Swansea University has helped secure £22.4 million in funding from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) – part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) – to support emerging bioscience researchers and innovators in the South West and Wales.
The South West Biosciences Doctoral Landscape Partnership (SWBio DTP) is a fully-funded, four-year programme designed to provide training in cutting-edge, world-class bioscience research skills.
The programme will offer PhD studentships over five cohorts starting in October 2025, with a long-term vision of developing leaders in research, innovation, science policy, and communication.
Underpinned by transformative technologies, it will give students the unique opportunity to expand the boundaries of their research through innovative tools and approaches.
Professor William Griffiths, Swansea University lead for the SWBio DTP and Professor in Mass Spectrometry, said: “We are delighted to see UKRI recognise the incredible impact of this programme which we are very proud to be a part of.
“Through this significant funding, we will continue to empower our bioscience students to foster innovation and drive impactful research that has the potential to benefit local and global communities.”
Professor Helen Griffiths, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at Swansea University, said: “We are delighted to be a part of this innovative training programme to support future researchers in the field of biosciences. We have a long tradition of working collaboratively with other institutions, as well as with industrial, commercial and public sector partners, and we look forward to making the most of this fantastic opportunity to deliver real-world impacts.”
The SWBio DTP is a collaboration between the GW4 universities – Bath, Bristol, Cardiff and Exeter – along with Rothamsted Research and six associate partners, including Swansea University, the Marine Biological Association, SETsquared Bristol, UCB Pharma, the University of the West of England, and the University of Plymouth.
Professor Jon Lane, Director of the SWBio DTP and Professor of Cell Biology at the University of Bristol, added: “This is fantastic news. We are delighted to have received this vote of confidence in our vision to train and inspire future leaders in bioscience research and innovation. This award is a huge endorsement of our sector-leading biosciences departments within our institutions, recognising the world-class biosciences research taking place in the South West and Wales.”
SWBio DTP is the second programme involving Swansea University to benefit from UKRI’s new investment of more than £500 million in doctoral research.
A Doctoral Landscape Award has also been granted to CROCUS, a new programme to train environmental science students.
Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser, UKRI Chief Executive, said: “UKRI’s investments in Doctoral Training are pivotal for the UK’s research and innovation endeavour. The awards provide funding for universities across the UK to nurture a cadre of creative, talented people to develop their skills and knowledge, to build partnerships and networks, and to peruse the discoveries that will transform tomorrow, with diverse benefits for society and economic growth.”
