DASA has launched a new Themed Competition: Future Proofing Biosecurity by Strengthening the UK's Microbial Forensic Capability

On behalf of the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) is pleased to launch a new Themed Competition called ‘ Future-proofing Biosecurity by Strengthening the UK’s Microbial Forensic Capability.'

The competition is being run in response to the 2023 UK Biological Security Strategy which aims to implement a UK-wide approach to biosecurity that will strengthen deterrence and resilience to a spectrum of biological threats. Dstl is leading the creation of The United Kingdom Microbial Forensics Consortium (UKMFC) which is being developed in support of the Detect Pillar of the Biological Security Strategy. It will comprise a network of biosurveillance laboratories from all four nations of the UK, operating under a One Health doctrine.

This competition seeks novel technology options or technical approaches that can directly support the UKMFC initiative.

The aim of the competition is to strengthen UK capability in the field of Microbial Forensics. Novel technology options are required to function within the context of the UKMFC laboratory network; an appropriately resourced, high technological infrastructure, staffed by subject matter experts in biosurveillance. Innovations that either augment current approaches (e.g. increasing the speed and/or opportunity for anomaly detection through genomics) including novel uses of technology platforms or that provide completely new avenues for a Microbial Forensic investigation are of interest.
Do you have an innovation that fits the bill? Read the full competition document to find out more.
 
In short:

DASA has launched a new Themed Competition: Future Proofing Biosecurity by Strengthening the UK's Microbial Forensic Capability

This competition is funded by Dstl for the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD)

The total possible funding available for this competition is £1 million (excluding VAT)

Competition closes midday on Tuesday 18th February 2025 (GMT)

Learn more and submit proposals