DASA Launches Microbial Forensics Competition to Enhance UK Biosecurity
The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA), in partnership with the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), has launched a new themed competition titled "Future-proofing Biosecurity by Strengthening the UK’s Microbial Forensic Capability." This initiative, funded by Dstl for the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD), is designed to develop innovative technologies to enhance the UK’s capacity for microbial forensic investigations.
Competition Overview
- Total Funding Available: £1 million (excluding VAT)
- Individual Project Funding: Between £50,000 and £250,000
- Number of Projects: A minimum of 4 and up to 10
- Deadline for Submissions: Midday (GMT), Tuesday, 18 February 2025
Aims and Objectives
The competition supports the 2023 UK Biological Security Strategy, which seeks to strengthen national resilience against biological threats. The initiative aligns with the Detect Pillar of the strategy and contributes to the development of the United Kingdom Microbial Forensics Consortium (UKMFC), a network of biosurveillance laboratories operating under the One Health doctrine.
Key Areas of Interest
DASA and Dstl are seeking novel technology options that can operate within the UKMFC laboratory network. Proposals should focus on innovations that:
- Improve anomaly detection in genome sequencing data, including evidence of biological engineering.
- Enable the identification and computational analysis of omic signatures for microbial forensic investigations.
Technologies should ideally be agnostic to sample types and biological agents, but sector-specific solutions may also be considered. Repurposing technologies from other scientific disciplines is encouraged.
Eligibility and Evaluation
Proposals must demonstrate a clear potential to form the next generation of microbial forensic capabilities without increasing operational risks or financial burdens for laboratories. Mobile-only solutions or technologies focused solely on pathogen identification will not be considered.
For more information and to participate, visit the competition page.
Image: frentusha
Topics: Bioeconomy & Society
