Skip to main content

Centre for Industrial Biotechnology

Sustainably harnessing the power of natural processes.

Why industrial biotechnology?

The natural world and societies face unprecedented challenges, especially in areas such as:

  • food security
  • energy
  • materials
  • water
  • green manufacturing
  • chemical building blocks
  • emerging threats to health

Many solutions to these challenges are bio-based and harness the power of natural products and processes.

Our work

We bring together expertise, knowledge and facilities, across the University. In the Centre for Industrial Biotechnology, we work in areas including:

  • AI
  • genome sequencing and synthesis
  • cell-free systems
  • sustainable development
  • industrial enzymes
  • precision agriculture
  • protein design
  • engineering

Partnering with industry

We work with national and international industry partners, large and small including:

  • Procter and Gamble
  • Astra Zenica
  • Prozomix
  • Centre for Process Innovation
  • DSTL
  • Fera Science
  • Northumbrian Water

These partnerships link our research to real-life challenges faced by people every day across the globe.

Education and opportunities

We are passionate about training the next generation of industrial biotechnologists. Our MSc and MRes programmes provide inspiration, knowledge, hands-on training and contact with industry partners. Our students leave with skills essential to the world of work.

Our Doctoral training centres provide opportunities to study for a PhD within a supportive collaborative environment. PhD students often get the opportunity to work with industrial partners.