Collaborate with the Functional Genomics Screening Laboratory

Document research last revised 2026-08-12.

Grant Name

Collaborate with the Functional Genomics Screening Laboratory

Opportunity Type

Collaborative Research / Screening Access

Primary Research Area

Functional genomics, CRISPR screening and complex human in vitro models

Financial Support

The screening service itself is already funded. Costs of running the screens are borne by the Milner Therapeutics Institute (MTI) and AstraZeneca. Consumable costs for individual screens may be supported by AstraZeneca where the model is of interest to AstraZeneca or through an MRC screening access fund.

Applicant Contribution

Applicants are not required to provide a standard cash match. However, the applicant is expected to contribute the relevant model, scientific expertise and collaboration input required to make the screening project feasible.

Current Review Schedule

Applications are reviewed twice a year, with reviews currently taking place in May and November.

Next Review Deadline

November 2026

Team Applications

Permitted

Academic Applicants

UK-based academic researchers are eligible, provided they meet MRC eligibility requirements.

SME Eligibility

UK-based small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) may be considered where capacity permits.

Industry Eligibility

UK-based industry/pharmaceutical organisations may be considered where capacity permits.

Pharma Eligibility

The current FGSL page specifically identifies UK-based academics, SMEs and pharma organisations with suitable complex human in vitro models as relevant applicants.

International Collaboration Requirement

Not specified. The current opportunity is aimed at UK-based researchers, SMEs and industry.

Research Category

Functional genomics and high-throughput phenotypic screening

Eligible Research Areas

Functional interrogation of genes using arrayed CRISPR screening in complex human in vitro models.

Eligible Models

Complex human in vitro models such as organoids, co-culture models, primary cells and iPSC-derived models, provided they are suitable for arrayed CRISPR screening.

Screening Technology

Arrayed CRISPR screening, using individual gene perturbation in a plate-based format.

Screening Platform

The FGSL operates an automated high-throughput screening platform capable of automated liquid handling and acquisition of high-content endpoints, including spatial imaging and flow cytometry.

Screening Scale

The laboratory can support screens ranging from tens to hundreds of genes through to whole-genome scale, according to the current Milner Therapeutics Institute information.

Applicant Role

The applicant defines the scientific purpose of the screen, desired outcomes, model and relevant endpoint assays.

FGSL Role

FGSL scientists carry out the screening work and provide technical expertise and support as part of the collaboration.

CRISPR Library Requirement

Applicants do not need to provide their own CRISPR library because library access has been provided through the AstraZeneca/MTI collaboration.

SME / Industry Library Recommendation

SMEs and industry applicants are recommended to provide their own library where possible to avoid potential conflicts of interest.

Research Organisation Funding

The screening work is carried out and funded through the FGSL/MTI/AstraZeneca collaboration structure.

Applicant Funding

Applicants do not receive a conventional grant award for the screening service. Financial support is arranged through the FGSL funding mechanisms where eligible.

Subcontractors

Not specified

Initial Contact

Potential applicants are encouraged to register interest by emailing FGSLapplications@milner.cam.ac.uk before submitting an application. The FGSL team can arrange a discussion to understand the proposed project and provide application guidance.

Application Submission Email

FGSLapplications@milner.cam.ac.uk

Model Information Requirement

Applicants must explain the nature of the proposed human in vitro model, including where cells are sourced and relevant information concerning its suitability for screening.

Research Ethics / Human Tissue Requirement

Applicants must provide relevant Research Ethics Committee or Human Tissue Authority information, where applicable.

Data Sharing Requirement

Applicants must explain whether the model can be shared with third parties and identify any restrictions relating to data sharing.

Intellectual Property Requirement

If the proposed model is new or proprietary, applicants must disclose relevant IP/freedom-to-operate information, including where cells or iPSCs were created or genetically manipulated by a third party and are not commercially available.

Endpoint Assay Requirement

Applicants must describe the proposed endpoint assay and demonstrate that it is suitable and feasible for screening.

Application Guidance

Detailed guidance and FAQs are available through the FGSL space on Connect: Health Tech.

Assessment Body

The Joint Steering Committee includes representatives from MRC, AstraZeneca and the Milner Therapeutics Institute, alongside scientific experts in relevant screening and model systems.

Joint Steering Committee Composition

The UKRI page states that the JSC consists of two representatives each from MRC, AstraZeneca and the Milner Therapeutics Institute. It is chaired by the MRC Director of the Functional Genomics Initiative.

Final Decision Authority

The Joint Steering Committee makes the final decision on which applications are accepted for screening and how the screening is funded.

Additional Assessment Information

The JSC may request additional information from applicants before making a decision.

Scientific Suitability

Applications are assessed on whether the proposed model and biological question are suitable for arrayed CRISPR screening and whether the resulting screen is scientifically feasible and informative.

Model Scalability

Applicants must demonstrate that sufficient cells/model material can be generated and maintained to support the proposed screening campaign.

Screening Feasibility

The proposed screen must have a technically feasible gene-editing strategy and an appropriate, measurable endpoint assay.

Interview Stage

No formal interview stage is specified. However, potential applicants are encouraged to have a discussion with the FGSL team before applying.

Review Frequency

Twice yearly

Current Review Months

May and November

Key Requirement

The proposed project must use a complex human in vitro model amenable to arrayed CRISPR screening and have a clear biological question that can be addressed through the screen.

Model Requirement

The applicant must have an appropriate human in vitro model, such as an organoid, co-culture, primary-cell or iPSC-derived model.

Screening Requirement

The proposed screen must have a defined purpose, desired outcome and suitable endpoint assay.

Existing Funding Requirement

Applicants do not need to be currently MRC-funded. They only need to be eligible for MRC funding where the academic eligibility route applies.

Project Partner Requirement

No separate project-partner requirement is specified.

Intellectual Property Considerations

Applicants must identify relevant ownership, access and freedom-to-operate issues where models contain proprietary or third-party-derived cells/iPSCs or other protected material.

Data Management

Applicants must identify whether their model and resulting data can be shared with third parties and explain any restrictions.

Funding Decision

The JSC decides whether a proposed screen is accepted and how the available screening funding is allocated.

Resubmission Rules

No specific resubmission rule is stated. Applications are considered through the regular review rounds.

Current Facility Status

The FGSL is operational. It was officially opened at the Milner Therapeutics Institute in March 2025.

Facility Location

Milner Therapeutics Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK

Facility Partners

Medical Research Council, AstraZeneca and the University of Cambridge / Milner Therapeutics Institute

Initiative

The FGSL is part of the UK Human Functional Genomics Initiative.

Initial Disease Focus

The initiative initially focuses on non-oncology diseases, including immune, cardiovascular and respiratory disease areas, with potential to expand to other areas. The current FGSL information also identifies chronic disease research including cardiovascular, inflammatory, respiratory and metabolic conditions.

National Access

The facility is intended to provide access to researchers across the UK.

Infrastructure

The laboratory provides automated arrayed CRISPR screening, automated liquid handling and high-content endpoint acquisition, including imaging and flow cytometry.

Important Notes

This is not a conventional cash grant with a fixed award amount. It provides access to a specialist screening facility and associated collaboration support. The screening itself is carried out by FGSL scientists.

Current Update

The current Milner FGSL page states that the call remains open, applications are reviewed in May and November, and the next application review deadline is November 2026.

Application deadline in source document

Open - no closing date

Official source

Read the funding authority guidance