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Seed

Seed is designed to spark new collaborative partnerships and give them space to develop. It is not a scheme for project ideas, instead it is designed to start conversations that will lead to cross-disciplinary collaborations. There is no brief other than to talk, explore ideas connected to our research and just see what happens.

Through Seed, BSI scientists and creatives connect based on their approach, their creative ambitions and professional interests. Matching of partners will be done by participants and an expert panel of academics and creatives with a wealth of experience of working across disciplines.

 

Summary of Seed funding 

  • Brings together creatives, academics and BSI scientists.
  • Freelance creative partners are funded to allow at least three hours of conversations (up to £550 in total).
  • Travel costs are covered for all participants. 
  • Sharing event at the end of the conversations to discuss the experience.

Funding to spark new Art-Science collaborations 

  • Dr Alison Lane (Durham Psychology) and Lady Michaelle St Vincent

    A 2023 Seed conversation between Dr Alison Lane (Durham Psychology) and Lady Michaelle St Vincent (https://ladymichaellestvincent.myportfolio.com/) has sparked a new collaboration to explore the interaction between the perception of colour and with that of smell.
    Dr Lane (Psychology) with artwork

  • Art-Science - Open Exhibition

    A conversation held in the very first Seed round (2021) has led to a new exhibition planned to be held at the Botanic Gardens in 2025. Creative responses are being invited now to images collected by Dr Robert Banks during his 50 year career at the frontier of biosciences research.
    Microscopy image of a nerve cell, or neuron, from the cortex of the cerebellum, courtesy of Dr R W Banks.

Dr Alison Lane (Durham Psychology) and Lady Michaelle St Vincent

A 2023 Seed conversation between Dr Alison Lane (Durham Psychology) and Lady Michaelle St Vincent (https://ladymichaellestvincent.myportfolio.com/) has sparked a new collaboration to explore the interaction between the perception of colour and with that of smell.
Dr Lane (Psychology) with artwork

Art-Science - Open Exhibition

A conversation held in the very first Seed round (2021) has led to a new exhibition planned to be held at the Botanic Gardens in 2025. Creative responses are being invited now to images collected by Dr Robert Banks during his 50 year career at the frontier of biosciences research.
Microscopy image of a nerve cell, or neuron, from the cortex of the cerebellum, courtesy of Dr R W Banks.
BSI Art-Sciences News

How to Apply

To take part please submit the form below, or email bsi.manager@durham.ac.uk. 

Seed Form: BSI Create Support - Seed - Durham University 

Where we can arrange conversations we will provide funds (of up to £550) to cover the time of freelance creatives and and travel costs (economy).

Our expectation is that the partners will take part in a series of 3, one hour-long meetings, this can include the initial conversation. A short report is required from matched partners (3 months after the first conversation) and an in-person meeting will be arranged for the Spring 2027 for those who have been involved in our Art-Science community to come together and share their journeys and experiences. 

About the BSI

We support research at the boundaries of the life sciences and other physical sciences including physics, mathematical sciences & computer science. Our research takes a fresh, interdisciplinary approach to fundamental biosciences processes and systems which have real-world applications e.g. in drug discovery or the development of novel materials. Our community is drawn from across scientific disciplinary boundaries and career stages. We are united by a commitment to collaborative research and to fostering a supportive research culture.

Find out more here: