Call for EMI collaborative research projects with AstraZeneca/MedImmune

The Experimental Medicine Training Initiative (EMI) is an exciting scheme recently set up between University of Cambridge, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, and Pharmaceutical Industry partners interested in developing scientific expertise in the field of experimental medicine (Clinical Trials).

Nature of Proposals

The EMI is pleased to announce a call for Expression of Interests for collaborative clinical research proposals between the University of Cambridge and AstraZeneca/MedImmune. We are particularly keen to see projects focused around cardiovascular or metabolic medicine. Projects should be a collaboration with AstraZeneca/MedImmune, either current or planned for an October 2017 start. Suitable projects include:

• Design and conduct of challenge studies in human healthy volunteers or patients with tool compounds for purposes of understanding the role of particular pathways in human pathophysiology
• Characterization of ex vivo responses of blood and tissue samples from genotyped individuals for purposes of understanding the effects of genetic polymorphism on response to AZ/Medi compounds in development
• Development of biomarker methodology (including imaging) for use in clinical trials
• Development of systems biology models integrating PK and PD data for modelling and simulation of trial outcomes

For Clinical PhD Studentships:

The EMI PhD studentship award will cover a clinical stipend for up to 3 ½ years, University and college fees, and a training/travel allowance.  The award is supported by our Industry Partners and the NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre. The host Department will be responsible for supplying any additional funding as required. AstraZeneca/MedImmune will be responsible for supporting additional funds that might be required for the clinical trial project or as discussed between the collaborative partners.

If you have any queries or would like to submit your expression of interest, please complete the PhD proforma and email it to Dr. Mellone Marchong at mm721@medschl.cam.ac.uk.

For Academic Clinical Lecturers:

These proposals should focus on areas of significant joint interest by University of Cambridge andAstraZeneca/MedImmune. The EMI will fund 50% of the ACL base salary with funding coming from our Industry Partners and the NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre. The host Department must have identified the remaining funding and any on-call supplement. Applicants must also have confirmation from the training programme director (TPD) that there is a free national training number (NTN) for the successful candidate to take up.

If you would like to create a joint post with CPT, please discuss with Dr Kevin O’Shaughnessy in the first instance (Email: Kevin O'Shaughnessy at kmo22@medschl.cam.ac.uk).  

For further information on creating an ACL post or to answer any queries, please contact Ann Enticknap, Clinical Academic Programme Manager, CATO at ae369@medschl.cam.ac.uk in the first instance.  You will also need to complete an ACL proforma.

Application Process:

Step 1:  For Cambridge PIs who do not yet have a AstraZeneca/MedImmune contact

Please review the EoI proformas and the EMI Website to see if your research might qualify.  It should be a clinical trial type study.  AstraZeneca/MedImmune’s key areas of interest include cardiovascular, immunological, metabolic, oncological and respiratory medicine. Cambridge PIs who are interested in a collaboration with AstraZeneca/MedImmune are asked to email Dr. Mellone Marchong: (mm721@medschl.cam.ac.uk) to discuss further.  Your email should include: Cambridge PI details, AstraZeneca/MedImmune area of interest, Cambridge PI area of interest/expertise or project idea.  Where there is mutual interest, AstraZeneca/MedImmune and Cambridge leads will be partnered to enable project development. 

Step 2: For Cambridge PIs who already have a AstraZeneca/MedImmune collaborator/contact 

Please submit the appropriate PhD or ACL EoI proforma via email to Dr. Mellone Marchong: (mm721@medschl.cam.ac.uk)

Deadline for EoIs: Sept 26th, 2016.

Step 3: Funding Decision

Eligible EoIs will be reviewed by the EMI Steering Committee (October each year).  Once approved,AstraZeneca/MedImmune Industry Partners and EMI Director will select which projects they would like to take forward.