Graduation Project Grant Programme

Open Call for Principal Investigators, Academic Supervisors & Research Team Leaders 

UK Association for Biotechnology and Computational Science (UKABCS)Programme: INNOFUND Grant — Graduation Project Capacity Building Track

Grant Framework: 3-Year Active Standing Programme | 5-Year Annually Renewable Institutional Cycle

Call Frequency: Tri-Annual Open Calls (Three Application Rounds Per Year)

Current Round Window: Opens 20 August — Closes 10 September

Contact: Programmes-Grants@ukabcs.co.uk

1. Introduction & Background

In response to rapid advancements in global scientific research, Artificial Intelligence (AI), data analytics, and computational modeling have become indispensable tools for modern scientific discovery. Scientific research and innovation are no longer restricted to high-cost physical wet laboratories. Today, undergraduate researchers, academic supervisors, and universities require robust computational and bioinformatics skill sets to analyze complex biological datasets, design computational models, and produce high-impact, globally competitive research. 

Against this backdrop, the UK Association for Biotechnology and Computational Science (UKABCS) has established the UKABCS INNOFUND GRANT — Graduation Project Grant. This standing initiative provides universities, colleges, research institutes, and individual academic supervisors worldwide with a structured mechanism to empower undergraduate students in executing cutting-edge, computationally driven graduation projects. 

Strategic Origin: Flexible & Inclusive Project Support (Inspired by Dr. Ahmed El-Hussein) 

The inception of this restructured INNOFUND Grant model stems directly from the academic leadership and initiative of Dr. Ahmed El-Hussein, Director of the Molecular Biotechnology Programme at the Faculty of Science, Galala University (Egypt). 

Dr. El-Hussein approached UKABCS with a compelling proposal aimed at securing high-level international grant support, advanced computational infrastructure, and industrial training exemptions specifically tailored for his undergraduate students embarking on their final-year graduation projects in molecular biotechnology. His forward-looking vision emphasized the necessity of a flexible, inclusive capacity-building framework that could adapt seamlessly to focused student cohorts (such as supporting 10–12 students across three specialized graduation projects) without being constrained by rigid, large-scale quota requirements. 

UKABCS extends its profound gratitude and highest appreciation to Dr. Ahmed El-Hussein for his exemplary dedication to student empowerment, his proactive efforts in creating global research opportunities for emerging scientists, and his pivotal role in shaping this grant framework. His valuable insights prompted the UKABCS executive and scientific committees to restructure the INNOFUND Grant into a barrier-free, highly accessible model. Under this expanded framework, the INNOFUND Grant accommodates the full spectrum of academic needs — ensuring that any dedicated Principal Investigator (PI), programme director, or academic supervisor can access international computational resources, institutional recognition, and peer-reviewed publication support, whether they guide a single graduation project team or an extensive departmental portfolio of up to 20 graduation projects. 

Programme Framework & Grant Participation Cycle 

• 3-Year Programme Framework: The INNOFUND Graduation Project Grant operates as a continuously available international programme within a three-year programme framework..
• Up to 5-Year PI Participation Cycle: Successful Principal Investigators may participate for up to five consecutive academic years, subject to annual renewal, continued eligibility, satisfactory programme engagement, and the terms of the Grant Agreement.
• Tri-Annual Intake: To accommodate diverse international academic calendars, the grant opens for applications three (3) times per year (August, December, and April).

2. Vision of UKABCS & The INNOFUND Mission 

The mission of UKABCS through the INNOFUND Grant is to embed computational and AI methodologies into undergraduate higher education, foster international scientific collaboration, and eliminate financial barriers to modern scientific infrastructure. 

The core objectives of the programme include: 

1. Embedding Computational & AI Workflows: Establishing in silico screening, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and AI-assisted data analysis as core components of undergraduate graduation projects.
2. Promoting Equal Opportunity: Providing universities and research groups across both the Global North and South with equal access to state-of-the-art computational ecosystems.
3. Enhancing Institutional Research Output: Elevating the standard of undergraduate research to meet international peer-reviewed publication benchmarks.
4. Empowering Academic Supervisors: Formally recognizing the vital contribution of Principal Investigators who mentor undergraduate research teams.
5. Accelerating Student Employability: Equipping graduating students with practical skills in scientific freelancing, computational consulting, and digital research workflows.

3. Programme Structure — A Two-Phase Framework

(Designed with reference to internationally recognised principles of research integrity, transparency, responsible research governance, and academic best practice.) To guarantee scientific rigor, student readiness, and operational transparency, the INNOFUND Grant operates under a structured Two-Phase Framework:

 Academic Justification for the Prerequisite Phase Executing high-quality computational research and AI-driven projects requires students to master foundational digital, bioinformatics, and analytical methodologies prior to embarking on their research problem. Phase I bridges this knowledge gap, ensuring that student teams possess the practical capabilities needed to deliver rigorous scientific deliverables in Phase II. 

Phase I — Mandatory Preparatory Training (Educational Foundation) 

Before commencing project implementation, all participating students must complete, or be actively enrolled in, one of the five approved verified training tracks tailored for third-year (Junior) and fourth-year (Senior) undergraduate students. 

• Duration:
  • Standard Tracks: 3 Months
  • Hybrid Intensive Track: 5 Months
• Study Model: Structured intensive training delivered according to the approved programme schedule, comprising approximately 75 guided training hours.
• Language of Instruction: English, ensuring readiness for international scientific collaboration and literature engagement.

 Training Fees, Grant Discount & Payment Policy 

(Phase I) 

The preparatory training constitutes an independent educational service delivered directly by our industrial partner, Bioinformatics Gate Egypt: 

1. Standard Training Tuition: £100 GBP per student.
   
   
2. Official UKABCS Grant Winner Discount (25% Support): Every accepted team member receives an official discount code providing a 25% tuition waiver (£25 off), sponsored through the partnership between UKABCS and Bioinformatics Gate Egypt.
   
   
3. Effective Student Tuition: £75 GBP per student, payable in three (3) flexible installments to eliminate financial barriers.
   
   
4. University Co-Funding Option: Participating universities and faculties are encouraged to contribute an additional £25 GBP per studentfrom institutional training budgets:
   • If University Contributes (£25): The student pays only £50 GBP (payable in 3 installments).
   • If University Does Not Contribute: The student pays £75 GBP (payable in 3 installments).
     
     
5. Direct Payment Recipient: All training fees are paid directly to the implementing industrial partner (Bioinformatics Gate Egypt). No portion of training fees is paid to or received by UKABCS.

Phase II — Graduation Project Implementation (100% Fully Funded) 
Upon satisfying the preparatory requirements, accepted teams proceed immediately to Phase II for project execution. 

• Tuition / Implementation Fees: 100% FULLY FUNDED — Zero cost to students for project execution.
• Duration: 3 Months of supervised execution (~75 supervised hours).
  
  
• Execution Model: Full-time academic supervision, milestone tracking, technical mentoring, and deliverables evaluation.

 Project Administration & Hosting Fee (Phase II) 

To sustain the digital architecture required for high-level computational execution: 

• A flat, nominal Project Administration & Hosting Fee of £15 GBP per graduation project (Fifteen Pounds Sterling per entire project team, not per student).
  
  
• Collection & Transfer: This nominal fee is coordinated by the Principal Investigator (PI) from the project team and transferred directly to the executing body, Bioinformatics Gate Egypt.
  
  
• Coverage: Dedicated cloud server hosting, domain configuration, digital workspace licenses, continuous computational infrastructure, and project tracking.
  
  
• Research Governance & Financial Transparency Note: This is an operational execution fee paid exclusively to the implementing technical partner. It is not an application fee to UKABCS, nor does any portion accrue to the Association.

 Financial Flow & Direct Funding Architecture 
The programme is administered in accordance with applicable organisational policies, financial transparency principles, and responsible research governance practices: 

• All grant allocations, platform licenses, publication vouchers, computational infrastructure, and training subsidies are transferred directly from UKABCS and partner platforms to the implementing partner (Bioinformatics Gate Egypt) and into the student support ecosystem.
  
  
• No direct cash transfers or project funds are deposited into personal bank accounts of Principal Investigators. All financial benefits are rendered as structured in-kind technological support, verified platforms, and institutional resources.

4. The 5 Verified Faculty Training Programmes
(Delivered under the Bioinformatics Gate Academic–Industrial Framework) 
All five designated programmes are structured to support university practical training requirements, where applicable. Recognition of the training as part of a university’s practical-training requirements remains subject to the policies and formal approval of the participating institution. The programmes also provide access to supported project implementation and selected international professional networking opportunities.

 Category I — Academic & Scientific Research Tracks(Target Output: Peer-Reviewed Scientific Paper + International Poster) 

• Tracks: Computational Drug Design & Analysis | Applied Bioinformatics & Research Execution.
  
  
• Core Competencies: AI in target discovery, molecular docking pipelines (AutoDock Vina, Rosetta), molecular dynamics simulations, pharmacokinetics/ADMET modeling, and scientific writing in English.

 Category II — Scientific Product Development & Innovation Tracks(Target Output: Production-Ready Software / Web Application / AI Tool) 

• Tracks: AI-Powered Scientific Product Development | Advanced Scientific Freelancing & Client Delivery.
  
  
• Core Competencies: Full-stack bio-app prototyping, Low-Code/Zero-Code scientific tool deployment, research workflow automation, API integration, and digital entrepreneurship.

 Category III — Scientific Research + AI Hybrid Intensive Track(Target Output: Dual Comprehensive Output — Academic Publication AND Scientific Software) 

• Track: Scientific Research + AI Hybrid Track Programme (5 Months Intensive).
  
  
• Core Competencies: Complete integration of rigorous computational scientific investigation with custom software tool development, designed for advanced interdisciplinary teams.

5. Equivalent Grant Support Value & PI BenefitsIn-Kind Support Package: £3,250+ Per Student Team 
Each awarded team of 10 students receives comprehensive in-kind support equivalent to over £3,250 GBP, detailed below: 

Special Benefits for Principal Investigators (PIs) 

Under the INNOFUND framework, Principal Investigators and academic supervisors receive high-value academic and research recognition: 

1. Official UKABCS 5-Year Academic Membership:
   • Awarded upon signing the Grant Agreement, recognising the PI's academic leadership and supervisory role within the INNOFUND programme.
     
     
   • Includes printed/digital Membership Certificates, member profile listing, and continuous eligibility for UKABCS programmes.
     
     
   • Renewed annually throughout the 5-year cycle upon ongoing supervisory activity.
     
     
2. Free Publication Voucher for IJBTCS (Full APC Waiver):
   • One unique voucher code providing a 100% waiver of Article Processing Charges (APC) for submission to the International Journal of Biotechnology and Computational Science (ijbtcs.com).
     
     
   • Covers original research, reviews, case studies, or methodologies, subject to standard independent peer review.

6. Eligibility & Selection Criteria6.1 Eligibility Criteria 

The INNOFUND Grant follows an Institutional & Academic Supervisor Application Model. Applications are submitted by the Principal Investigator (PI) or Lead Academic Supervisor on behalf of their university, faculty, department, or research team.

 Institutional & Supervisor Eligibility: 

• Eligible Institutions: Accredited universities, higher education institutes, research centres, and specialized scientific academies.
  
  
• Eligible Supervisors: Professors, Associate Professors, Assistant Professors, Lecturers, and Senior Research Scientists actively supervising or intending to supervise graduation-level research.
  
  
• Flexible Project Capacity: Supervisors may submit from one single graduation project (1 team of 10–12 students) up to 20 graduation projects. Single-project applications are fully eligible and encouraged.

 [!NOTE] 🔄 Re-Application & Continuous Participation PolicyPrevious applicants and past grant winners ARE FULLY ELIGIBLE to apply. Researchers and institutions that participated in previous UKABCS cycles are actively encouraged to apply for new student cohorts, new project titles, and subsequent academic rounds. 

Student Eligibility: 

• Senior undergraduate students in their 3rd or 4th year (or final graduation project year).
• Organized in teams of approximately 10 undergraduate students per graduation project.
• Active enrollment in, or completion of, one of the five approved prerequisite preparatory training tracks.
• Commitment to the full-time study/work model (5 days/week) and English-language scientific communication.

6.2 Selection Criteria

Submissions are evaluated competitively based on: 

1. Academic & Supervisor Commitment: Confirmation of academic guidance and institutional support for the project cycle.
2. Student Training Compliance: Confirmation of team enrollment in the prerequisite preparatory framework.
3. Adherence to Team Structure: Maintaining structured student participation.

6.3 Required Documents 

Flexibility regarding Project Summaries: Providing a specific project topic is optional at the initial application stage. This allows supervisors and student teams to formulate their refined project ideas during Phase I preparatory training, once students have gained exposure to advanced computational tools and literature. 

7. Tri-Annual Call Schedule & Round Timelines 

To support academic institutions across different international term schedules, the INNOFUND Grant opens for applications three (3) times per year:

Detailed Timeline for Round 1 (Current Intake):  

1. Stage 1 — Application Submission (20 August – 10 September): 
   The PI submits the completed application form, endorsement letter, and academic CV.
   
   
2. Stage 2 — Review & Acceptance Notification (11 September – 20 September | 10 Days): 
   UKABCS reviews all submissions and issues official acceptance letters to successful applicants.
   
   
3. Stage 3 — Grant Agreement Signature (21 September – 25 September | 5 Days): 
   The awarded PI signs the Grant Agreement and replies to the official acceptance email.
   
   
4. Stage 4 — Student Roster & Nomination (26 September – 05 October | 10 Days): 
   The PI registers the student team in the chosen training track with Bioinformatics Gate Egypt and submits the official Student Nomination Letter to UKABCS.
   
   
5. Stage 5 — Training Activation & Project Launch (October):
   Students start Phase I preparatory training, paving the way for Phase II project execution.

8. Application Portals & Contact Information 

UKABCS invites Principal Investigators and academic supervisors to submit their applications during the open window: 

• 📧 Official Application Email: Programmes-Grants@ukabcs.co.uk
• 🌐 Online Application Portal: clientflow-crm.com/f/ukabcs/ukabcs-graduation-project-grant
• 🌐 UKABCS Official Website: www.ukabcs.co.uk
• 🌐 Journal Portal: ijbtcs.com
• 📍 Headquarters: 10 Portal Way, London W3 6RT, England, UK
• 📞 Telephone: +44-7848180477
• 🕐 Working Hours: Monday–Friday, 08:00–19:00 (GMT)

9. Research Governance, Compliance & Sustainability 

All activities funded or supported under the INNOFUND Grant adhere strictly to international research ethics and regulatory standards: 

• UKRI Guidelines on Good Research Conduct: Adherence to research transparency, data stewardship, and fair authorship.
  
  
• UK Data Protection Act 2018 / GDPR: 
  Strict confidentiality and privacy of all student and institutional data.
• Responsible AI Usage: 
  AI is utilized strictly as a tool for computational acceleration and data analysis, with mandatory verification of scientific validity.
  
  
• Environmental Responsibility:
  Digital-first, cloud-based execution substantially reduces physical reagent waste and laboratory carbon footprints.
  
  
• Volunteer Partner Architecture: 
  Industrial implementation partners contribute technological platforms voluntarily as part of corporate social and academic responsibility.

10. Legal Declarations & Programme Disclaimer 

1. Programme Updates: UKABCS reserves the right to make reasonable updates to schedules, guidelines, and operational frameworks to safeguard quality and academic excellence. All updates are communicated transparently.
   
   
2. Voluntary Partner In-Kind Contributions: Industrial and technological partners, led by Bioinformatics Gate Egypt, participate voluntarily through platform access and educational delivery. They do not receive direct cash transfers from the grant.
   
   
3. Independent Peer Review: While UKABCS guarantees publication mentoring and subsidized processing vouchers, publication in IJBTCS remains subject to rigorous independent scientific peer review.
   
   
4. Institutional & Student Integrity: Institutions and supervisors maintain academic oversight; participating students must abide by ethical codes, milestone deadlines, and professional standards.
   
   
5. Strict No-Hidden-Costs Policy: UKABCS guarantees full transparency across all phases with zero hidden operational charges.

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