125th Anniversary Scholarship in Biomedical Sciences

About the project

This exciting PhD project, working at the interface of microbiome research and biomaterials engineering, offers the opportunity to pioneer the development of Next Generation Prebiotics— agents which are designed to selectively enhance the growth of specific beneficial bacteria within the intestinal microbiome. By identifying novel natural materials that promote the targeted growth of key bacterial species, this project aims to revolutionise our ability to restore microbial balance in diseases where critical bacteria become lost. This breakthrough approach has the potential to transform therapeutic strategies for the prevention and treatment of microbiome-related diseases, unlocking a new era of precision and personalised microbiome medicine.

Project Background

A stable and diverse gut microbiota is essential for good health, yet imbalances (dysbiosis) are implicated in diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), diabetes, and intestinal cancer. Restoring a healthy microbiota is a growing focus in many therapeutic interventions in these diseases and whilst significant progress has been made in probiotics and faecal microbial transplantation, innovation with prebiotics has lagged. Prebiotics currently lack the precision to target specific bacteria, limiting their clinical effectiveness in restoring depleted bacterial communities in disease. This project aims to advance our understanding and research on the application of Next Generation Prebiotics to improve the growth of bacteria in the intestinal microbiome.

We have recently developed novel Microcomposites (small gel-like beads) as a new type of prebiotic. We have termed these new prebiotics "Scaffolding Prebiotics" as they have been designed with two essential components: (1) a gastrointestinal-resistant material that ensures the gel-bead microcomposite reaches the colon intact, creating additional space (a scaffold) for bacterial growth, and (2) a prebiotic nutrient that selectively promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria. These prebiotics uniquely provide both space and nutrients in a single prebiotic intervention, marking an entirely novel and multi-functional way of developing prebiotics. Now that we have established this technology, we need to validate its use and expand its potential application by targeting a broader range of intestinal bacteria (including those depleted in diseases such as IBD) and demonstrate efficacy in disease-relevant microbiome models.

Key objectives within the PhD project include:

1. Expanding Prebiotic Scope: We will broaden our current library of potential prebiotic substrates with the goal of identifying novel prebiotic materials that selectively support a wider range of health-promoting bacteria, including those depleted in IBD.
2. Chemical Incorporation: Using chemical engineering techniques, we will integrate these prebiotic materials into the microcomposites (gel-like beads). We aim to surface-modify these microcomposites with the identified substrates using advanced modification methods.
3. Assessing Efficacy: Newly developed Microcomposite Prebiotics will be tested in sophisticated bioreactor gut models that mimic dysbiosis in disease (such as IBD) to examine if depleted strains grow to restore a healthy microbiome.

Scientific and Healthcare Impacts

Advancements in Next Generation Prebiotics in this project will drive clinical translation, enabling the development of targeted, orally delivered treatments to restore gut microbiome composition in diseases (such as IBD). While IBD serves as a model of dysbiosis in this PhD project, successful demonstration of newly developed prebiotics’ ability to target specific bacteria could have wider applications in other chronic diseases that are also linked to dysbiosis. These new Next Generation Prebiotics have the potential to revolutionise IBD treatment by providing a safer, more accessible and personalised alternative to current therapies. They could be used for disease prevention, treatment, and maintenance, supporting healthy gut communities throughout IBD care. They offer an alternative route in the management of IBD, circumventing conventional treatments which have significant side effects and complications. This innovative approach promises to be a transformative medical intervention, with a primary focus on IBD in this proposal, while also offering broader applications for personalised microbiome modulation. Data arising from this PhD proposal will further advance microbiome research by enhancing prebiotic screening models, delivering valuable tools and insights for researchers across these research disciplines.

Your supervisory team

This project exemplifies the University's commitment to impactful, interdisciplinary research by leveraging expertise from across the University. It involves collaboration with the Healthcare Technologies Institute (renowned for biomaterials research in healthcare), the Centre for Formulation Engineering (leaders in pharmaceutics and biotechnology formulation), and Microbiology and Infection (experts in gut and microbiome research).

This PhD project will be led by Dr Richard Horniblow, Associate Professor in Gastrointestinal Biomedical Science. Dr Horniblow’s research in bioactive biomaterials for gastrointestinal health and microbiome modulation has resulted in patented next-generation prebiotics. Dr Horniblow’s lab offers advanced experimental capabilities, including microbiome modelling using bioreactors, microcomposite creation and characterisation, and anaerobic microbiology. Co-supervisor Dr Lucy Crouch brings vital expertise in glycobiology, host-microbe interactions, and the nutrient utilisation pathways of intestinal bacteria. Dr Crouch’s research focuses on understanding how bacteria metabolise complex substrates, including prebiotics, providing critical insights for this project. Prof Zhibing Zhang is the final co-supervisor in this project. Professor of Chemical Engineering, Zhibing Zhang is a world-leading expert in micromanipulation, microencapsulation, and chemical product formulation engineering. He leads the Micromanipulation and Microencapsulation Laboratory within the School of Chemical Engineering, which is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for physicochemical characterisation and surface modification of microcomposites, which will be used extensively in this project.

Research training and support

This project offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to a rapidly evolving and impactful area of science. Leveraging the expertise, recent advancements, and established networks of the supervisory team, this PhD project is designed to ensure the student makes a significant contribution to the field. Comprehensive training and support will be provided across all aspects of research, from experimental design and data analysis to the dissemination of findings. The successful candidate will have opportunities to present their work at national and international conferences, gaining exposure to leading researchers and cutting-edge ideas. Impactful results will be shared through peer-reviewed, open-access publications, ensuring wide recognition of the research.

This interdisciplinary project spans biochemical engineering, formulation development, microbiology, microbiome research, and translational science. It will equip the student with a diverse skill set, including quantitative, interdisciplinary, and translational research expertise, all underpinned by guidance from an experienced and dedicated supervisory team. The supervisory team fosters an inclusive, supportive, and collaborative environment, with a proven track record of mentoring PhD students and advancing their professional development. Students will join vibrant and diverse research groups supported by postdoctoral researchers, technicians, and peers at various career stages. Weekly group meetings and regular one-to-one mentoring sessions ensure a robust support network, with senior researchers offering additional training and guidance. All teams prioritise responsible research practices, data integrity, and ethical conduct, while championing flexible working arrangements to promote well-being. The lab environment is dynamic, inspiring, and enriched with opportunities for learning, collaboration, and growth, creating an ideal space for the student to excel.

References

• Ta LP, Corrigan S, Tselepis C, Iqbal TH, Ludwig C, Horniblow RD. Gastrointestinal-inert prebiotic micro-composites improve the growth and community diversity of mucosal-associated bacteria. Journal of Controlled Release. 2024 Nov. Link.
• Bakshani CR, Crouch LI. Human milk oligosaccharides and Bifidobacterium species. Trends in Microbiology. 2024 Feb 1. Link.
• Baiocco D, Preece JA, Zhang Z. Microcapsules with a fungal chitosan-gum Arabic-maltodextrin shell to encapsulate health-beneficial peppermint oil. Food Hydrocolloids for Health. 2021 Jan 1;1:100016. Link.

Entry Requirements

Applicants will be expected to have a 2:1 or above in a relevant Honours degree, or an alternative qualification, or experience of equal quality, in the fields of Microbiology, Biomedical Science or Biomaterials Science. In certain cases, a Masters degree or equivalent may be expected in a relevant subject. The ideal applicant will have laboratory experience within either Microbiology or Biomaterials science/chemical engineering (or both) – but full training will be provided where students only have experience in one subject field. The applicant will have a keen interest in translational science and the development of therapies with applications in healthcare.  

Who can apply?

These scholarships are designed to create opportunities and address the underrepresentation of talented Black or Black mixed heritage students in academia. Applicants who meet all of the following criteria are eligible to apply:

1. Students classified as 'Home' for tuition fee payments
2. Members of one of the following ethnic groups:
   • Black African
   • Black Caribbean
   • Black Other
   • Mixed – White and Black Caribbean
   • Mixed – White and Black African
   • Other mixed background (to include Black African, Black Caribbean or Black Other)
3. Not already enrolled on a PhD programme at the University of Birmingham

What does the scholarship provide?

1. Financial Support: Recipients of these scholarships will receive substantial financial support, including a stipend at UKRI rates, which is set at £20,780 per year for the 2025/26 academic year, and will be paid to you in regular instalments. Successful awardees will also have their tuition fees covered at a minimum of £5,006 per year. This support is designed to alleviate the financial burden often associated with pursuing a doctoral degree, such as covering tuition fees, living expenses, and research-related costs.
2. Mentorship and Guidance: Scholarship recipients will benefit from mentorship opportunities and guidance from accomplished faculty members who are dedicated to helping them succeed in their academic and research endeavours.
3. Research Opportunities: We are committed to providing an exceptional research environment. Students will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge resources, and a vibrant scholarly community.
4. Community Building: A key component of the scholarship programme is the creation of a supportive community of Black British researchers pursuing PhDs. This network will foster collaboration and peer support among scholars.
5. Research Training Support Grant: In addition to financial support, scholarship recipients will receive a research training support grant at £2,250 across the duration of the PhD. This grant is intended to support conference attendance, fieldwork, and other essential activities that enhance their research and academic growth.
6. Commitment to Inclusivity: We are dedicated to building an inclusive academic environment that values diversity and ensures equitable access to education.

Contact the supervisor

Once applicants have familiarised themselves with the above project details, they are encouraged to contact the lead PhD supervisor to discuss the project and the applicant's suitability for the project. This is recommended before you submit an application to the PhD project.

This PhD project will be led by Dr Richard Horniblow, Associate Professor in Gastrointestinal Biomedical Science. Dr Horniblow’s research in bioactive biomaterials for gastrointestinal health and microbiome modulation has resulted in patented next-generation prebiotics. Dr Horniblow’s lab offers advanced experimental capabilities, including microbiome modelling using bioreactors, microcomposite creation and characterisation, and anaerobic microbiology. Co-supervisor Dr Lucy Crouch brings vital expertise in glycobiology, host-microbe interactions, and the nutrient utilisation pathways of intestinal bacteria. Dr Crouch’s research focuses on understanding how bacteria metabolise complex substrates, including prebiotics, providing critical insights for this project. Prof Zhibing Zhang is the final co-supervisor in this project. Professor of Chemical Engineering, Zhibing Zhang is a world-leading expert in micromanipulation, microencapsulation, and chemical product formulation engineering. He leads the Micromanipulation and Microencapsulation Laboratory within the School of Chemical Engineering, which is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for physicochemical characterisation and surface modification of microcomposites, which will be used extensively in this project.

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