Training

Studentship structure

The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Chemical Biology: Empowering UK BioTech Innovation offers a unique and innovative 1+3+1 training programme, comprising a 1-year MRes in Chemical Biology and Bioentrepreneurship, followed by a 3-year PhD in Chemical Biology, and culminating in the opportunity for our graduates to undertake a visionary 1-year ELEVATE fellowship.

Our MRes course involves taught elements from October to January in:

  • Basic chemical biology, fundamental biology & biological mathematical modelling through to physical science technologies
  • Hackspace education, where our FutureLab Programme introdues students to technologies spanning the Physical/Mathmatical-Life Sciences and Human Machine interfaces with industry 4.0 approaches, including experience of rapid prototyping (additive manufacturing, electronics, robotics, laser cutting, microfluidics, microcontrollers), software engineering/modelling (Python/Machine Learning, Matlab, Fusion 360, biological “toy models”) and biohacking (protein engineering, proteomics, metabolomic assays)
  • Bioentrepreneurship, via our Biz-Catalyst programme and Industry Innovation Workshops

The taught component of the MRes is is followed by a research project that runs from January to September. This research project then continues in the PhD, providing our students with the opportunity to work on their research project for almost 4 years.

During the PhD students benefit from additional transferable skills training including Science Communication with the BBC, a Human Centred Design Course, Policy workshops, Lab of the Future Hackathon, the EVOLVE Programme, and the InnovaLAB tech accelerator. 

Our studentships are fully-funded, covering all tuition fees and stipend for a total of 4 years. In addition, each studentship scholarship provides a consumable allowance, a conference and travel fund and additional funding for the EVOLVE programme. For further information, please visit the Studentships pages of our website.

Training

MRes image

MRes in Chemical Biology and Bioentrepreneurship

Find out more about our MRes in Chemical Biology
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PhD Training

Our PhD training elements are listed below. Apply to join the CDT in Chemical Biology!

CDT Studentship Training Elements

MRes Chemical Biology and Bioentrepreneurship

The MRes Chemical Biology and Bioentrepreneurship involves taught elements from October to January, and is followed by a research project that runs from January to September.

For further information on our MRes training elements, please navigate to their pages, linked below:

  • FutureLab Observatory and HackEDU
  • Coding Club
  • Drug Screening Programme
  • FutureLab Café debates
  • Biz Catalyst and Industry Innovation Workshops 
  • Responsible Research and Innovation and sustainability
  • SciComm Series

The research project continues in the PhD, during which the PhD students benefit from additional transferable skills training.

For more information on this MRes course please visit our one year standalone MRes course website.

PhD Training

Building directly on from the research component of the MRes, students will undertake a 3-year independent research project in a multidisciplinary research area at the physical/mathematical-life science and human-machine interfaces. Students will spend some of their time on transferrable skills courses, placements and workshops spread across their PhD.

PhD Year 1:

  • Science and Communication with the BBC
  • Policy Course
  • Responsible Research and Innovation Refresher

PhD Year 2:

  • Human Centred Design Studies
  • CDT Conference
  • Responsible Research and Innovation Refresher

PhD Year 3:

  • Responsible Research and Innovation Refresher

Available to students throughout their CDT journey:

ELEVATE

Following their PhD, graduates can apply for the ELEVATE Postdoctoral Fellowship, which will build on the skills and experience developed in their PhD. This exciting new programme is the first cohort-based PDRA training programme of its kind in the UK.

Fellows will benefit from a 2-month skills module in a cohort environment including Design Thinking, Impact, Business Communication, and Leadership. This will be followed by in-work placements over 10 months with our strategic partners.

During each ELEVATE cycle, our strategic partners will offer placements (2-10 months) from all sectors linked to the CDT, from which Fellows can select and build a bespoke journey.

ELEVATE will be delivered in conjunction with Imperial’s award-winning Postdocs & Fellows Development Centre and cross-sector venture builders Blenheim Chalcot. 

Date last reviewed: 11 March 2024

Date last updated: 11 March 2024