Supporting the next generation of researchers
Yorkshire is to play an expanded role in training the researchers of the future, following a significant government investment.
A newly created Yorkshire Bioscience Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP), launching in 2025, will be led by the University of Leeds.
The partnership will train bioscientists to understand how living systems work and can be used to address global challenges including climate change, old age, sustainable food production, land use and energy production.
It will expand the work of the existing White Rose BBSRC DTP, a partnership that brings together research from molecular and cellular bioscience centres at the universities of Leeds, Sheffield and York.
The Yorkshire Bioscience DTP will have a wider regional footprint, additionally supporting students at the universities of Bradford, Hull, Leeds Beckett, Sheffield Hallam and Teesside.
This investment will help us to level up access and widen participation in training across Yorkshire’s diverse population.
The expansion has been secured by a package of funding from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), together with additional investment from the partner universities.
Professor Nick Plant, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation at the University of Leeds, said: “This investment is welcome news for expanding research capacity in the region as we build a pipeline of talent that will drive the future of the regional bio-economy.
“As we recruit through an increased number of universities and geographical areas, this investment will help us to level up access and widen participation in training across Yorkshire’s diverse population.”
Thousands of doctoral students across the UK are to be supported by UKRI via two new schemes called doctoral landscape awards and doctoral focal awards. The awards replace the nine different schemes through which UKRI currently supports doctoral training.
The schemes build on a rich history of doctoral investments which support discovery-driven research at UK universities.
The investment of £564 million will support doctoral students to develop their skills and experience in their respective universities’ areas of strength across the biological sciences, engineering and physical sciences, and natural and environmental sciences.
These skills will prepare them for a diverse range of careers, both in research and innovation and across the public and private sectors. At least 25% of studentships will be delivered in collaboration with non-academic partners.
Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser, UKRI Chief Executive, said: “UKRI’s investments in Doctoral Training are pivotal for the UK’s research and innovation endeavour.
“The awards provide funding for Universities across the UK to nurture a cadre of creative, talented people to develop their skills and knowledge, to build partnerships and networks, and to pursue the discoveries that will transform tomorrow, with diverse benefits for society and economic growth.”
Further information
Please contact Richard Abbott in the University of Leeds press office via R.Abbott1@leeds.ac.uk.
