Leeds Beckett joins major initiative to support next generation of bioscience researchers in Yorkshire

With this major investment, Yorkshire is set to play a key role in training the next generation of researchers. The newly created DTP initiative, launching in 2025, is led by researchers at 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 and build upon the work of the existing White Rose BBSRC DTP in Mechanistic Biology - a partnership that brought together research from molecular and cellular bioscience centres at the universities of Leeds, Sheffield and York. The new Yorkshire Bioscience DTP will have a wider regional footprint, additionally supporting PhD students at universities including Leeds Beckett, Bradford, Hull, Sheffield Hallam and Teesside.

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 Silke Machold, Pro Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation at Leeds Beckett University, said: "This is a significant investment in supporting bioscience research in the Yorkshire region. LBU is delighted to be a partner in this new initiative, which reflects our growing strength in bioscience research."

Dr Duncan Sharp, dean of Leeds Beckett's School of Health, said: "High-quality biomedical science research in the School of Health underpinned our excellent outcome in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021. Our participation in this new DTP will help to grow our bioscience research portfolio further and contribute to the training of biomedical science researchers of the future."

Professor Gary Jones, director of research at the School of Health, added: "LBU's involvement in the DTP opens a variety of new research opportunities to our biomedical science PhD cohort. This will allow LBU to continue its role as a leading anchor institution in the Leeds city region providing a pipeline of highly trained postgraduate researchers available to join the Yorkshire workforce."

Thousands of doctoral students across the UK are to be supported by UKRI via two new schemes, 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 over £500million 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 and industrial partners.