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SolarSaver2 (SS2) Low Cost Energy Solution in Africa Energy Catalyst Round 10: Mid Stage
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
SOLARSAVER2 focuses on delivering a sustainable business model for using innovative low carbon off grid drying solutions. The project aims to create value for small- and large-scale sub-Saharan agricultural producers and other stakeholders by adding a new sustainable technical and processing solution delivered at a pricing level suitable for deployment in Africa and Asia to create highly nutritious products and reduce food waste. Fruit and vegetable products are of high moisture content. The key target is to significantly reduce the energy consumption, operating costs and carbon footprint of conventional drying techniques using an innovative low-temperature drying process. The sustainable delivery of low cost drying has a significant impact on the different sections of society such as the poor (majority of farmers) and women (about 50%) are catered for. Extensive operations and trials are planned with partners in Tanzania including local manufacturing. The processing solution is such that it can be easily deployed on-farm at different degrees of decentralisation and in centralised small, medium and large-scale industrial sites.
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.
Electrical Storage Systems for Sustainable Uninterrupted Clean Energy and Water Supply to Hospitals and Communities in South Sudan
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
This is a combined ElectricalStorageSystem (ESS) and SolarWaterPumping project. It will supply 24/7 power and water to 2 hospitals and 1 school in selected countries. We are combining the service to the institution with community based water kiosks, and the earnings from water sales will pay for system upkeep and cover lifetime replacement costs. The innovation of this project is to test the combination of different existing technologies to provide services with excellent social returns, and with a sustainable finance model included. Installing solar energy systems means schools and hospitals have uninterrupted daily energy; sufficient ESS capacity ensures 24/7 availability. Solar powered water pumping, with ESS backup, provides clean water 24/7, from multiple access points, supplying the local community as well as the schools and hospitals in this project. The erratic costs of running and maintaining diesel generators are eliminated by the minimal maintenance requirements, and these costs are covered by income from sales of water. The project will be delivered in South Sudan. We have selected this country because of the implementation challenges posed due to recent socio-political activity, and because this is a place with the greatest need. This technology will be a model for hardest-to-reach countries and locations. Aptech has a strong presence in South Sudan, and is one of the few companies that has the capacity to implement this project in partnership with SVRG. South Sudan has been devastated by war and disease. Access to clean energy and water is critical to the improvement of educational and medical services within South Sudan, where less than 50% of people have access to water resulting in low life expectancy and very high infant mortality rates. Access to electricity and water in institutions in these countries is under 20% resulting in load sharing and power outages of at least 8 hours, which disrupt services. We will monitor the impact of the project on the community and establish the sustainability and replicability of the system in additional institutions. Aptech has consulted with both the government of South Sudan and local NGOs to identify institutions to launch this pilot project, and they are very supportive of our plans. Once we have proof of concept, we will present our findings to NGOs, private institutions, and the governments to promote the replication of the system, through collaborative partnerships, and to expand access to electricity and water for institutions all across each respective country.
Innovative Agricultural Cross-Subsidised Financing of Access to Clean Energy and Sustainable Cooling with Smart Agri-Centres in Uganda
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
In an EnergyCatalyst7 project, SVRG with Ugandan partners developed a game-changing approach to rural energy-access, economic-empowerment and agricultural-productivity. The SmartAgri-Centre(SAC) combines a50kW centralised solar-power plant with an integrated set of community productive use and agri-value-addition services, in a large central community hub. Feedback from the local community shows the social impact the Centre has brought, including improved environment, knowledge of farming practices, income, savings and positive impact on family life and education. In the first year of operation, analysis showed that the SAC services helped farmers quadruple average annual earnings (up from $800 to $3100), increase yields across a variety of crops, and reduce input costs by 30%. Across the community, in that year, the centre generated additional value of $211,500. GESI impacts were also apparent: the majority of the 110members of the newly-formed agricultural cooperative are women, and female farmers reported positive impacts from the SAC. 40% of Co-op board members, and 40% of the business committee are female. The SAC is designed to address specific priorities and needs of a community, so each is subtly different. But the average cost to SVRG and partners of providing the infrastructure, and years of community support/training is around$250,000. The data we have collected suggests that communities should be able to afford to repay this cost in less than 2 years from their increased earnings. Our challenge in scaling this solution is to determine the best business model and community engagement strategy for the community to be able to repay the costs of providing the SAC from their agricultural income. According to the data we have collected, the community earns enough to repay the costs in under 2 years. However, the mechanism for this is far from obvious. Individual farmers in these communities are highly risk-averse (as well as lacking financial skills and creditworthiness). Entering into contractual arrangements with 100+ separate farmers to ensure repayment would be unworkable. Alternative models (operating the centres ourselves and collecting revenues and taking a cut of agricultural earnings as a "benign middleman", or establishing/empowering a community cooperative to do the same, have other risk factors and disadvantages). In this project, SVRG and partners will construct and operate 6 of the SACs in new communities, trialling different business/repayment models, to establish the ones that will allow us to scale the roll-out of the technology to rural communities with the highest amount of success, impact and commercial return.
Renewable Energy Agro-Processing Hubs for Energy Access and Economic Development in Rural Rwanda
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Our project, REAP (Renewable Energy Agro-Processing) hub, is a transformative initiative aimed at empowering rural communities by providing sustainable access to renewable energy and enhancing their food production capacities. Through the integration of innovative technologies and community-driven approaches, we seek to create lasting social, economic, and environmental impact in underserved regions. At the heart of our project is the vision to address the energy poverty prevalent in remote rural areas, where communities face challenges due to lack of reliable and affordable energy. Bby harnessing the power of renewable energy, we can unlock tremendous potential, enabling these communities to improve their quality of life and drive sustainable development. We begin with robust community engagement and needs assessment to truly understand the energy requirements and aspirations users. By working closely with the target communities, we ensure that our solutions are tailored to their specific needs and integrate seamlessly into their daily lives. Through strategic partnerships (Smart Villages Research Group and NjordFrey), we will deploy renewable energy technologies to support high yield fish/vegetable production with value addition (cooling/food drying). Intelligently monitored and coordinated through a digital monitoring system, the REAP hub will automatically balance the energy and production demands to increase efficiency and reduce energy and production costs. The REAP project extends beyond energy access. We recognise the vital role of productive systems in rural communities, such as agriculture and small-scale enterprises. By incorporating energy into these systems, we unlock new opportunities for income generation, value-chain development, and market access. This integrated approach fosters economic growth, creates employment, and reduces poverty, ensuring long-term sustainability. Furthermore, our project aligns closely with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). By promoting renewable solutions and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, we contribute to combating climate change. The impact of the REAP project last far longer than our project implementation. The knowledge, skills, and partnerships developed throughout the project will serve as a catalyst for replication and scaling up to 2,000 hubs across Sub-Saharan Africa, fostering widespread adoption of renewable energy solutions and transformative development models. Through collaboration, innovation, and a deep commitment to sustainable development, REAP aims to empower rural communities, unlock their potential, and create a brighter future for all. Together, we can build resilient communities, promote Gender and Social inclusivity, and achieve a greener and more prosperous world.
Floating Instream Tidal and Solar (FITS) Power Plant - Nepal Pilot Project
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Harvesting hydrokinetic energy from running river water presents a highly attractive addition to the existing renewable energy sectors. Critically, and unlike most other renewables, this technology guarantees a predictable and consistent energy output which can contribute to the baseload power requirements of its energy off-takers. AEL has developed an innovative hybrid technology which couples run-of-river hydrokinetic generation with solar - the Floating Instream Tidal and Solar (FITS) power plant. FITS technology has been specifically optimized for river deployments, and is scalable to enable both energy access and utility scale power generation. This project will deliver the first fully developed FITS pilot, supplying constant renewable power to an off-grid community in rural Nepal. The electricity supplied will be used to provide lighting and cooking facilities to households in the community, and will additionally power water filtration and pumping equipment, providing access to clean water for drinking and water for agricultural industry.
Rice-straw powered biowaste to energy
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
This consortium, let by Carnot Ltd, seeks to develop the world's first profitable rice-straw bioenergy demonstrator for a rural community in Lombok Island, Indonesia. Rice straw is separated from the grains during harvesting and either combusted (producing CO2) or left to decompose (producing methane with 25\* Global Warming Potential) due to challenges with harvesting it, particularly in flooded paddy fields (a common occurrence). Straw Innovations has created innovative technology that overcomes the barriers to harvesting it in all weathers, unlocking a potential 300Mt of rice straw generated in Asia every year. Rice straw has high ash content (around 20%), comprising about 75% silica. This, combined with other components in the straw (chlorine, potassium) causes melting and slagging / fouling in boilers when combusted. Hence, it is not an easy fuel to chop or combust. PyroGenesys have developed a lower-temperature pyrolysis process which can convert rice straw into Biochar, a carbon-sequestering fertiliser that can be used by the rice farmers, and biofuel. The carbon sequestered can be traded on carbon removal markets. Surplus biofuel not used to generate electricity can be sold. Electricity is a low-value commodity and renewable electricity projects will typically require very large scale to be profitable and attract funding required from investors. PyroGenesys' process solves this problem by opening up two very high-value revenue streams. Carnot is developing ceramic engine gensets with double the efficiency of state-of-the-art diesel gensets, capable of operating on all fuels. These will provide electricity to the rice mills as their base load as well as electricity to a rural community. Integrating Carnot's gensets enables revenues generated by biofuel sales to be maximised. Indonesia: * Is the world's 5th largest GHG emitter. * Is the largest producer of biofuels worldwide. * Has mandated to convert a significant portion of its palm oil into FAME biodiesel. There is a reluctance to move to renewable energy due to fossil fuel sunk costs/subsidies and no proven profitable off-grid low-carbon energy business model. This demonstrator project aims to be the catalyst to breaking the deadlock and unleashing investment into Indonesia's enormous renewable energy potential. Key project outputs: * Pilot-scale demonstration of business model feasibility * 200,000kg rice-straw feedstock; * 76,000kg value-added-biochar/53,200kg carbon sequestration/80,000kg biofuel; * 2.28MWh electricity provided to rice mill.
Fiji WAVEFLOW
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
With the increasing demand for clean energy in island nations to achieve the ambitious decarbonisation goals for a net-zero future, where limited land availability poses a significant challenge for onshore renewable solutions, our ocean-based technology provides a game-changing solution that also tackles the challenges in offshore renewables deployment. Our innovative wave energy solution is designed to work seamlessly with existing floating wind systems, delivering clean, reliable, and affordable energy to land-constrained island nations facing energy access and energy equality challenges. Combining wind and wave power optimises energy production, reducing overall costs. This cost-effectiveness makes clean energy accessible to a wider population, helping bridge the energy gap and promoting equality among communities. This compatibility also allows for efficient use of infrastructure and capitalises on established offshore wind installations. We maximise efficiency and minimise installation and maintenance costs by leveraging these synergies. We are also committed to minimising the environmental impact associated with energy production. Our wave technology harnesses the power of nature without disturbing marine ecosystems, ensuring a harmonious coexistence between renewable energy generation and marine life preservation. By deploying our wave technology alongside floating wind systems, island nations can overcome energy challenges and pave the way for a cleaner and more sustainable future. Our solution brings a transformative change, empowering communities and contributing to a more equitable and environmentally conscious world.
Development of a HIGH Capacity FLEXible Energy Storage System for Mini-Grid Application in Sub-Sahara Africa (High ESS)
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
This collaborative project will develop and demonstrate a new technology (HIGHFLEX) that consists of a high-capacity flexible energy storage systems (HIGHFLEX ESS) integrated with innovative Battery Management System (BMS); Power Conditioning Unit (PCU) and intelligent monitoring and performance management system (Digital Twin) for mini grid applications in hot climates. The new technology is a portable and scalable system that facilitates: Quick development of mini grids in SSA. Storage of high-capacity energy generated from clean power sources during peak hours for off-peak utilisation. Delivering reliable and affordable power system through innovative solutions e.g., Digital twin, second life battery, real-time performance management and heat control system. The project's vision is to rapidly accelerate access to affordable off-grid electricity from clean energy sources in SSA. The project taps into the expanding global mini grid markets to offer affordable energy access for social mobility and inclusion in SSA communities not served by main power grids. HIGHFLEX will facilitate steady supply of electricity to rural and unserved areas and reduce energy access gaps between rural and urban communities in SSA where inaccessibility to affordable electricity is one of the main drivers of poverty to over 600 million people. This project has chosen Nigeria as a case for deployment of HIGHFLEX technology because of its over 200 million population and majority of its rural population (48% of its total population) do not have access to affordable and low carbon electricity. The project addresses barrier (access to electricity) to adoption of advancements in healthcare system; developing new technologies for agriculture, commerce, education; and entrepreneurship. HIGHFLEX makes it possible to deliver low carbon electricity to unlock sustainable economic development in SSA communities. This will empower women and children to lead more productive lives and have a better wellbeing. This will in turn encourage gender equality by learning digital and modern skills, which gives girls and women equal access to education, healthcare and enterprise. Furthermore, access to clean energy via mini grid will reduce crime and social unrest, since majority of the population would be productively engaged (Bloomberg 2020). This will lead to improved human security and cohesive communities and societies driven by mutual objective for sustainable development. HIGHFLEX will accelerate access to affordable and low carbon clean energy from bio-diesel, solar and wind (SDG 7), which lower environmental impacts from continued use of diesel-powered generators in Nigeria (world's leading generator consumer) to combat climate change effects (SDG 13).
Moving IMPACT: Integrated Means to Power Agriculture, Clean Cooking and Transportation
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Clean energy access will be key for achieving the global development goals; it has clear links to health, education, water access, etc... Many regions, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, have low electricity access today. Scalability, cost-effectiveness and abundance of solar irradiance make solar the best technology for this endeavour. Solar Home Systems (SHS) have successfully provided basic services like lighting and mobile phone charging to many communities. However, SHS offer low power output, which limits their ability to support more energy-intensive applications such as electric cooking. Electric stoves, which could significantly reduce reliance on wood stoves, offer health and environmental benefits but require much more power than what SHS can provide. Connecting multiple SHS to form a larger grid has been considered but is often impractical due to high costs and limited scalability. Instead, community-scale solar mini-grids, with larger generation and storage, present a viable alternative. These mini-grids can be designed to support household cooking and industrial and agricultural uses such as grain milling and cooling. They can also provide power for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, an important development in many African cities where motorbike taxis are common. Electric motorbikes offer a cleaner alternative to fuel-powered engines but require reliable and substantial power sources for charging. Integrating mini-grids with local distribution networks can enhance their efficiency and reliability. By connecting mini-grids to these networks, they can share resources and provide power during peak demand times or when the main grid is down. This integration can benefit both the mini-grids and the distribution system, creating a more resilient energy network. The installation of solar panels requires a significant land area, which can conflict with agricultural activities and conservation efforts. However, solar panels can power agricultural equipment like water pumps and with appropriate co-design (agrivoltaics) the panels can provide shade and support soil temperature control and water conservation. Additionally, the revenue from mini-grid services can support local farmers and enhance their economic stability. Our project will explore how mini-grids with EV charging infrastructure for small vehicles can be integrated into agricultural areas and support various community needs. We will develop geographical models to identify optimal locations for these mini-grids and evaluate how different technologies and applications can be combined. Our research team, with expertise in infrastructure planning, political geography, and electrical engineering, will focus on how mini-grids can interact with local distribution networks to maximize their benefits. We plan to test these concepts in real-world settings by deploying a small set of EVs and suitable charging infrastructure. The interaction with the community, industrial developers and national regulators based in Ghana, Rwanda and Kenya will provide steering and inform the development of models and systems required in our work. The project is led by Imperial College London with a consortium of researchers from the University of Strathmore (Kenya), University of Energy and Natural Resources of Ghana, the University of Leeds, the University of Rwanda, the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences and the Kigali Centre for Collaborative Research (Rwanda).
Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) Delivery costs of International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) ODA activities
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Operational costs occurred at Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) associated with hosting and/or managing ODA International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) programmes
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 - 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 - 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 - 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.
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.
Academy of Medical Sciences - International Career Development Programme -International Science Partnerships Fund (FY25/26 onwards)
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.
AMS ODA MEL programme costs associated with the International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) evaluation.
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
AMS participation in activities related to the International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) fund-level evaluation and associated costs. This includes surveys, interviews, case studies, provision of project documentation and data, and participation in an Evaluation Working Group. The DSIT-commissioned evaluation aims to assess delivery and performance and understand how value for money is being achieved. The externally commissioned independent evaluation will generate evidence to support decision-making and programme improvements, while also considering progress towards longer-term outcomes and impacts in the UK and partner countries. ISPF supports prosperity by addressing shared global research and innovation challenges through international partnerships. It promotes research excellence, strengthens ties with like-minded partners, and enables researchers and innovators to build global connections and drive international transformation. ISPF ODA activities focus on research and innovation partnerships with low- and middle-income countries.
Brazil-UKRI: The recovery of the adaptive capacity of Pre-Columbian tree crops to environmental changes
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Multiple large-scale forest restoration strategies are emerging globally to counteract ecosystems degradation and biodiversity loss. However, these strategies often remain insufficient to offset the loss caused by anthropogenic development. At least two reasons could explain this incomplete performance: i) we ignore how human disturbance affects species genetic variability and their potential to evolve and adapt to the ongoing global changes; ii) there is a major gap in the knowledge about long-term (>100 years) ecosystem dynamics after human disturbance ends. In this project, we propose to investigate the adaptative potential of the Brazil nut and other Amazonian tree crops associated with Brazil nut areas, after anthropic disturbance cessation. We will sample plant leaf and cambium tissue and roots on Pre-Columbian archaeological sites, today known as Terras Pretas Amazônicas (TPA), where the descendants of ancient Brazilian nut trees still grow today. With selected TPA sites sequentially abandoned that have never been reoccupied, we will build a 2,000-year chronosequence. This chronosequence will allow us understand how the Brazilian nut trees and associated Amazonian tree crops recover their adaptive potential after they are released from domestication after Pre-Columbian peoples sequentially abandoned their lands to finally collapse around the XV century with the Spanish invasion. Our team that includes experts in forest restoration, domestication, and genomics will explore changes in the whole genome of the Brazilian nut tree and associated tree crops, as well as its associated soil microbiome, along the chronosequence. The results will help find genomes with increased genetic variability and thus adaptive potential, by identifying specific functions related to an enhanced adaptive potential. Propagules from individuals with these functions can then be used in tropical forest restoration, and agriculture, increasing the resilience and resistance of forests to ongoing global changes.
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