Innovation and ongoing advancement in prosthetic technology can offer improved mobility and quality of life to people living with limb loss and limb difference. The Össur and Ottobock Research Trust Fund was founded at the University of Iceland to further advance scientific research in the field. The University along with Össur and Ottobock, two of the world’s leading prosthetic innovators, have joined forces and are calling on researchers around the globe to analyse and validate the applicability of man-machine interfaces for the benefit of prosthetic users.
Join this unique opportunity to participate in scientific advancements in the prosthetic field. Selected research projects will be funded from USD 150,000 to 500,000 and for up to three years.
International researchers can apply until the end of 2022.
Call for proposals
Proposed projects shall focus on research questions with a direct impact on the applicability of man-machine interfaces. This can be in the area of technical solutions but also in the field of clinical application or even psychological and ethical questions. The research work should bring the technology closer to application in a typical setting of ADL use of a prosthetic device. The fund can be supplementary to national or international research programs, like the DARPA Haptics Program or some European funding initiatives. Therefore, it is welcome, if proposed research projects take advantage of results which are derived from such programs or initiatives. The international competitive fund is open for proposals in applied scientific research projects with an emphasis on:
- Validating function of control systems (e.g. neural or EMG control) for prosthetics in human trials (with or without sensory feedback)
- Validating compatibility/usability of novel control methods with currently available applicable prosthetic devices
- Advancing technological readiness level (TRL) of devices/components for prosthetic control where a proof of concept in humans has been previously demonstrated
Formalities
- Who can apply? Researchers or research teams with an appropriate track record of relevant research. This can be students involved in research at universities, research institutes, clinical teams, developers, and companies from all over the world
- Funding: Proposals in the range of USD 150,000 up to 500,000
- Eligible cost: Personnel cost, Travel, Consumables, Overheads (fixed 25% on direct costs)
- Project funding period: Max. 3 years
- Submission: Before 31st of December 2022
- Applications are submitted to: sjodir@hi.is as an attachment. Application form on website.
- Next steps: If you are chosen for the next round, you will be invited to present your project by the end of March 2023 in front of the board. The funding period is expected to start on July 1st 2023.
- Find more information about the fund here
Background
The purpose of the Össur and Ottobock Research Trust Fund is to fund basic and applied research projects in the fields of advanced neural control of limb prosthetics. It was founded at the University of Iceland using financial contributions from Össur and Ottobock, two of the world’s leading companies in the field of prosthetics and support products for users with disabilities: Össur was founded in Iceland in 1971 and is based in Reykjavík. Ottobock was founded in Germany in 1919 and is based in Duderstadt. Through the creation of the fund, both companies wish to promote the development of high-quality technology used to increase people’s mobility and quality of life.