Sandpit Meeting
Have you identified a big problem in physiology that could be solved by bringing people together to collaborate? Members can apply to hold a Sandpit Meeting supported by The Physiological Society to make it happen.
We are now accepting proposals for Sandpit Meetings in 2026.
Download the application formWhat is a Sandpit Meeting?
A Sandpit Meeting is a collaborative brainstorming or problem-solving face-to-face event. They provide a structured yet creative environment for collaborative idea generation and problem-solving, often leading to breakthrough innovations and interdisciplinary collaborations. The term “sandpit” metaphorically refers to a space where ideas can be freely explored, shaped, and refined.
Who can apply?
Proposals for Sandpit Meetings are open to all physiologists, but at least one of the convenors should be a member of The Physiological Society, and have been for more than one year.
What is available?
Financial and logistical support for convening one Sandpit Meeting per year in the UK. The funding will support up to two full meeting days and one night’s accommodation in a university setting for up to 30 invited participants (15 established and 15 ECRs). No travel funding will be provided. The funding is capped and the final venue will be selected by the Events Team.
How do I apply?
To apply, please download, complete, and send back your application together with a draft programme. Completed applications should be sent to events@physoc.org. Informal enquires can also be sent to this email address as well.
When can I apply?
We are accepting proposals for Sandpit Meetings in 2026 and the call will close on 30 September 2025.
We ran our inaugural sandpit meeting in June 2023, in collaboration with UKDRI and Dementia Platforms UK. The aim was to improve treatments for cerebrovascular diseases, including stroke and dementia, by generating new collaborative grant applications that improve the translation of animal research into patients. It brought 25 principal investigators and early career researchers together for a two-day residential meeting at Keele University. Here we considered the issues that have precluded success in this area and came up with plans for collaborative projects that could address these challenges. Multicentre grants on these topics have since been submitted to major funders, and other applications are in preparation.
Catherine Hall (University of Sussex, UK),
Chair of Conferences Committee