Major investment in doctoral students to support next generation of researchers

The Central England NERC Training Alliance (CENTA3), led by the University of Birmingham, provides excellence in doctoral research training in Earth and Environmental Sciences, with a particular focus on climate and environmental sustainability, organisms and ecosystems, and dynamic earth processes. This is the third time the programme has been funded by UKRI.

The Midlands Integrative Bioscience Training Partnership (MIBTP) is led by the University of Warwick and connects seven centres of excellence – including the University of Birmingham – across the Midlands. Its aim is to identify and nurture exceptional bioscience talent, and to strengthen ties to local bioindustries to drive forward cutting edge research with tangible societal benefits.

The investments in both programmes are part of a £500 million investment package announced by UKRI to support doctoral students to develop their skills and experience across the biological and environmental sciences at their respective institutions.

Professor Rachel O’Reilly, Pro-Vice Chancellor Research for the University of Birmingham, said: “Developing our future research leaders is a key responsibility for Universities. Through programmes like these, we can equip them with not only the specialist and technical expertise they need to advance knowledge in their field, but also the ability to translate that knowledge into impacts that will benefit society and help to address the challenges that we all face.”

Professor William Bloss, Pro-Vice Chancellor and Head of the College of Life & Environmental Sciences, said: “Both of these new awards to the University of Birmingham bring together researchers across multiple subject areas, and in collaboration with external partners ranging from research institutes to industry, leveraging the University’s breadth. They will produce impactful research that matters, and train excellent researchers across natural, life, environmental and health sciences.”

Announcing the funding, Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said: “Backing the next generation of great scientific minds to fulfil their potential is crucial to unlocking the discoveries which improve our lives and which keep our economy growing over the long term through highly skilled jobs.

“This £500m investment will back our vitally important higher education sector while supporting more bright students to pursue their talents and in turn deliver the life-saving drugs and clean energy alternatives of the future, that benefit all of our lives.”

The CENTA3 programme will be led by Birmingham and delivered by a consortium of eight partners, including five universities: Cranfield, Leicester, Loughborough, Open University, Warwick, and three research centres BGS (British Geological Survey), NCEO (National Centre for Earth Observation), and UKCEH (UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology). It will offer 130 PhD studentships over five years and work with 17 external partner research organisations spanning industry, government and the charitable sector. Dr Sarah Greene of the University of Birmingham is the Director of the CENTA3 programme.

The MIBTP programme is led by Warwick University and includes Aston, Birmingham, Coventry, and Harper Adams, and Leicester Universities, as well as the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source. It will offer a total of 276 studentships over five years. The University of Birmingham Director for MIBTP is Dr Tim Knowles.