Purpose of the event:

Hosted by the Elizabeth Blackwell Institute, this interdisciplinary event will bring together colleagues at Bristol interested in interdisciplinary health research at the interface between fundamental biosciences and population health sciences.  The event will be an opportunity to learn about current research taking place in Bristol as well as exploring future research opportunities in this area. The purpose of this workshop is to increase the visibility of the work in this area, provide an opportunity for colleagues from different disciplines to engage with each other and to build interdisciplinary capacity to foster preparedness to apply for external funding.   

Background:

Integrating research at the cell and molecular level with work at the population level can enable identification of biomarkers and increases the potential for drug discovery and repositioning. With funding from the Wellcome Trust ISSF award, the Elizabeth Blackwell Institute previously supported a 2-year ‘Mechanisms to populations’ programme of work co-led by Chrissy Hammond, School of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, and Emma Vincent, Bristol Medical School, to promote and facilitate interdisciplinary research between fundamental bioscientists and population health scientists. This event aims to support extension of this work to other areas across the University (e.g. bioinspired engineering, archaeology, earth science, biology, physics, mathematical modelling and computer sciences among others) and strengthen collaborative networks within the new faculty structure with a view of increasing Bristol’s capacity to apply for cross-council funding in areas such as, e.g., genetics of human disease, archaeology and evolution/devo molecular biology. 

Who is it for:

Session 1: ‘Integrating health research: mechanisms to populations’  showcase of interdisciplinary work. 10.30 - 12.40

This session is a celebration of interdisciplinary working across biomedical and population health sciences and an opportunity to hear exemplars of successful projects, learn about experience of leading interdisciplinary projects, what worked well and the lessons learnt. After the presentations there will be an opportunity for participants to discuss their own research project, chat about feasibility and find ways forward in their own research with Ruth Mitchell, Senior Research Associate on the ‘Mechanisms to populations’ programme and co-leads Emma Vincent and Chrissy Hammond who both have a wealth of experience in cross-disciplinary research.

Open to all researchers at the University of Bristol with an interest in this area. We particularly welcome early career researchers and PhD students, with an open invitation to colleagues at all career stages who wish to attend. 

Lunch 12.40 -13.30

Session 2: ‘Integrating health research’ sandpit. 13.30 - 15.00

This session aims to bring together researchers with interest in population health, fundamental biosciences and other linked disciplines (e.g. health inspired bioengineering, archaeology, earth science, biology, physics, mathematical modelling and computer sciences) to build capacity for cross-council funding, eg UKRI cross-council schemes and Wellcome discovery awards. An overview of current funding opportunities will be presented and there will be space to discuss your research ideas in the context of potential funding bids. We particularly welcome colleagues who are planning or preparing to submit external grant applications , with an open invitation to all. 

To register please complete a short registration form by 2 pm Thursday 9 May 2024. 

Format:

The interdisciplinary event will be held in-person.  Light lunch will be provided and participation is free. 

Full agenda will be published here in due course.

If you have any queries, please contact Sarah Eyland or Jocelyn Egginton at ebi-events@bristol.ac.uk