Major investment in doctoral students to support next generation of researchers

Major investment in doctoral students to support next generation of researchers

18 November 2024

Two doctoral training programmes involving the University of Leicester are to receive fresh funding from UK Research and Innovation.

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 Leicester, 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.

Dr Tom Harvey from the University of Leicester, and incoming Deputy Director of CENTA, said: "It's exciting to think of the impact this award will have, not only in supporting cutting-edge projects, but also for leading the way in evidence-based EDI practices for the next generation of researchers."

Dr Tiffany Barry, formerly Deputy Director of CENTA, and Leicester lead on the CENTA3 bid, said: "The bid was designed to create lasting change within the landscape of post-doctoral training. We wanted to create opportunities for a much more diverse community of researchers to see themselves part of environmental research. CENTA's leading credentials for addressing inequalities and improving diversity and inclusivity in PGR recruitment, training and support through their studies, and post-award involvement as alumni, reflects much of the work that is happening more widely here at the University of Leicester."

Dr Jonathan McDearmid, University of Leicester lead for MIBTP, said: "MIBTP is delighted to be in receipt of this award. With the combined expertise of our partner institutions, this funding affords the exciting opportunity to equip students with the skills required to face grand challenges within the biosciences, thereby allowing us to train the next generation of leaders within the bioeconomy."

Professor Richard Thomas, Deputy Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research and Enterprise and Dean of the Doctoral College at the University of Leicester, said: "Doctoral Landscape Awards are a strategic priority that help us to achieve our ambition of nurturing the next generation to be world leaders in their field."

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.

The MIBTP programme is led by the University of Warwick 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.