Training the next generation of biological scientists
The White Rose universities of Leeds, Sheffield and York have received renewed Government funding for 150 PhD researchers in the biological sciences.
The three universities will receive a share of approximately £10 million from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), part of UK Research and Innovation. The funding will support the Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) in Mechanistic Biology and its Strategic Applications.
The White Rose DTP in Mechanistic Biology supports world-class molecular bioscience, as well as strategic research in the areas of food security, bioenergy and industrial biotechnology.
The investment was announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson as part of a £170 million investment in bioscience across 12 institutions.
“We are looking forward to training the next generation of biological scientists to produce fundamental advances that will underpin future health and prosperity.”
The Government’s Yorkshire investment will contribute to supporting about 150 four-year PhD researchers over five years of intakes across Leeds, Sheffield and York, starting in October 2020. During their degrees, researchers will also undertake a three-month professional internship to broaden their skills and explore possible future career directions.
The White Rose DTP programme offers an exceptional range of research experiences to students, allowing them to contribute to a wide variety of world-class bioscience aligned with BBSRC’s strategic priorities.
It draws on the combined resources of the three universities and other partners, including the Research Complex at Harwell, the Rosalind Franklin Institute, and FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, to offer a rich and varied training environment that will equip them for successful and productive careers.
Underpinning health and prosperity
Professor Alan Berry, Director of the White Rose DTP in Mechanistic Biology from the University of Leeds’ School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, said: “We are looking forward to training the next generation of biological scientists to produce fundamental advances that will underpin future health and prosperity.
“The combined universities have exceptionally strong and well-balanced research across the breadth of BBSRC-relevant research. This provides a superb environment for students to achieve their full potential.”
Aligned with BBSRC strategy, the White Rose DTP will train researchers undertaking projects in the following core areas: bioscience for sustainable agriculture and food; bioscience for renewable resources and clean growth; advancing frontiers of bioscience discovery.
This PhD scheme is just one element of UKRI’s commitment to support future talent in research and innovation. UKRI as a whole supports around 15,000 doctoral students in UK universities, research institutes and businesses.
Further information
For media requests please contact the University of Leeds media relations and communications team on +44 (0)113 343 4031 or email pressoffice@leeds.ac.uk.
