South West Biosciences to receive £18.5m boost
pharmafile | October 25, 2019 | News story | |
BioSciences in the UK has received a massive boost of £18.5 million awarded from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), part of UK Research and Innovation.
The funding is part of a £170million investment into the training of next generation bioscientists and was revealed by Prime Minister Boris Johnson who spoke at an event on enhancing skills in bioscience and artificial intelligence to develop a highly-skilled UK workforce.
Melanie Welham BBSRC’s Executive Chair, said: “The success of the UK’s science sector and the consequent benefits to society and the economy relies on great researchers doing great work.”
The funding will offer four-year PhD studentships over five cohorts beginning in October 2020 during which students will undertake interdisciplinary training in statistics, bioinformatics, coding, experimental design, innovation as well as understanding the impact of research.
Students will also undertake three-month Professional Internship for PhD Students placement to develop their skills further and explore possible future career directions.
The partnership is led by Bristol, together with the Universities of Bath, Cardiff and Exeter alongside Rothamsted Research. The plans will allow access to expertise and facilities across the South West and Wales encompassing the Marine Biological Association (MRA), Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Swansea University, SetSquared Bristol, UCB Pharma and the University of West England.
Leo Brady, Director of the SWBio DTP, said: ““This is fantastic news for future students wanting to work at the cutting edge of biology and biotechnology and train in the world-class research environment offered within the South West and Wales.
“It is also a massive vote of confidence in the sector-leading bioscience departments within our institutions.”
Nik Kiran
