Working with business

Solve your business challenges by collaborating with world-leading bioscience researchers in the Faculty of Biological Sciences.

We don’t just theorise or experiment. We make, invent and advise, working hand-in-hand with industry to develop advanced solutions across the life-sciences, health sector and the environment. By partnering with us, your business can take advantage of our experience, equipment and enthusiasm to solve real-world challenges.

Our key areas of expertise cover:

Ways to work with us

Research partnerships & Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs)

Join forces with our world-class researchers on projects tailored to your business needs. These can include Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) which are for businesses who need access to specialist expertise to deliver an innovative idea, like developing a tailored research programme or creating prototypes. 

Funded partly by Innovate UK, KTPs are a cost-effective way for organisations to tackle strategically important challenges, leveraging world-leading academic expertise and global talent.

Through the KTP scheme, a suitably qualified KTP Associate (graduate or postgraduate level) with relevant experience will be embedded in your organisation. Supported by a team of leading academic experts from the University of Leeds, they will translate the latest academic research into practical, real-world solutions that will accelerate growth and commercial or non-commercial success.

You can also access the University’s specialist research facilities through the KTP scheme.

Discover how we collaborated with Spur Therapeutics (formerly Freeline) to develop ground-breaking gene therapies to treat people suffering with chronic health issues in the video below.

Consultancy

Alternatively, if you would like to benefit from our knowledge, facilities, expertise and technology, we can arrange a consultancy or a contract research programme with you. 

With nearly 130 academic staff in the Faculty, we are well placed to provide a range of research consultancy services spanning all levels of biological sciences, from molecules to ecosystems.

We are also able to arrange interdisciplinary teams to address complex problems requiring insight and techniques from different areas.

Our Research and Innovation Office is able to help identify appropriate academic consultants and provide quotes for a specific piece of work.

Facilities

The faculty has world-class equipment and laboratories that businesses can access at competitive rates, either on a fee-for-service or collaborative basis. 

Benefits of using our facilities include:

• Increased research delivery
• Holistic research capacity; cellular, biophysical and structural imaging equipment can all be accessed at Leeds
• Competitive edge: some of our equipment can be found nowhere else in a UK university
• Smooth and enjoyable experience thanks to training and support from our expert staff
• Increased efficiency - some of our equipment can be accessed in the comfort of your own home

Browse our facilities webpages to explore our services and discover how our facilities have enabled research excellence.

Utilise our student talent

Industry can link with our students to utilise their talent via:

•    Placements
•    Student projects
•    Employment

Find out more about how to recruit our students or graduates or email fbsemployability@leeds.ac.uk if you have a specific question.

Executive and professional education

Through our Executive Education Team, we aim to empower individuals and businesses to achieve their ambitions, by providing industry-focused knowledge via a combination of practice, teaching and research.

We currently offer professional education and executive training opportunities in three areas:

•    Regenerative agriculture
•    Sport & exercise science
•    Precision medicine and genomic medicine

Get in touch

Ready to maximise the bioscience expertise available at University of Leeds to build a better future together? Take the first step by emailing businessengagement@leeds.ac.uk.