UK SPINE creating connections for multi-disciplinary drug discovery and development in healthy ageing via our Translational Fund projects
At the end of last year UK SPINE awarded a series of Translational Fund projects to support research at the earliest stages of translation. By facilitating discussion amongst this cohort of researchers, UK SPINE demonstrates the benefit of knowledge exchange and its intrinsic value in scientific research programmes.
The aim of the Translational Fund was to accelerate the transition from discovery research to translational development projects by supporting preliminary work and feasibility studies which will establish the viability of a translational approach.
One of the key ways UK SPINE aims to achieve its mission of improving healthspan for older people is to build a community around healthy ageing research. This involves building and maintaining the UK SPINE network, ascertaining and implementing opportunities to facilitate collaboration and the open sharing of knowledge between researchers.
With this in mind, a series of project meetings was established to provide a platform to present Translational Fund research projects, identify potential avenues for collaboration and share experience and expertise in health ageing research.
The first of these meetings took place on Tuesday 15th February, online, where a lively discussion among the 20+ participants was had. Each of the six teams were given a short time to present their project proposals followed by an opportunity for comments and questions.
One observation that immediately became apparent is that several of this cohort of projects arose from previous UK SPINE funding. In some cases a separate or additional collaborative partner has been brought in for expertise or resources to progress the line of work. In one instance, a project team are collaborating as a direct result of UK SPINE network activities.
Many fortuitous interactions were had in the short hour and a half call. These included offers to compare data, share samples and use of technology facilities. This collaborative approach to research and the benefits this leads to for researchers, and as facilitated by the UK SPINE Knowledge Exchange programme, indicates the advantages of the nature and structure of the network.
As funded by the Research England through their Connecting Capabilities Fund, UK SPINE is unique in its approach – bringing together research across several institutions, while placing knowledge exchange at the heart of solving the global challenge of health ageing. Those participating in this novel research programme have the opportunity to participate in knowledge exchange activities organised by the network, whilst also contributing toward the movement towards increasing healthspan in our ageing population.