EPSRC and BBSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Synthetic Biology

Completed

Not Energy Related
Renewable Energy Sources(Bio-Energy, Other bio-energy)

Training

BIOLOGICAL AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES (Biological Sciences)
PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Chemistry)
PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Physics)
ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Chemical Engineering)

Not Cross-cutting

Dr A Papachristodoulou
Engineering Science
University of Oxford

Standard

EPSRC

01 April 2014

13 August 2023

113 months

£4,807,020

Healthcare; Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology; Energy

South East

NC : Engineering

Dr A Papachristodoulou, Engineering Science, University of Oxford

Professor J Armitage, Biochemistry, University of Oxford
Professor D Bates, School of Engineering, University of Warwick
Professor CS Grierson, Biological Science, University of Bristol
Prof O Soyer, School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick
Professor AJ Turberfield, Oxford Physics, University of Oxford
Professor DN Woolfson, Chemistry, University of Bristol

The Synthetic Biology CDT (SBCDT) will focus on the design and engineering of biologically based parts, novel devices and systems as well as the re-design of existing, natural biological systems across all scales from molecules to organisms. Its distinguishing feature will be breadth and depth: the SBCDT will build on the multi-disciplinary expertise offered by the research environment at the Universities of Oxford, Bristol and Warwick to provide training that covers all parts of this extremely broad remit, including not only individual cells but self-assembled biomimetic systems, engineered microbial communities and multicellular organisms, combining the multiple perspectives of engineering and the life and physical sciences. We believe that such coverage is vital in the emerging area of Synthetic Biology; but, equally, this is only currently possible through a collaborative effort across institutions such as ours. In close partnership with our industrial and other partners, with whom we have developed this bid, we will address the recommendation of the recently published Synthetic Biology Roadmap for a "skilled, energized and well-funded UK-wide Synthetic Biology community", which has "the opportunity to revolutionise major industries in bio-energy and bio-technology in the UK" (David Willetts, Minister for Universities and Science). The SBCDT will provide five annual 15-student strong cohorts with high-quality and highly practical training in Synthetic Biology that will fill this skills gap and deliver the next generation of internationally excellent researchers and industrial leaders. The training will be based on a varied and innovative programme that will range from classes and seminars to student-led group projects and exploratory and PhD research projects at the forefront of the development of Synthetic Biology. Ethical, Legal and Social considerations, public engagement, and the needs of industrial, academic and potential end users of Synthetic Biology will be integrated into the training programme from the start. We will engender within the cohort a sophisticated, multi-faceted appreciation of the opportunities and potential hazards of Synthetic Biology that is essential to Responsible Innovation. Training will be delivered by a team of world-leading researchers which, like the student intake, will be highly multidisciplinary. We will ensure that the SBCDT takes full advantage of the opportunities provided by the three Universities and will act as a catalyst for inter-university research initiatives underpinned by the unifying influence of a cohesive cohort of students. This will ensure development of Synthetic Biology across the UK and that the UK strengthens its global competitiveness in this very promising field

14/04/14