Durham University Secures Major Award to Propel Sustainable Consumer Innovation

Durham University won over £24 million in national funds from the Industrial Doctoral Landscape Award (IDLA) scheme. The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) provided this funding. It backs a new doctoral training programme named BiSCI (Bioconvergence for Sustainable Consumer Innovations).

Developing Future Leaders in Sustainable Biosciences

BiSCI trains three groups of PhD students each year. It builds their skills to push innovation in biosciences and consumer goods. Students work with industry partners like Procter & Gamble, Insiligence, and Prozomix. They also join forces with academic teams from Newcastle University, Northumbria University, and Imperial College London.

Collaborative Research Foci

The programme focuses on four areas:

• Finding new biological molecules
• Creating novel research methods
• Improving sustainable manufacturing
• Deepening our grasp of biological systems

This blend of disciplines speeds up the creation of greener products. It meets key environmental challenges head on.

Integration with Industry and Regional Impact

Students face real research challenges from the start. They work closely with industry experts. Durham’s Department of Biosciences leads this three-year plan. It links to the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) programme that backs over 320 new PhD studentships across the country.

BiSCI also gives a boost to the North East economy. It grows skills in bioscience, biocatalysis, and sustainable manufacturing.

Statement from Leadership

Professor Martin Cann, Head of the Department of Biosciences at Durham University, said:

"We are very pleased to work with Procter & Gamble and our other partners on this exciting programme. BiSCI is a great chance to drive innovation in the UK consumer product and biocatalysis sectors. We look forward to welcoming our first cohort of PhD students next year."

Additional Information

• Durham’s Department of Biosciences ranks third in the UK (Complete University Guide 2026).
• The BiSCI programme is part of UKRI’s wider effort to boost research in bioscience, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, data science, and engineering biology.

For students and researchers eager to join sustainable consumer innovation, Durham offers robust undergraduate and postgraduate paths in biosciences.

Sources: Durham University Research News (December 2025), BBSRC, UKRI
Explore more: Durham Biosciences Programmes, UKRI, BBSRC

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