UK Proteostasis Sandpit

22 July 2026, 9:30am–4:00 pm, The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), London

Application deadline: 10th May 2026.

This event aims to promote active mixing beyond traditional research silos, catalysing new connections and collaborations across the UK proteostasis community. Designed to be fast-paced, interactive and enjoyable, the event will bring together diverse expertise through creative ideation, team formation and structured project development.

We aim that, by working in newly formed, cross-disciplinary teams, attendees will generate ambitious research ideas in an open and energetic environment that encourages originality and intellectual risk-taking. Throughout the day, teams will develop short collaborative proposals, with the most promising ideas awarded seed funding. Collectively, we aim for this to lay the foundations for sustained partnerships and build momentum towards ambitious, future collaborative funding applications, as part of a broader strategy to strengthen collaboration across the UK proteostasis community.

Format of the Sandpit

The sandpit will take place over one day, from 9.30am-4 pm. Attendance in person is required.

During the sandpit event:

Participants will engage in interactive sessions designed to encourage creative thinking and cross‑disciplinary collaboration and networking.
Participants will form into teams around emerging ideas that address current challenges or unknowns in proteostasis.
Teams must include at least one Early Career Researcher (ECR) and be composed of cross‑field or cross‑disciplinary researchers who have not previously worked together.
Throughout the day, teams will develop a draft project proposal.

Securing seed funding as an outcome of the sandpit will be competitive.
Only Direct costs will be funded (no FEC/overheads).
Proteostasis UK will provide lunch and refreshments during the day.

How to Apply

Obtaining a place on the Sandpit will be competitive. The number of places is limited, and applicants will be asked to complete a short questionnaire as part of their registration to assess their suitability and motivation for participating.
To register, please fill in the application form here: UK Proteostasis Sandpit Registration Form
Application deadline: 10th May 2026.
Participant selection will be based on achieving diversity amongst career stage, research interests and motivation to collaborate and innovate.
Participants will be informed of their success in registering two weeks after the close of the call (by 24th May- 8 weeks before the event)
Participants do not need to attend the UK proteostasis conference to take part in this event, although it is strongly encouraged.
This event is free to attend. Travel costs will not be covered. EDI support grants are available to support attendance (see below).

Eligibility to Apply

You must be part of an academic institution to receive funds.
Post-doctoral researchers are eligible to apply to participate in the Sandpit; however, their participation must be supported by their PI. If a Post-doctoral researcher is selected for the event, a written statement from their PI will be required to confirm their support and verify that the Post-doctoral researcher's contract covers the full funding period. Post-doctoral researchers can't lead on the project proposals, but they can receive funds through their PI.
Participation from the commercial sector is encouraged; however, non-academics will not be eligible to be lead on a funded project or directly receive funding.

EDI Support grants to attend the Sandpit

Support for caring responsibilities and accessibility/disability‑related expenses can be claimed to aid participation in the Sandpit.
For further information, please see: https://proteostasisuk.co.uk/support/support-grants
To apply please follow: EDI support grant form link
The application deadline for submission of EDI support grants will be 10th May 2026 for this event. Participants will be informed by Sunday 24th May (8 weeks before the event).