INVITATION TO TENDER FOR a Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) imaging Mass Spectrometer.

The project is receiving funding from the England European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (and in London the intermediate body Greater London Authority) is the Managing Authority for European Regional Development Fund. Established by the European Union, the European Regional Development Fund helps local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations. For more information visit www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding ↗.

The Northern Powerhouse is a key aspect of this Government's approach to addressing the productivity gap in the North and ensuring a stronger, more sustainable economy for all parts of the UK. Alongside over €1.5 billion of European Regional Development Fund support for businesses and communities across the North, the government has awarded £3.4 billion in three rounds of Growth Deals across the Northern Powerhouse.

The likely use of the MALDI Mass Spectrometer will be in the analysis of molecules in a range of biological and chemical samples. Industry sectors that this will impact will be: Chemical manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, forensic testing, agricultural product manufacturers and food & beverage companies. The benefits / likely outcomes are efficacy and safety testing of existing or new products (validated research materials for marketing purposes, compliance with product regulations). Also, identification of mode of action of products (novel used of existing products).

The medium to longer term objectives, year 2 onwards, include work with business and academic partners to:

• Develop new materials, products, and components; Improve existing products and processes; and increase performance and market opportunities for companies through improved product life, longevity, durability,usability and/or enhanced functionality. For example, the creation of more sustainable materials through the use of conductive material or ability to function in extreme environments.
• Increase competitiveness of UK and SCR companies in priority sectors, including manufacturing, health care technologies and devices.
• Increase the number of small and medium sized enterprises engaged in knowledge exchange and collaboration.
• Improve the commercialisation and market entry of new or enhanced products or services including by small and medium sized enterprises.
• Increase investment in research and innovation, including by small and medium sized enterprises.

The instrument, will be used primarily to support business engagement activities, contract research and external consultancy. However as appropriate a wide range of other activities including academic research and taught practical classes for undergraduate and post-graduate courses will be supported.

The instrument is primarily for use by the Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre (BMRC), within the Industry and Innovation Research Institute (I2RI)

The instrument will be used in various fields of research including synthetic chemistry, microbiology, biochemistry, pharmacokinetics, forensic toxicology, physiology, materials, and analytical science. The proposed instrument must be robust and user-friendly so that it is suitable for operation by novice users and more advanced users.

The I2RI has between 60 and 70 research students on MPhil and PhD programmes, as well as a number of postdoctoral research assistants.

For further information about I2RI please see www.shu.ac.uk/research/industry-in… ↗. Additional information: The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: yes

Identification of the project:

Project Name - SHU Testing, Imaging and Characterisation Centre for Innovation Project unique identifier - 28R19P03971 Grant recipient - Sheffield Hallam University European Structural & Investment Funds Investment Priority Axis 1: Promoting Research and Innovation OC28R19P 0936