Networking Innovation Across Nucleic Acids

Nucleic acid innovation refers to the development of new technologies and methods that utilize nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA. From the latest targeted therapeutics to DNA nanorobots, these innovations underpin huge advances in fields like medicine, biotechnology, agriculture, environmental science, and IT and they are only possible through cross-disciplinary collaborations across multiple scientific disciplines such as chemical biology, molecular biology and biophysics, bioengineering, and computational biology. Despite the UK’s strong leadership in nucleic acid research, significant barriers to cross-disciplinary collaboration exist. Current research groups are often isolated within specific disciplines and there are no current professional bodies, societies or networks regularly bringing disciplines working on nucleic acids together. A clear need has emerged to create a proactive network that fosters collaboration across these isolated research areas to unlock innovation. Our vision is to build a network that facilitates cross-disciplinary transformative breakthroughs to unlock nucleic acid innovations capable of benefiting a wide range of sectors and challenges. The proposed network aims to establish a thriving, cross-disciplinary community of scientists, engineers, and innovators, working together to solve problems, develop new applications, and address emerging societal needs. The network design has been co-created through engagement with approximately 50 UK universities, research institutions and commercial organisations and reflects lessons learnt and input from existing networks, societies and BBSRC EngBiol Mission Hubs. The network will be led by a Leadership Team that span the UK who have all demonstrated their research and leadership track-records, both within specific disciplines working on nucleic acids and in cross-disciplinary research. Supported by a full-time Network Manager, the network will encompass network partners providing financial sponsorship, affiliate organisations endorsing and promoting the network and a body of members from across academia, industry, and government. Our vision and network design has received strong enthusiasm across the academic community and details of the 10 network partners (collectively providing £267k) and 22 affiliate organisations who have already committed to support the network are included in this application. The vision will be delivered through three core objectives: 1) Build a UK-wide Sustainable Network Across Nucleic Acid Innovation: A network hub will be established, including website, followed by proactive network building/recruiting and dedicated initial networking events. 2) Foster Cross-disciplinary Collaboration, Communication, Capability and Creativity: Webinars, workshops, mentoring and discussion groups will support learning and promote open communication and exchange of ideas. Placements and working groups will provide collaborative spaces to work together and embed new knowledge and capabilities. A high-profile yearly conference will reinforce the value of cross-disciplinary collaboration, recognise cross-disciplinary creativity and celebrate network successes. 3) Deliver Impact Across Industry, Government and Society: Proof-of-concept projects will enable cross-disciplinary ideas to be tested to develop into full project proposals. The network will also support opinion pieces and best practice publications, promote opportunities for policy engagement and white papers and facilitate public engagement activities and events. With Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at the heart of the network design and operation, the network will proactively engage under-represented groups and remove barriers to network activities using varied engagement options and bursaries to support in-person attendance. In summary, the network aims to unlock cross-disciplinary nucleic acid innovations by fostering collaboration across disciplines and sectors, supporting diversity and inclusion, and delivering solutions that impact multiple fields, from biotechnology to government policy and public engagement.