The groups in this research theme are developing the foundational tools for synthetic biology and using these to generate innovative biological applications for cutting-edge research, healthcare and industry. The scientific research goals are to establish an engineering framework for the design and optimisation of new synthetic biology parts, devices and systems, and in tandem apply synthetic biology to develop a wide range of novel biotechnologies. Along with our research and development of synthetic biology, we also integrate our science with emerging ethical, legal and societal issues to responsibly mature this powerful new technology.

For more information on our MRes in Systems and Synthetic Biology course, please click .

 The Department also hosts the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in BioDesign Engineering, which aims to train the next generation of leaders at the interface of biology, engineering, physical and data sciences. The CDT has an integrative training programme that covers experimentation, automation, coding, data science and entrepreneurship applied to the design, realisation and optimisation of novel biological systems for diverse applications.

 The CDT is led by 51³Ô¹ÏÍø with the University of Manchester and University College London as partners. All students undertake the MRes in Systems and Synthetic Biology at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø College in their first year, with an extended project at the lead-supervisor institution, followed by a 3 year PhD registration in that host institution. 

For more information on the CDT in BioDesign Engineering, please click here.

Institutes, centres and initiatives

This Research Theme is associated to the following institutes, centres and initiatives:

Academic staff in this area

Professor Geoff Baldwin

Professor Martin Buck FRS

Professor Austin Burt

Dr Tanai Cardona Londono

Professor Mark Isalan

Dr Jose Jimenez Zarco

Professor Patrik R Jones

Dr Theodoros Karamanos

Dr Angela Meccariello

Dr James W Murray

Professor Peter J Nixon

Dr Nikolai Windbichler

Postgraduate research

Interested in studying a PhD at the Department of Life Sciences? Find out more about postgraduate research opportunties.

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