This initiative targets early career researchers, encouraging them to hone their skills in grant writing and to explore applied science.

Unlike basic research, which focuses on understanding the how and why, translational research aims to apply these discoveries to develop tangible solutions (therapies, diagnostic tools) for clinical problems. This process involves unique challenges, such as navigating regulatory pathways, making sure the new product is commercially competitive, and designing studies that meet both scientific and clinical criteria.

Exceptional Response and Diverse Applications

We were delighted by the enthusiastic response from our early career researchers, who submitted outstanding applications across various modalities. The proposals covered innovative areas including gene therapy, small molecules, drug repurposing, biomarkers, and software development. The quality of the applications made the selection process incredibly challenging, highlighting the exceptional talent within our institute.

Awarded Projects

After careful deliberation, informed by a written application and a Dragon’s Den pitch, we are pleased to announce the four projects that were each awarded £5,000:

Dr Rebeca Gil (Research Fellow, Neurodegenerative Disease) proposed a project on the generation of novel microdystrophins to address unmet needs in diseases associated with dystrophin deficiency. "This was definitely a positive experience and quite useful to learn more about translational grants and what they require."

Dr Benjamin O’Callaghan (Research Fellow, Neurodegenerative Disease) pitched a project using CRISPR-mediated transcriptional activation as a novel disease modifying therapy for Parkinson’s disease. “I thought this was a great initiative/funding regardless of the outcome from my own application."

Dr Rob Lesniak (Senior Research Fellow and Team Lead, Department of Neuromuscular Diseases) was awarded funding to advance a small molecule project on a novel brain specific drug delivery system

Dr Frederick Vonberg (Clinical Research Fellow, Department of Neuromuscular Diseases) was successful with a proposal to investigate new early-stage biomarkers for neurological complications of CAR-T therapies. "I am absolutely delighted to have been awarded the seed fund grant. This will allow me to conduct some really critical experiments and will be extremely helpful for my career and fellowship competitiveness. Thank you also for the feedback from the panel, which I have taken on board and will be very useful in going forward with the research study. I am really grateful to Dr Lugarà, Dr. Crutzen, Prof. Kullmann and Prof. Hanna for the support of this award, thank you again."

Sponsorship and Future Outlook

This seed fund initiative has been internally sponsored by the UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology as part of our commitment to career development and supporting local talent. We want to acknowledge Dr Paolo Spingardi (UCLB Manager) for his support in regard to intellectual property positions, all the internal and external reviewers for their time and critical feedback, and the Translational Reach Office for providing initial input and training in grant writing.

Professor Mike Hanna (Institute Director), Dr Helene Crutzen (Institute Manager), Professor Dimitri Kullmann (Deputy Director Enterprise, Translation & Advanced Therapeutics), and Dr Eleonora Lugarà (Senior Translational Research Manager for IoN), would like to say, “Kudos to all the participants for their hard work and dedication, and heartfelt congratulations to the awardees. Keep an eye out for the 2025 round”.

The successful launch of this pilot scheme marks a significant milestone in IoN's mission to advance translational research and support early career researchers. We look forward to seeing the outcome of these funded projects and remain committed to fostering a supportive and dynamic research environment.

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