31 new postgraduate students have begun their doctoral journey with the BBSRC NorthWest Doctoral Training Programme in Biosciences (NWD), one of the UK’s flagship bioscience training initiatives.
Held at the University of Manchester, the NWD Kick-Off event welcomed the first cohort of NWD students and marked the programme’s official launch. The event highlighted the collaborative ethos of the NWD - a partnership between the University of Manchester and the University of Liverpool - which aims to equip early-career scientists with the skills, support, and vision to address the UK’s most pressing biological and environmental challenges.
Opening the day, NWD Director Professor Rasmus Petersen (Manchester), outlined the opportunities ahead for the new cohort and emphasised the programme’s commitment to student wellbeing, mentoring, and professional development.
The event featured student micro-talks showcasing the diversity of research areas represented across the partnership, alongside reflections on professional placements from current postgraduate researchers Joel Doherty (Liverpool) and James Taylor (Manchester). The Student Voice session, led by current PGR representatives Jemima Shaibu (Manchester) and Maxym Besh (Liverpool), highlighted their personal experiences as both postgraduate researchers and as Student Representatives working closely with fellow students and the management team.
Interactive sessions explored key dimensions of modern research:
- Public Engagement, led by Deputy Director Professor Bernadette Moore (Liverpool), encouraged PGRs to consider how public engagement can enhance research impact.
- Digital Skills and Data-Driven Research workshops, led by Dr Eva Caamaño Gutiérrez (Liverpool), underscored the importance of computational literacy and robust study design in bioscience.
- The Masood Entrepreneurship Centre’s Laura Etchells introduced opportunities for innovation and enterprise training.
Professor Petersen said: "The NWD represents the best of collaborative bioscience in the NorthWest — creative, connected, and committed to translating research into real-world benefit."
Professor Moore added: "These new postgraduate researchers join a thriving community that values both scientific excellence and the broader contributions that scientists make to society. We’re delighted to welcome them to the partnership."
The day included a networking lunch and informal social at the University’s Museum Café — a fitting setting to spark new connections between students from across disciplines and institutions.
PGR representative Jeyapriya Jegadeesan commented: "It was wonderful to see new students connecting so naturally. The room was full of energy, laughter, and genuine excitement to be part of the community."
Funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), the NWD unites the Universities of Manchester and Liverpool, offering doctoral researchers access to world-leading expertise, training, and facilities.