News

The EngBio IRC are looking for a student or postdoc with an innovative mindset to lead a new project exploring synthetic and engineering biology opportunities within the Cambridge biotechnology cluster.Are you interested in learning more about the UK’s biotechnology sector, understanding how you can apply your research though commercialisation or m…

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have investigated the photonic properties of hydrogels embedded with microalgae and the resulting improved efficiency of algal growth within. They hope to scale up algal productivity for commercial applications and novel material synthesis.Cambridge scientists have found that cell clusters in algal hydroge…

Applications are now open for the EngBio IRC's Strategic Events Call. We are looking for workshops and discussions exploring engineering biology applications, tools, intersections with other emerging technologies and collaborative grant applications. Applications are welcome from IRC faculty members.The University of Cambridge Engineering Biology I…

The PostDoc Academy spoke to Dr Indra Roux and Dr Irina Gostimskaya, two postdocs on the EngBio IRC committee. In this interview the two postdocs discuss the EngBio ECR group, its benefits, and advice for new postdocs.The group aims to bring together the engineering biology ecosystem of the University of Cambridge, offering a knowledge exchange bet…

Can we apply engineering biology principles to develop kinder, more effective treatments for cancer? From innovative CAR-T therapies, to new tools for drug discovery and potential new treatments. Learn more about the University of Cambridge researchers exploring precision medicines for cancer.Engineering biology has transformative potential in heal…

Prof. Laura Machesky researches how cancer cells interact with their environment. This is an essential part of understanding and combating cancer metastasis. Find out how engineering biology and interdisciplinary work have contributed to her research.In 2022, Professor Laura Machesky moved her lab from Glasgow to the University of Cambridge. She qu…

The House of Lords Science and Technology Committee is launching an inquiry to explore the scope, applications, current landscape and ethical implications of engineering biology. The committee is inviting written contributions until Tuesday 7 May 2024.On Tuesday 2nd April the House of Lords launched an enquiry into engineering biology. This enquiry…

Congratulations to Dr Lalitha Sundaram (CSER), who has been appointed to the UK’s Biological Security Leadership Council and has received a UKRI Policy Fellowship to explore the changing landscape of life sciences.With a background in biological research, Dr Sundaram’s work explores biological risk in the context of responsible research and innovat…

Cambridge researchers led four successful bids for UKRI's new Engineering Biology Mission Awards, as well as collaborating on a Mission Hub Award. Their work will address challenges in the areas of clean growth, biomedicine and food systems.In 2023, the Department for Science Innovation and Technology announced Engineering Biology as one of the fiv…

The University of Cambridge iGEM Team obtained a Gold medal in the 2023 International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM). The team engineered a bacterial biofilm that can resist invasion from pathogenic bacteria in the hope of combating antimicrobial resistance.The University of Cambridge iGEM Team obtained a Gold medal in the 2023 International…

The EngBio IRC is pleased to present the winning projects selected for the Open Tech Collaborations Seed Fund. Learn more about the four interdisciplinary projects that will be taking place over the next few months and the Cambridge researchers spearheading them.In August 2023, the EngBio IRC released the Open Tech Collaborations Seed Fund as part …

Image credit: Department for Science, Innovation & TechnologyThe UK Government has published a new “National Vision for Engineering Biology'' highlighting strengths, challenges and opportunities in UK Engineering Biology research.1 The report outlines how the government plans to support the growth of the bioeconomy up to 2030, including pledging £2…

Cambridge and Norwich researchers from the OpenPlant Synthetic Biology Research Centre have contributed to a recent Royal Society policy briefing urging the government to adopt an evidence-led approach to the regulation of genetically modified crops, which would allow researchers to tackle challenges posed by the climate crisis and global food secu…

The new and improved No-Code Prgramming for Biology Beginner's Guide is now available for free download on the Biomaker website.Continuing from the sucess of last year's No-Code Programming for Biology Workshops the SynBioIRC and OpenPlant are pleased to release the complete Beginner's Guide to No-Code Programming for Biology.The guide has been put…

Recordings from our November No-Code Programming for Biology workshops are now available online. Follow along to get started with your own custom devices.For more information about on-going and future No-Code Programming for Biology events, please see the Biomaker website.On November 13th and 20th, OpenPlant and the SynBio IRC hosted two workshops …