The Engineering Biology for Environmental Applications Doctoral Focal Award (EngBio4Env DFA) will spearhead innovative approaches to addressing urgent environmental challenges through engineering biology. 

Led by a team of world-leading experts in engineering biology, and working with the UKRI Environmental Biotechnology Innovation Centre (EBIC), the EngBio4Env DFA will train the next generation of scientists with the multi-disciplinary expertise required to deliver high-impact projects with practical solutions that address critical environmental challenges, including pollution remediation, resource recovery, environmental monitoring, and biosecurity.

Our researchers will benefit from a systems-level training programme, gaining an interdisciplinary skillset that combines synthetic biology, AI-driven environmental modelling, systems biology, engineering, techno-economic analysis, and policy engagement. 

Why join EngBio4Env?

We offer our students a holistic four-year PhD experience that provides:

  • A highly transferable skillset for careers in industry, academia or governmental institutions
  • Opportunities to attend and present their research at international conferences to share research with a global scientific community
  • Core training modules preparing students to develop, optimise, and scale real-world biotechnologies
  • Annual summer challenge weeks to strengthen communication skills and foster interdisciplinary collaboration
  • Industrial placements providing hands-on experience in applied settings

Overall, the EngBio4Env training programme has been co-designed by academic, industry and government partners to equip PhD students with the skills needed to make a meaningful impact across a range of career paths, graduating with a unique interdisciplinary skillset. It goes beyond traditional PhD training by embedding a comprehensive transition-to-career strategy.

Our researchers will benefit from a tailored suite of career development activities, including:

  • Alumni mentoring to support career progression
  • Entrepreneurship training to develop the skills needed to commercialise their innovations
  • Policy engagement opportunities to translate their research into regulatory and governmental impact
  • Access to international expertise, including best practices and state-of-the-art facilities, supported by global partnerships in the USA, Japan, Spain, Brazil, and Ireland.

Funding and Enhanced Stipend Package 2026

PhD students starting in 2026 will receive an annual tax-free stipend of £31,000.

For our first cohort, this stipend includes an enhanced stipend £10,000 above the UKRI level received through the TechExpert Pilot scheme, also offering participation in TechExpert activities.