The University of Liverpool, in partnership with the University of Manchester, has secured a prestigious Doctoral Focal Award from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) for a new PhD programme aimed at shaping the future of bioengineering in the UK.
CODE-M (Control and Design of Bioengineered Microbial Cells and Systems) will train PhD researchers in microbial bioengineering, with a focus on applications in biomedicine, clean growth, food systems, and environmental solutions. Led by Manchester, in partnership with Liverpool and a diverse range of industrial partners, the programme will produce a cohort of highly-trained, highly employable bioengineers that will reinforce the UK’s position as a leader in green and biobased solutions.
Students will develop microbial biotechnologies that tackle global challenges, including improving health, driving clean growth, creating resilient food systems, and delivering environmental solutions. Training will be supported by advanced facilities including biofoundries, genomics platforms, and high-performance computing, and will be built around three themes:
- Bottom-up design for bioengineering microbial cells and systems
- Top-down control for bioengineering microbiomes
- Disruptive technologies for microbial bioengineering
The programme includes hands-on rotation projects, enabling skills training, and placements with industry and national institutes. CODE-M also places a strong emphasis on responsible research and innovation, equality and inclusion, and student-led activities such as stakeholder symposia and outreach.
Professor Steve Paterson from the University of Liverpool said: “This doctoral focal award is a wonderful opportunity to train and work with the next generation of scientists to develop solutions to global challenges. The microbiome is a new field with huge potential to improve health and drive clean growth, particularly within the thriving life sciences sector in Liverpool. We also look forward to working closely with industry partners and developing new collaborations with the University of Manchester to make the North West a powerhouse for innovation in engineering biology.”
Professor Jo Fothergill, Director of the University of Liverpool’s Microbiome Innovation Centre, said: “Our future will be shaped by the creativity of today’s early-career scientists. CODE-M empowers them to see possibility in every microbial system and to turn that potential into transformative innovation. We can’t wait to welcome the first cohort.”
Applications will open for 2026/27 entry on 6 February 2025. For further details please visit https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/funding-fees/funded-programmes/code-m/