Preparing Proposals

Proposals are required to demonstrate an appreciation of the commercial realities of the technologies being promoted. Genomia will not fund proposals such as would be supported by a UK Research Council. Its objective is clearly the commercial realisation of scientific advances, not elucidation of the science per se. Intending applicants should contact their own local liaison officer who is charged with assisting in reviewing plans within the context of a Research Establishment's own objectives, and against external market demand or competition.

Proposal Evaluation

All applications undergo an evaluation process which would normally be completed within 4 to 6 weeks of formal application being submitted. This starts with the initial filtering at an applicant’s home Research Establishment even before a proposal has been reduced to writing. This approach helps to prevent time being spent on proposals which would be ineligible, or unlikely to meet the commercially-focussed criteria brought to bear in the review process. During the full review process, expert opinions may be sought to verify the technical or commercial feasibility. Proposals may be rejected at any time during review on the basis of commercial considerations, notwithstanding that the scientific basis itself may be without fault.

Presentations to the Genomia Board

As part of the evaluation process, proposers for development or commercialisation support may be asked to make presentations to the Genomia Board. Each project team has the opportunity to make a 5-10 minute presentation about his or her proposal, after which anything up to half an hour may be allowed for questions.

Application Forms

While a standard format is required for all applications, regarding the state of advancement of technical or business case, it is fully recognised that the information available for any particular aspect of the case may be incomplete – for some proposals, the objective will be to fill in these blanks in order that the case for or against can be made. Applicants require to complete both a project description (in Word format) and a project budget form (in Excel format). They are encouraged to submit electronically, though a final signed paper copy will be required before any formal offer of funding can be made.