BAP Education: in vivo Training Initiative

Due to its success in 2009 and 2010, BAP is delighted to announce the third year of an exciting funding initiative to support pre-clinical research in the UK and ROI for 2011. A total of £4000 is available to support up to 8 summer vacation student projects (at £500/award). This scheme was developed in response to the document published by the ABPI on the current shortage in in vivo skills within the UK and ROI (6 MB).

How To Apply

Supervisors, who must be BAP members, are invited to complete the online application form, submit a short CV (no more than 2 pages) and a research proposal (approx 400 words) with total number, species and strain of rodents required.
A named project student is required and supervisors must ensure the student receives adequate training and meets all statutory requirements for the work he or she will undertake
A CV and a statement (approx 50 words max) should be submitted from the student outlining;
a) Why they wish to undertake an in vivo project
b) Career Plans
c) How it will enhance their career plans
Priority will be given to applicants who demonstrate a strong commitment to presenting undergraduate work at the BAP summer meeting and have done so in the past.
Priority will be given to applicants who demonstrate access to other supporting funds in the form of a summer vacation scholarship and/or commitment of matched funding from the host institution.

The animal supplier, Harlan has generously agreed to reduce the costs of animal purchase for this scheme, to support pre-clinical psychopharmacology training, the supervisor should consult with BAP before ordering animals for their approved project.

Project Criteria

The project must be based in a UK or ROI Home Office Designated Institution.
The project must be one that involves whole animals (in vivo) and fits within the remit of the BAP - to advance research in the science of psychopharmacology.
Projects should have a psychopharmacology theme and include a strong component of in vivo training.
Projects on neurological disorders (e.g. Huntington’s & Parkinson’s disease) and pain systems will also be considered as long as in vivo approaches are utilised.
Projects on animal welfare issues will also be welcome.

Project Funds

Projects will be funded up to a total of £500
The funds on offer are to be specifically used for animal maintenance costs, consumables and Home Office personal licence fees if necessary (animal purchase may be free or reduced depending on species and sex required).
Payment of the funds will be made directly to the University or Institution.

Project Dissemination

Recipients of the BAP project funds will be expected to present a poster or oral communication at the BAP annual summer meeting the following year.
A final report (approx 500 words) will be required from the supervisor to provide feedback to the BAP for evaluation of the success of this initiative.

The Application deadline is 1st May 2011. Applicants will be informed about the outcome of their application by 1st June 2011.

Reports from the 2009 in vivo training initiative vacation studentship projects can be viewed here (pdf).

Reports from the 2010 in vivo training initiative vacation studentship projects can be viewed here (pdf).

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