FRAME’s Innovation Grant for Animal Alternative Research Returns  

After the success of 2021’s inaugural Innovation Grant, we’re pleased to open the 2022 applications! 

Funding research has always been a key part of how FRAME makes a difference. Many new approach methods, such as computer modelling or the use of human tissue, are now recognised as offering human-relevant alternatives to animal research in many areas. This offers better science for humans and animals… But all of these methods started as an idea.  

The Innovation Grant funding stream was created after identifying a gap in scientific funding for pilot projects focused on human-centred alternatives to animal research. By funding smaller pilot projects, researchers will be able to generate the necessary proof of principle data to support larger grant applications in the future. Supporting pilot projects is an important step towards developing and implementing non-animal methods, and we’re proud to play our part with the Innovation Grant.  

Who Can Apply for The Innovation Grant? 

We will be awarding funds between £5,000 and £10,000 to innovative projects lasting between 1 and 2 years focused on replacements for existing animal research methods.  

As well as making sure the Innovation Grant application aligns with FRAME’s values and purpose as a charity, we also weigh how innovative it is and the scale of impact with regards to furthering  human-centred research and likelihood to replace animal use.  

• The lead application must be a UK or Ireland resident however overseas applicants can be included as collaborators.  
• The lead application must also hold a PhD and hold a post, for the duration of the project, at a higher education institution, non-profit, research centre, or relevant industry setting. 
• Researchers in the commercial sector can apply if project results will be shared openly. 

To read the full eligibility criteria, visit our Innovation Grant page.  

2021’s Innovation Grants Winners 

Last year we funded three exciting projects, all of which focused on different areas of biomedical research.  

Development of a lung in vitro model to assess antimicrobial activity  

In this project, Dr Hisham Al-Obaidi, Prof. Simon Andrews, Dr Glyn Barrett and Prof Vitaliy Khutoryanskiy aim to develop an innovative non-biological lab model that resembles the human lungs to effectively predict how medicine will act when given to humans. 

Development of cell-laden photopolymerisable materials for the development of physiologically-relevant, three-dimensional microvascular systems to reproduce solid tumours 

This project involves Dr Roger Domingo-Roca, Dr Joseph Jackson, Dr Helen Mulvana, and PhD student Lara Diaz Garcia at the University of Strathclyde. They look to use multi-material 3D printing to develop new platforms to investigate the physics and biology of microvascular networks. This will help reduce the need to use of animals in the investigation of drug delivery and disease treatment, such as the treatment of cancer. 

Development of a cell line that represents early-stage ovarian cancer 

Ovarian cancer (OC) is the fourth most common cancer in the UK, affecting approximately 6,500 women each year. While a family history increases the chance of developing Ovarian Cancer, most individuals have no family history. Early diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer greatly improve the chances of effective treatment. Despite this, diagnosis tends to be in the later stages of disease.