3rd Open Call of i4A Access Grant Program

The Wellcome Trust’s i4A Access Grant supports researchers and imaging facility staff in low- and middle-income countries to access cutting-edge imaging technologies. Grants fund short-term visits to national or international facilities, enabling skill development, collaboration, and capacity building in advanced imaging techniques.

Program Overview

The i4A Access Grant is designed to help researchers visualise biological samples, develop imaging assays, and explore scientific questions using state-of-the-art imaging technologies. The program encourages knowledge exchange, professional growth, and institutional capacity building in low- and middle-income countries.

Key Objectives

• Provide access to advanced imaging technologies and infrastructure.

• Enhance technical skills in sample preparation, microscopy, image analysis, and data management.

• Promote international collaboration and knowledge sharing between institutions.

• Strengthen long-term imaging capacity in applicant institutions.

Who is Eligible?

• Researchers and imaging facility staff or management affiliated with universities or research institutes.

• Applicants must be based in eligible low- and middle-income countries.

• Individual applicants are considered the primary grant recipients.

• Applicants may not host the visit at their own institution to ensure broader collaboration.

Scope of Work

1. Imaging Facility Access: Visits typically last one to four weeks, providing hands-on experience with specialised imaging equipment and techniques. Longer visits may be considered if justified.

2. Skill Development: Training may include advanced sample preparation, microscope operation, imaging assays, image analysis, and data management systems.

3. Knowledge Exchange: Applicants collaborate with host facility experts, sharing methods, protocols, and best practices.

4. Professional Growth: The program supports immersive learning experiences tailored to the applicant’s goals, enhancing career development in imaging-related research.

Funding Details

• Grants cover expenses for facility access, travel, and associated costs.

• Total funding may not exceed EUR 10,000 per applicant.

• Funding supports one visit per applicant to ensure concentrated learning and collaboration.

How to Apply

1. Identify a host imaging facility outside your own institution.

2. Develop a clear plan for the visit, outlining specific imaging techniques, assays, or research goals.

3. Submit an application detailing your professional background, proposed activities, and expected outcomes.

4. Include a justification for the visit’s duration and budget, if requesting longer than four weeks.

5. Ensure alignment with the grant’s goal of building capacity in LMIC research environments.

Tips for Success

• Highlight previous imaging experience and the potential impact of the visit on your research and institution.

• Clearly define learning objectives and expected outputs.

• Demonstrate how the visit will strengthen institutional capacity in imaging.

• Choose a host facility with relevant expertise and complementary resources.

FAQ

1. Who can apply? Researchers and imaging facility staff from universities or research institutes in eligible LMICs.
2. Can I visit my own institution? No, visits must be hosted at a different facility.
3. How long can the visit last? Typically 1–4 weeks; longer visits may be considered if justified.
4. What is the maximum funding amount? EUR 10,000 per applicant.
5. What activities are supported? Advanced imaging, sample preparation, microscopy, image analysis, and professional development.
6. Are individual applicants eligible? Yes, each grant is awarded to an individual applicant.
7. Can the grant be used for international collaboration? Yes, cross-institutional visits and knowledge exchange are central objectives.

Conclusion

The Wellcome Trust i4A Access Grant provides researchers and imaging facility staff in LMICs with the opportunity to access advanced imaging technologies, develop technical expertise, and build sustainable capacity within their institutions. By fostering international collaboration and professional growth, the program strengthens both individual researchers and broader research ecosystems.