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Department of Science, Innovation and Technology
Working towards Adaptive and Versatile Environmental Sustainability in mollusc aquaculture (WAVES)
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Mollusc aquaculture produces 20 million tonnes (USD 29.8 billion) live biomass annually, supporting both marginal farming communities and export trade. Asia hosts >95% of activity with bivalves dominating production, primarily oysters, mussels, and benthic clams. These non-fed species offer a ‘low-carbon’ solution to high-quality nutritional security and confer environmental benefits for biodiversity and seawater nutrient status. Molluscs are inexpensive, nutritionally rich and sector expansion can enhance food security in Southeast Asia. Nevertheless, mollusc output as a proportion of aquatic animal aquaculture declined to 20.3% from 30.2% since 2000, with producers facing challenges from climate change and disease, concerns over algal toxins, food safety and reliable access to high-quality seed, and other societal, cultural and commercial pressures. Questions remain as to whether mollusc culture can develop and grow into a sustainable industry, in the face of bottlenecks to seed supply, changes in production and nutritional value resulting from climate change, and commercial pressures from other aquatic food producers. At grow out, diseases and climate impacts present major issues, with a more complete understanding of environmental tolerance of crop species necessary to map the suitability of existing and potential future farm locations. Meanwhile, hatchery technology offers promise for enhancing reliability of supply and providing a platform for future resilience by enabling initiatives such as selective breeding. The WAVES consortium aims to develop capacity in diversified mollusc aquaculture to create system resilience and to promote the sustainability and growth of this sector. To achieve our ambition, four key objectives have been co-developed that place engagement with farming communities and stakeholders at its heart: i) conduct systems mapping of current mollusc production in Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia (clams, mussels and oysters) as models of wider Asia to provide deep understanding for activities, livelihoods and climate change threats; ii) create a systems dynamic model and develop a scenario tool to forecast plausible futures for mollusc aquaculture; iii) generate data to support species diversification for climate resilience, to promote hatchery development for reliable supply of high-quality seed, and to produce safe and nutritious food; iv) iterate and disseminate findings to develop context-sensitive roadmaps for future sustainable expansion of resilient mollusc aquaculture. Our consortium entrains multinational expertise in bivalve aquaculture and physiology, with specialists in microbiology, nutrition, food safety, systems-thinking, climate forecasting, sustainable socioeconomic development, environmental justice and multilevel governance, to genuinely implement systems-scale understanding in forecasting plausible futures for mollusc aquaculture. Beneficiaries include coastal communities where operations are located and people whose livelihoods rely on mollusc farming that are threatened by climate change effects. Development and expansion of mollusc farming, through improved productivity and enhanced natural resource use, will contribute to regional food and nutritional security. Core to our vision is enhancing regional capability and capacity for systems approaches, which will be achieved through collaboration, training and mentorship. The WAVES Consortium seeks to enable the equitable transition of mollusc aquaculture to sustainable systems resilient to the challenges posed by climate change, ensuring optimised use of the natural environment, and with increased output enhancing local food security and nutritional benefit. The project will provide a contextually-relevant fulcrum to stimulate further investment and create a UK-Asia alliance of researchers leading developments in mollusc farming and contributing to UN SDGs 2, 3, 6, 8, 12, 13, 14 and 17.
Early intervention systems for sustainable aquaculture health in Viet Nam and Thailand
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Early prediction, detection and management of changes in the health of aquaculture are important entry points to increasing production through reduced disease and mortality, resulting in greater resilience and sustainability. This in turn can facilitate food security and poverty reduction across SE Asia where aquaculture makes a significant GDP contribution. Rapid identification of changes in pathogen load, water quality, animal behaviour and feeding can be used as early warnings of adverse health outcomes, with these parameters also influenced by wider climatic fluctuations. However, the level of technologies available for monitoring is highly variable across SE Asian aquaculture systems, with existing methods often focusing on factors in isolation, rather than applying a holistic approach. Additionally, accessibility of monitoring tools to end-users, particularly in poorer regions, can be limited if systems are technologically complex or require significant financial investment. The aim of this project is to support and work alongside farmers in Viet Nam and Thailand to co-develop low-cost, sustainable, early warning monitoring systems of aquaculture health. This will facilitate sustainable resilience to environmental fluctuation, reducing production losses through disease. Systems will be developed around shrimp aquaculture, but with a focus on technologies transferable across species and SE Asia. The long-term impact will provide in-country capacity to predict adverse changes to aquatic animal health and welfare. This will better inform aquaculture practices, reduce disease outbreaks and mortality, improve food security, and therefore enhance economic development. The project will be delivered through the following four objectives: (1) Co-develop novel strategies to monitor and identify physiology and behaviour changes in aquaculture animal health with SE Asia stakeholders. (2) Co-develop low-cost point-of-need sensors for known aquaculture pathogens and nitrogenous waste parameters. (3) Create predictive climate models to identify the scale and impact of weather events, leveraging existing data and new data provided through objectives 1 and 2. (4) Continuously engage with end-users to ensure an understanding of needs and priorities. In working with local fish farming communities, the expected outcomes include a deep understanding of working practices and priorities for the aquaculture farming community, resulting in a fit-for-purpose, easy to use low-cost, sustainable monitoring tool in water quality and potential disease detection. This will be modelled in the context of wider pond and environmental conditions, such that farmers can predict potential problems and react in a timely fashion. As the tool kit includes the development of on-site methods for detecting aquatic pathogens, the link between environmental conditions and disease will also be elucidated. The direct beneficiaries are small aquaculture farming communities, particularly those from low-income households with little access to modern technologies. Through end-user workshops we will promote gender equity and inclusivity across protected characteristics and communities; end-users will be involved in development of monitoring systems and provided with key tools to monitor and predict pond conditions. Greater predictive ability will benefit policy makers and governments through increased resilience and planning in the context of climate change. Technologies developed, while targeted at shrimp aquaculture in Viet Nam and Thailand, have a high transfer potential across species farmed under similar conditions (i.e. many fish species in SE Asia) broadening end-user beneficiaries in the long-term.
Academy of Medical Sciences - Global Policy Workshops - International Science Partnerships Fund
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
In accordance with the The Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy, this scheme will seek to provide the UK with a strategic advantage, as it's intended that the networks/collaborations formed will be long-lasting, and will expedite the delivery of important research. The ODA funding, in particular, will facilitate the development of global science capability. However, it's hoped that all awards will contribute to tackling the global challenges, and within the scheme, there is a good chance of all priority themes being addressed. Opportunites such as this, which facilitate mobility, are powerful in terms of enhancing the UK's reputation, and contribute to the ambition for the UK to be a scientific superpower. The scheme has two funding streams: one for a selection of countries on the Development Assistance Committee (DAC) list of Official Development Assistance (ODA) recipients, to include the Least Developed Countries. The grants will help to: Deliver important science that can only be fully realised by working internationally; tackle global challenges and develop future technologies; positioning UK researchers and innovators at the heart of global solutions; and strengthen the influence and connections of the UK Research and Development (R&D) community domestically and around the world. The awards would provide up to £25,000 over one year to support collaborations between priority ODA countries and/or Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and the UK and to hold networking events aimed at addressing the priority themes identified for International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF). The scheme would be a vehicle for researchers from across the disciplines to forge new links and generate innovative transdisciplinary research ideas. It's envisaged that these new networks will then be better positioned to compete for more substantive grants offered by future funding initiatives. This programme will be working with the British Academy, the Royal Academy of Engineering and the Royal Society to offer Networking Grants funded through the International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF). This will allow UK-based researchers and innovators to collaborate with international partners on multidisciplinary projects. Furthermore, it will help the UK and its partners to deliver bigger, better science than one country can do alone.
Academy of Medical Sciences - Clinical Research Pathways Policy - International Science Partnerships Fund
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
This project would work with a cohort of partners across high-, middle-, and low-income countries, to understand the pipeline for clinical researchers in each country. This could also support the global mobility of UK clinical researchers and develop the most promising talent internationally for them to collaborate with. Scoping activities to inform the development of the clinical research pathways project. This will formulate final aims,objectives and structure of the project before evidence gathering and delivery. This project will explore clinical research pathways in ODA eligible countries to understand the pipeline for clinical researchers in each country; identify key stages in the development pathway to support clinical researchers; provide ideas for further improving and target key stages in the career pathway to ensure diverse researchers continue on and contribute to excellent clinical research. This project is broad in scope and so would meet all five of the strategic objectives of the International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF). Specifically it would develop international research partnerships to influence policy, innovation and practice change through recommendations developed by this project. It would also recommend ways for all countries to develop pathways to support clinical researchers, thus helping to build research capacity in-country. To inform the direction and focus of the clinical research pathways project, engaging with global stakeholders (particularly in the International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) priority countries) to identify gaps, challenges and areas for the project to take forwards.
Decolonising Peace Education In Africa
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Looking to expand peace education curricula in the context of everyday settings in rural areas facing conflict. Benefits education sector, practitioners, local communities, NGOs in Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe. SDGs:4,16,17
Maghreb Action on Displacement and Rights (MADAR) Network Plus
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Addressing development challenges associated with the humanitarian protection of displaced people in Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia. Benefits displaced communities, local communities, researchers, practitioners. SDG:16,17
GCRF Network Plus: Disability under Siege
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Building resources required by practitioners to transform education provision for children with disabilities in conflict affected states. Benefits education system, practitioners, NGOs in Jordan, Lebanon and West Bank. SDG:4,10,16
Education, Justice and Memory Network (EdJAM)
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Using innovative practices for teaching and learning about Pakistan's violent past, in order to promote a culture of peace and non-violence. Benefits teachers, artists, community educators and museums. With secondary benefits to Cambodia, Colombia & Uganda. SDGs: 4,16,17
Mobile Arts for Peace (MAP): Informing the National Curriculum and Youth Policy for Peacebuilding in Kyrgyzstan, Rwanda, Indonesia and Nepal
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Increasing child and youth participation in decision-making and to inform national curricula and youth policies relating to peacebuilding in Kyrgyzstan, Rwanda, Indonesia, Nepal. Benefits teachers, students, policymakers. SDG:4,16,17
Imagining Futures through Un/Archived Pasts
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Using archiving to reduce inter- and intra-community conflict among diverse social, political, religious, economic and regional groups. Benefits local communities, NGOs, policymakers in Lebanon, Ghana, South Africa and Tanzania. SDG:10,11,16
Creating Safer Space: Strengthening Civilian Protection Amidst Violent Conflict
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Enabling the creation of safe spaces for communities amidst violence and preventing displacement by enhancing unarmed civilian protection practices. Benefits prevention orgs, local communities in Colombia, Myanmar, South Sudan & Philippines. SDGs:11,16,17
Academy of Medical Sciences - Networking Awards
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
The awards would provide up to £25,000 over one year to support collaborations between priority ODA countries and/or LDCs and the UK and to hold networking events aimed at addressing the priority themes identified for ISPF. The scheme would be a vehicle for researchers from across the disciplines to forge new links and generate innovative transdisciplinary research ideas. It's envisaged that these new networks will then be better positioned to compete for more substantive grants offered by future funding initiatives.
Academy of Medical Sciences - International Career Development Programme -International Science Partnerships Fund
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
This programme builds on the Academy's extensive experience of developing programmes to support UK researchers through mentoring, tailored training in leadership, entrepreneurship and research soft skills and cohort-building Drawing on our experience of the ODA capacity building workshops piloted in 2022 and on recommendations that will emerge from the clinical research capacity building project, the career development programme will focus on identifying and fostering global best practice in supporting and connecting emerging research leaders across the health sciences sector (clinical, non-clinical, industry). Topics discussed and resources will be developed around wider leadership and entrepreneurship training, building supportive cohorts and in the second year connecting our UK cohorts with international emerging leaders for to exchange knowledge, foster collaborations and extend networks within life sciences. This activity potentially stimulate additional research impact by supporting researchers to thrive in their careers through opportunities for training, mentorship and cohort building, and also influence practice in terms of developing ways to support research careers and sharing best practice between UK and other countries. In addition, strengthen research capacity in developing countries by raising awareness and helping with the implementation of career support programmes that are important for researchers to thrive and be supported in carrying out their research, and working in partnership with organisations in partner countries, sharing best practice and forming connections between researchers in the UK and partner countries will strengthen the perceptions of UK research leadership and as a leader in the area of career development support. As with the global policy workshops, the ODA regional workshops will be developed and hosted in the ODA-eligible partner country and all outputs will be targeted towards the ODA-eligible partner country or region.
Academy of Medical Sciences - Team Science Accelerator - International Science Partnerships Fund
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Currently termed ‘Team Science Accelerator Awards’, this funding will be available to previous recipients of the Academy's The Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) Networking scheme, who have a lead applicant based in one of the International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) ODA-priority countries, or in a Least Developed Country. The awards will enable recipients to maintain their collaborative networks and to undertake related research projects – for which they may have obtained pilot data for during their initial GCRF Networking award. As the The Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) Networking scheme was ODA funded and designed to address the Global Challenges, the collaborations supported via Team Science Accelerator Awards shall also be ODA-eligible in nature.
Academy of Medical Sciences - Networking Awardees and Alumni - International Science Partnerships Fund
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
This program aims to enhance global scientific collaboration by building and expanding a network of International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) awardees and alumni. By leveraging investments made under the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) through the Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) and Newton programs, this initiative will create valuable resources and tools on dedicated awardee and alumni portals, PILLAR and HIVE. We will facilitate online and hybrid meetings, along with in-person events, focusing on key thematic priorities such as 'Tomorrow's Talent' and 'Healthy Populations'. Through these activities, we will foster peer support, encourage new collaborations, and promote applications for further funding. Our approach is designed to align with Official Development Assistance (ODA) eligibility criteria by addressing global challenges, advancing scientific capabilities, and promoting sustainable development. By creating multi-lateral partnerships, we provide opportunities for scientific development and global issue resolution through interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary methods.
Academy of Medical Sciences - ODA Delivery Costs - International Science Partnerships Fund
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
These are the operational costs required by the Academy of Medical Sciences to deliver International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF). It manages Grants, Policy and Programmes activities all aimed at supporting international researchers to establish and develop collaborative partnerships with UK researchers.
AHRC Delivery costs of ISPF ODA eligible activities
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Operational costs occured at AHRC associated with hosting and/or managing ODA ISPF programmes
Delivery Costs for Newton Fund ODA Eligible Activities
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Newton Fund. AHRC Staff delivery costs for ODA eligible activities
Time for Rights/Rights for Time: Responding to the times of violence, conflict, and displacement
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Aiming to shift possibilities for human protection and human rights by examining how time conditions war, displacement and violence. Benefits local communities, local partners and NGOs in Kenya, Jordan, Rwanda, Palestine and Lebanon. SDGs 5,3,16
BBSRC ISPF delivery costs of ODA eligible activities
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Operational costs occured at BBSRC associated with hosting and/or managing ODA ISPF programmes
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