• DfT Horizons

• LINK Collaborative Research

The objective of this responsive programme is to alert and inform the Department about long-term potential opportunities and risks to achieving its policy and operational objectives. Innovative thinking on opportunities and challenges beyond conventional planning is required. The research will identify and investigate areas where change in the external environment (eg technological advance, social trends, environmental or economic challenges) could affect the policies or operation of DfT.

Any established research organisation or individual researcher is eligible to apply. Proposals involving collaborative effort will be considered on their merits.

http://www.dft.gov.uk/

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Grants are awarded to consortia of industry and
academia delivering high quality pre-commercial research for
their members to further the sustainable development of the
UK Arable Industry. Target group - private sector
including industry, NGOs, academia.

The Sustainable Arable LINK Programme seeks to: improve
the resource productivity of the UK arable industry;
promote sustainable, diverse, modern and adaptable farming; improve the rural economy; lessen adverse environmental
impacts of the arable sector; and enhance biodiversity and
the rural environment.

Grant aid focuses on projects that: deliver high quality
pre-commercial research to address constraints to sustainable development identified as important by industry; have potential
for significant commercial and/or environmental impact;
are implemented by a consortium which demonstrates
an appropriate route to market to Effect impact post-project;
and support Government Sponsors policies.

http://www.defra.gov.uk/funding/index.htm

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The research topics have been set up under three main themes, but this does not preclude individual projects covering more than one theme. Research contributing to reduced energy use and waste generation is particularly welcome. Human factor aspects would also be welcome as an integral part of projects where appropriate, to ensure that due account is taken of the role of workforce culture in adapting to new technologies and to new standards of manufacturing performance.

The 3 themes are: 1. Principles and tools for design of processes (design for manufacture) 2. Improved process capabilities 3. Higher operational efficiency through diagnostics and control

http://www.defra.gov.uk/funding/index.htm

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The broad aims are:

• to improve sustainability with reference to government targets
• to improve knowledge and understanding of processes and factors which determine industry performance,
• to enable access by the horticultural industry to innovative ideas and technology by involving a wide range of institutes and universities
• to promote wider awareness of the benefits of advanced horticultural techniques.
  
  http://www.defra.gov.uk/funding/index.htm

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The eight SLP LINK themes are summarised below: Genetic approaches to improving efficiency and quality of UK livestock production. Improvement of animal health and welfare in sustainable systems. Improving the sustainability of livestock production through optimal nutrition. Integration of livestock production with crop enterprises, including organic agriculture and integrated farm management systems. Development and improvement of livestock husbandry systems.

Improving environmental management of livestock systems. Optimising carcass processing efficiency at the abattoir. Social science aspects of sustainable livestock production.

There are three accepted routes that LINK projects can follow: Feasibility LINK (£75% Government funding, ³25% Industry funding), the purpose of which is to act as a bridge LINK and allow researchers and industry to explore the feasibility of an idea without having to involve industry too deeply, therefore allowing minimal risk. This has an expected project length of 12-18 months. Standard LINK project (£50% Government, ³50% Industry funding) with an average project length of 2-4 years. Development LINK (£25% Government, ³75% Industry funding), the purpose of which is to allow the final development of information/technology developed within a standard LINK project to facilitate uptake into the industry. This would be mainly industry funded to ensure a clear requirement for the development grant, with an expected project length 12 - 18 months.

http://www.defra.gov.uk/funding/index.htm

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The programme is designed to help industry meet anticipated technical challenges across the areas of raw material production, food manufacturing, packaging and distribution. It also seeks to enhance industry ability to contribute to Defra's targets for sustainable development of the food chain. The broad aims are to increase industry's technical capability and performance in producing safe, high quality
nutritious food and to provide necessary information and direction in terms of ensuring these foods meet consumer expectations and needs - including the delivery of balanced, positive nutrition.

http://www.defra.gov.uk/funding/index.htm

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Useful Links:

LINK Collaborative Research & Development