisinin piperaquine in individuals. Infection will be assessed by a novel Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) which has emerged as a promising tool for molecular malaria diagnosis due to its simplicity and rapidity. Our preliminary studies suggest LAMP's effectiveness in diagnosing simian malaria species. We will also evaluate the accpetability and utility of personalised vector control namely insect repellent (DEET)-impregnated anklets and wristbands. These have shown promise in reducing mosquito bites, however, their effectiveness against zoonotic malaria vectors remains unexplored and we therefore aim to evaluate this personal-level protection in high risk workers. Thirdly, we will work with local and national stakeholders (local small scale farming communities, plantation owners, MoH) to understand if and how the approaches can be adopted and used more widely. We will examine different potential delivery and funding scenarios to advise regional and national control programmes on optimal methods to reduce P.knowlesi in these high risk groups. Together these aims will reduce the burden of P.knowlesi at individual and community levels in Malaysia and allow wider adoption in affected areas.
DNA-launched Nipah virus vaccines and therapeutics
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Background: Despite the significant threat Nipah virus poses to both human and animal populations across Southeast Asia, neither vaccines nor therapeutics are currently available to prevent or treat infection. If the delivery challenge could be overcome, DNA-launched approaches have advantages over other platforms (including mRNA) for vaccines and therapeutics, such as low production cost, time-to-impact, and enhanced stability for transportation/storage. We have generated an injectable DNA vaccine platform which we are exemplifying as a Zika vaccine (IUK, SBRI funding), which is currently being tested in mouse and non-human primate models. Translating the gains of the effective delivery system with DNA-encoded antigens or therapeutics would be transformative for tackling Nipah virus. Study aims: We propose to exploit our recently established DNA-delivery platform to advance the development of effective, affordable, and scalable Nipah virus vaccines and therapeutics. Our platform is based on polymer/peptide nanoformulations that are vectors for DNA delivery. Due to the simplicity of formulation this opens up the possibility of a tractable and deployable method to vaccinate and treat Nipah in a ‘One Health’ approach tackling both human and animal disease. This study aims to generate the pre-clinical efficacy data needed to support the further translation of the approach. The approach: Whilst the protective antigens from the Nipah virus are well defined and could be readily engineered into the DNA vaccine platform, there are a limited number of human monoclonal antibody (mAb)-based therapeutic candidates, with only one in clinical testing. We therefore propose to isolate new therapeutic candidate mAbs from human volunteers in Malaysia, who previously recovered from Nipah virus infection. Both DNA-encoded vaccine and therapeutic mAb candidates will be evaluated in preclinical animal models. After initial optimisation using a mouse model, vaccine and therapeutic candidates will be assessed evaluated for immunogenicity and pharmacokinetics, respectively, in pigs. And their efficacy to protect against Nipah virus infection will be tested in hamsters. We will also compare plasmid and synthetic DNA systems (dbDNA) which will improve low and single-dose efficacy, with more rapid and deployable manufacture. Outputs: The major gain here is the discovery and preclinical testing of DNA encoded Nipah virus vaccine and therapeutic candidates, supporting their further clinical development. Furthermore, the livestock testing of the platform could be transformative as a route as an agricultural vaccine, which could prevent and contain Nipah virus outbreaks in affected areas of Southeast Asia
Designing effective adjunctive chemotherapy against drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) and TB-like respiratory diseases
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Overview and rationale: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) threatens the control of an ever-increasing range of infectious diseases. We risk impeding drug research and offering therapy for drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) caused primarily by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and TB-like respiratory diseases (such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease/COPD, and cystic fibrosis) caused by opportunistic non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) unless we refocus immediately. Mycobacteria are unique in their physiology, endogenous metabolism, immune evasion, dormancy and resuscitation, and they have proven to cause extreme drug resistance. HIV-TB co-infections further aggravate the TB pandemic amongst HIV-positive patients. Therefore, it is critical to accelerate the development of more effective combination therapy regimes. Context of the research: AMR in tuberculosis (TB) and TB-like respiratory diseases pose challenges in combating lung infections through existing treatment. Failure to treat a patient effectively with first-line anti-tubercular drugs mandates the use of a gruelling regimen with second-line drugs, with drawbacks including inflammation and tissue damage at the site of infection. Repurposing drugs presents an effective alternative to the time-consuming and expensive task of discovering new compounds. NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) generally used as anti-inflammatory agents, have been reported to show anti-tubercular activity. Carprofen demonstrated good chemotherapeutic potential in shortening TB chemotherapy due to its additional bactericidal mechanisms of antibiotic action. Furthermore, our recent research has identified several prospective targets of carprofen on mycobacteria including efflux pump inhibition and biofilm disruption, key intrinsic mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance in mycobacterial infections. The promise of effective, shorter treatment regimens using first-line drugs in conjunction with carprofen is thus enticing. The primary aim of this proposal is to integrate multidisciplinary research expertise to accelerate the development of new antibiotic treatments to tackle drug-resistant infections. This will be achieved through defined tasks assigned under interconnected work packages to (a) investigate carprofen's anti-tuberculosis mechanisms of bactericidal action to validate its therapeutic potential as an adjunctive to first-line anti-TB drugs and its ability to reverse AMR; (b) design, synthesise and optimise lead carbazole-carboline scaffolds with improved bactericidal efficacy; (c) develop carprofen into nanosized formulation lung-delivery systems for enhanced targeted distribution and therapeutic efficacy with minimum metabolism and dose requirement; (c) conduct pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and toxicity studies on infected mice model to advance the selected lead for further drug development. Potential applications and immediate benefits: The outcomes will be applied to disseminate and manage the multidisciplinary project with outreach, and impact activities on a global scale. Identification of new chemical leads with potent anti-tuberculosis activity and/or the ability to reverse AMR will accelerate further research into lead optimisation and provide a pipeline for clinical trials. Formulation of these molecules to a lung-targeted delivery system will provide direct reach; and will serve as an adjunctive chemotherapy for TB and related infections. This approach is consistent with the WHO's "End TB Strategy", which seeks to reduce TB incidence by 90% by 2035 and with the UKRI's mission to combat infectious diseases worldwide.
AI-powered Diagnostic Workflow for Predicting Transmissibility and Drug Resistance in Avian Influenza Viruses
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Emergent diseases such as COVID and avian influenza presented formidable challenges to global public health. To survive and spread, pathogens evolve through genetic mutations which allow them to jump from one host to another or develop resistance to antiviral drugs. Traditional methods for identifying these mutations are slow, costly, relying on detection of actual cases to trigger analysis and response efforts. Alternatively, gain of function studies present biosafety concerns and risks. By contrast, computational methods offer a faster, safer and more cost-effective way to detect mutations underlying phenotypes such as increased transmissibility or antiviral resistance(AVR), providing a proactive approach to combating emerging zoonotic threats. While structure-guided machine learning techniques exist for predicting impacts of mutations, they typically handle single-point mutations, whereas often multiple mutations are required for full phenotypes. Additionally, these existing techniques do not yet employ Protein Language Models (pLMs), which have revolutionised our understanding of protein sequences and structures. These models are trained on vast amounts of protein data and encode evolutionary, structural, and functional information. In this project, we will leverage pLM embeddings, structural information and other features to produce two AI-powered predictors reporting the impacts of mutations likely to induce changes in the affinities of host-viral interactions and AVR. We will use the avian influenza virus as our test target. Avian influenza is carried in wild birds but can be transferred into domestic poultry. Recent outbreaks of H5N1 avian influenza have occurred in 67 countries, leading to the loss of over 131 million chickens and drawing attention to avian-to-mammal and potential mammal-to-mammal transmission. Indeed the first documented cases of cow-to-human transmission in the US in April 2024, highlight the growing risk of zoonotic spillover. Additionally, AVR has already been observed for almost all antivirals against influenza, underscoring the need for proactive intervention and improved understanding of the evolutionary potential of this virus. Our project has six aims to address key challenges in understanding and combating emerging avian influenza viruses, giving computational approaches which can then be extended to other pathogens- Develop a computational pipeline for collating all structural data on pathogen strains and host-pathogen interactions. Build two AI-based predictors exploiting structural/physicochemical properties and pLM Host-viral interaction predictor reporting mutations that facilitate cell entry, replication etc. AVR predictor for resistance to the licensed antiviral drugs Validate the AI based predictors using surrogate viral systems Sialic acid binding assay using pseudotyped viruses, expressed HA protein and cell-cell fusion assay Polymerase assays using minigenome reporters performed in human cells (viral polymerase with human ANP32 proteins) AVR to antiviral drug by performing surface plasmon resonance experiment and minigenome polymerase assay Establish a diagnostic portal, reporting impacts and thereby aiding in the identification of novel threats Organise a Southeast Asia stakeholder workshop to demonstrate the diagnostic portal and engage with experts in zoonotic surveillance and AVR. Once validated, the mutations identified will be seamlessly integrated into global avian influenza surveillance programs, particularly in Southeast Asia, to help combat the spread of resistant infections and reduce infection rates in healthcare settings and broader community. Study results will be useful for development of future antiviral therapeutics with molecules that circumvent resistance development. This project benefits from a collaborative partnership between the UK and Malaysia, promoting knowledge sharing, resource exchange, and adoption of best practices.
Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund
Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs
Illegal wildlife trade (IWT) is a widespread and lucrative criminal activity causing major global environmental and social harm. The IWT has been estimated to be worth up to £17 billion a year. Nearly 6,000 different species of fauna and flora are impacted, with almost every country in the world playing a role in the illicit trade. The UK government is committed to tackling illegal trade of wildlife products and is a long-standing leader in efforts to eradicate the IWT. Defra manages the Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund, which is a competitive grants scheme with the objective of tackling IWT and, in doing so, contributing to sustainable development in developing countries. Projects funded under the Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund address one, or more, of the following themes: • Developing sustainable livelihoods to benefit people directly affected by IWT, • Strengthening law enforcement, • Ensuring effective legal frameworks, • Reducing demand for IWT products. By 2023 over £51 million has been committed to 157 projects since the Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund was established in 2013. This page contains information about Rounds 7 onwards. For information about Rounds 1 to 6, please see the IWTCF website -https://iwt.challengefund.org.uk/
Darwin Initiative
Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs
The Darwin Initiative is the UK’s flagship international challenge fund for biodiversity conversation and poverty reduction, established at the Rio Earth Summit in 1992. The Darwin Initiative is a grant scheme working on projects that aim to slow, halt, or reverse the rates of biodiversity loss and degradation, with associated reductions in multidimensional poverty. To date, the Darwin Initiative has awarded more than £195m to over 1,280 projects in 159 countries to enhance the capability and capacity of national and local stakeholders to deliver biodiversity conservation and multidimensional poverty reduction outcomes in low and middle-income countries. More information at https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/the-darwin-initiative. This page contains information about Rounds 27 onwards. For information about Rounds 1 to 26, please see the Darwin Initiative website -https://www.darwininitiative.org.uk/
The Evidence Fund - 300708
UK - Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO)
The Evidence Fund procures and manages research and evaluations that primarily benefit ODA eligible countries. Most research and evaluations paid for by the Evidence Fund are country-specific, and all respond to requests for evidence to inform programme or policy decisions. Primarily serving research requests from HMG’s Embassies and High Commissions in ODA eligible countries, and from HMG policy and strategy teams, the Evidence Fund strengthens the evidence behind the UK’s priority international development investments and development diplomacy. The Evidence Fund also invests modest amounts of non-ODA, to strengthen the evidence behind wider UK foreign policy.
Malaysia - Newton Fund Impact Scheme
DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS, ENERGY & INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY
Malaysia - Newton Fund Impact Scheme is funded through the UK Government’s Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Newton Fund and delivered on the UK side by the British Council. This activity contributes to the Newton Fund’s work in building research and innovation partnerships with countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America to support economic development and social welfare, tackle global challenges and develop talent and careers.
SFC - GCRF QR funding
DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS, ENERGY & INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY
Formula GCRF funding to the Scottish Funding Council to support Scottish higher education institutes (HEIs) to carry out ODA-eligible activities in line with their three-year institutional strategies. ODA research grants do not represent the full economic cost of research and therefore additional funding is provided to Scottish HEIs in proportion to their Research Excellence Grant (REG). In FY19/20 funding was allocated to 18 Scottish higher education institutes to support existing ODA grant funding and small projects. GCRF has now supported more than 800 projects at Scottish institutions, involving over 80 developing country partners.
UUKi Delivery Support
DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS, ENERGY & INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY
These are delivery cost for shared learning workshops/training and best practice (for current and future applicants) on ODA assurance, eligibility, reporting and partnership working through either the NF and GCRF
Ad-hoc GCRF activity on BEIS Finance system
DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS, ENERGY & INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY
Increased contributions towards a range of research projects jointly funded with DFID, and funding for the Devolved Administrations for disbursement to universities within the devolved regions to fund the full economic cost of GCRF ODA research.
DfE NI - GCRF QR funding
DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS, ENERGY & INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY
Grant to Department for the Economy, Northern Ireland to enable Northern Irish higher education institutes to carry out pre-agreed ODA-eligible activities in line with their institutional strategies. For Queen’s University Belfast in FY2019/20 this included: workshops in Cambodia, Vietnam, South Africa, and Uganda about health and education; 11 pilot projects spanning 16 eligible countries (Angola, Burundi, China, Colombia, Ghana, India, Kenya, Kosovo, Malaysia, Nigeria, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Uganda, Vietnam and Zimbabwe); and additional support to GCRF and NF-funded activities. For Ulster University in FY2019/20 funding supported six pump-priming projects on: LMIC maternal, neonatal and child health; PTSD in Rwanda; Decision-Making in Policy Making in Africa and Central Asia; and hearing impairment and dementia in China.
HEFCW - GCRF QR funding
DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS, ENERGY & INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY
Additional GCRF funding to the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales to support Welsh higher education institutes (HEIs) to carry out ODA-eligible activities in line with their institutional strategies. ODA research grants do not represent the full economic cost of research and therefore additional funding is provided to Welsh HEIs in line with their research council grant income. In FY19/20 funding was allocated to Aberystwyth University, Bangor University, Cardiff University and Swansea University. In FY19/20, the funding was used to fund: the full economic cost of existing ODA eligible activities (e.g. already funded by GCRF); small ODA-eligible projects; fellowships to ODA-eligible researchers; and to increase collaboration and impact. 53 ODA-eligible countries have been reported as benefiting from the funded work, with Brazil and India the most frequently mentioned. By region, the largest number of projects were based in the LDC’s (Least Developed Countries) in Asia, South America, and East Africa, with only a few projects in the middle-income countries such as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Georgia.
Royal Academy of Engineering - Newton Fund Transition Activity & Delivery
DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS, ENERGY & INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY
Funding to enable Royal Academy of Engineering to maintain partnerships and capacity in the transition from Newton Fund and the Global Challenges Research Fund to the new fund.
Royal Academy of Engineering Academies Collective Fund: Resilient Futures - Frontiers of Development
DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS, ENERGY & INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY
Frontiers of Development is part of the Joint Resilient Futures Initiative which is a collaboration between all four UK Academies under the GCRF. The aim of the JRF initiative is to construct a pipeline in the UK and the developing world for interdisciplinary researchers focused on tackling development challenges in a sustainable manner.
Royal Academy of Engineering Core - Frontiers of Engineering for Development
DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS, ENERGY & INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY
Frontiers of Engineering for Development is a series of interdisciplinary symposia that facilitates national and international collaboration to tackle global development challenges. The event brings together a select group of around 60 emerging UK and global engineering and international development leaders from industry and academia to discuss pioneering technical work and cutting-edge research for international development from a diversity of engineering fields. Seed funding is available to progress some of the best ideas coming out of the event. COVID-19
Leaders in Innovation Fellowships Programme v3, 4, 5, 6, 7 2016-21
DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS, ENERGY & INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY
The Leaders in Innovation Fellowships programme builds technology entrepreneurship capacity of select partner country researchers who are developing a business proposition for their innovation which must meet a development challenge. Selected researchers benefit from focussed short term training and long term support through access to expert mentors and international networks.
Do neighbourhoods matter? Country- cluster- and individual effects on attitudes towards intimate partner violence in low- and middle-income countries
DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS, ENERGY & INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY
The study will address significant knowledge gaps in our understanding of women's and men's attitudes towards intimate partner violence against women (IPV) at the neighbourhood-level in 54 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) across Central-, East- and South Asia, the Pacific, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, and North- and Sub-Saharan Africa.
OODA GCRF and Newton Consolidation Accounts University of Exeter
DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS, ENERGY & INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY
The GNCAs represent an additional allocation from BEIS designed to reinvest in excellent UKRI Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) and Newton Fund programmes and enable them to maximise development impact. This involves instances where funding can be utilized to 9 original grant objectives affected by the ODA review, or opportunities for new follow-on, knowledge exchange or impact activities. In either case, the funding is targeted to support research along the route to achieving economic or social impact in countries on the OECD DAC list.