Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and Medical Research Council (MRC)-funded Doctoral Focal Award Engineering Biology for Biomedicine

The Doctoral Focal Award (DFA) Engineering Biology for Biomedicine is a collaboration between the University of Leeds, Kings College London and the National Physical Laboratory with 18 industry partners. The DFA provides funding and training for PhD students in Engineering Biology. The DFA is funded by the Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and Medical Research Council (MRC). <br /> <br /> Up to 3 awards will be available to those applicants wanting to undertake a PhD at the University of Leeds.<br />

<p><a href="https://eb4bm.org/">Engineering Biology for Biomedicine</a> <strong>(EB4B)</strong> is an exciting, highly collaborative doctoral training programme designed for ambitious students who want to shape the future of healthcare. Bringing together the <strong>University of Leeds</strong>, <a href="https://www.kcl.ac.uk/">King’s College London</a>, and the <a href="https://www.npl.co.uk/research/biometrology/metrology-for-engineering-biology">National Physical Laboratory</a> <strong>(NPL)</strong>, alongside <strong>18 industry partners</strong>, EB4B equips PhD researchers with the skills, experience, and networks needed to thrive in academia, industry, or beyond.</p> <p>Engineering biology combines engineering design with biological systems to create programmable molecules, cells, and materials. In EB4B, you will work at the cutting edge of biomedical innovation — tackling challenges such as targeting previously “undruggable” proteins, engineering smart therapeutic cells, and developing next generation biologics.</p> <p>We offer <a href="https://eb4bm.org/our-projects/">pre-defined PhD projects</a> which can be hosted either wholly in one of our contributing departments, or is multi-disciplinary across school, faculty and university boundaries. Our projects are all co supervised by an <strong>engineering biology expert and a biomedical specialist</strong>. This ensures you will gain both deep technical expertise and real biomedical insight through your project. You will receive bespoke interdisciplinary training in areas including protein and biomolecular design, biomaterials engineering, AI driven biological design, and bioprocessing for therapeutic manufacturing. Through close partnership with NPL, you’ll also develop expertise in <strong>metrology, standards, and regulatory frameworks</strong>, preparing you for clinical translation and industrial impact.</p> <p>All students will benefit from strong industry engagement, including through <strong>CASE studentship</strong>s and also a <strong>three month research or work experience placement</strong>, giving you hands on experience, professional confidence, and a powerful career network. EB4B offers a supportive, forward thinking research environment for students ready to become leaders in engineering biology for biomedicine.</p> <p>This opportunity is open to home and international applicants.</p> <p><strong>Duration and Value of the Award</strong></p> <p>•    The award provides full academic fees and a maintenance grant (£21,805 in Session 2026/27) for 4 years full-time study, part-time will be pro-rata.  This amount increases per annum in line with the UKRI rate.  <br /> •    Students who qualify for home fees status will be eligible for the TechExpert Pilot which grants a £10,000 per year uplift to the stipend.<br /> •    Please be aware that any expenses related to the relocation of international students to the UK (visa, insurance, NHS fees, flights, etc) would be their responsibility and is not covered by this award.</p> <p><strong>Eligibility Criteria</strong></p> <p>•    Applications are open to either International or Home (UK) applicants. </p> <p><strong>Other Conditions</strong></p> <p>•    Awards must be taken up by 1 October 2026<br /> •    Candidates who have previously been awarded a PhD or are currently registered on a PhD are excluded from applying. Those who were previously studying for a PhD but did not complete may be considered<br /> •    The awards are available for new Postgraduate Researchers undertaking full-time or part-time research study leading to the degree of PhD. <br /> •    Applicants must live within a reasonable distance of the University of Leeds whilst in receipt of this Scholarship<br />  </p> <p> </p>

<p>Please note that applications will open on <strong>4 February 2026</strong>.</p> <p>The deadline for the application is <strong>9 March 2026 at 23:59 (UK time)</strong>. For more information on how to apply, please see the <a href="https://eb4bm.org/">eb4bm website</a>.</p> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements should contact the supervisor for their chosen project.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<p>For further information please contact <a href="mailto:info@eb4bm.org">info@eb4bm.org</a></p>