The NorthWest Doctoral Programme in Biosciences (NWD) unites the strengths of the Universities of Manchester and Liverpool, to train a diverse community of motivated, inquisitive bioscientists for tomorrow’s workforce.

Alongside the partnership between 91ֱ�� and Liverpool university, NWD is also in collaboration with industrial partners Boots No7, Unilever, Waters, and Bionow, who will all provide training and research opportunities.

NWD will centre on four scientific and cross-cutting themes that bring together the complementary strengths of UoM and UoL in areas critical to the UK scientific, societal and economic landscape: Discovery Bioscience, Agrifood & Sustainable Systems, Engineering Biology & Industrial Biotechnology, and Advanced Tools and Technology.

NWD will offer PhD students a strong sense of community and team-led research, face-to-face training - including mandatory training in digital/AI skills - networking events and individualised training plans.

The programme also recognises that many biosciences doctoral graduates pursue careers beyond research. To aid students looking at careers elsewhere, the NWD will be underpinned by innovative PhD-to-workforce programmes - PhD-PROSPER and BIOBRIDGE – which will empower PhD students to plan, develop, and pursue future careers across diverse sectors.

Rasmus Petersen, Professor in the School of Biological Sciences and academic lead for NWD said: "I am delighted that the BBSRC has made this award to our new Doctoral Training Programme: an innovative new partnership between the University of Manchester and University of Liverpool, in collaboration with industry and charity partners.

Professor Peter McCormick from the University of Liverpool said: "We are delighted to win this award in conjunction with our partners at the University of Manchester. Together we build on our tradition in the North West of England in training world class researchers in the biosciences arena. The proximity of our partnership allows the students to take advantage of both our facilities and will enhance the cohort community."

As NWD is committed to accelerating equality of access and opportunity, the University will work in partnership with social mobility charity to engage and create opportunities for those currently underrepresented in UK doctoral training. This will include a significant institutional investment into Widening Participation Masters bursaries.

Doctoral Landscape Awards are funded by UK Research and Innovation, who are investing more than £500 million across universities to support doctoral training.

Prospective postgraduate researchers can register their interest and receive updates about the programme .

The programme examines the various aspects of the commercialisation of research and is very much project-based; allowing you to develop commercialisation ideas based on your own area of research. You will evaluate first-hand the business opportunity, developing a commercial business case based on the idea; and then prepare a 5 minute pitch and a business proposal canvas.

The programme includes a series of lectures along with study group tutorial sessions. There are also follow on sessions and events to outline the opportunities available for you particularly if you wish to take the idea forward to the next stage.

Join the programme this autumn to; 

• develop commercial awareness;
• enhance communication skills;
• boost confidence and;
• strengthen your CV.

Delivery format: In person and online 

Semester 1 Cohort Start Date: 27 September 2023 (over 10 weeks, Wednesday 10am. – 12pm.)

Download the  now to secure your place.

Discover more about MEC Researcher Training .  

The Social Enterprise Discovery Bootcamp brought together students from across each Faculty at the University of Manchester, demonstrating MEC's unwavering commitment to driving positive social impact through entrepreneurship. This year's program witnessed a remarkable influx of talent and creativity, further solidifying the centre's position as a leader in promoting sustainable business practices and fostering a culture of responsible innovation.

Throughout the intensive 1.5-day programme, participants engaged in a series of hands-on workshops, mentoring sessions, and team-based activities, which challenged them to think beyond traditional business models. The bootcamp encouraged a broader perspective, encouraging participants to explore the intersection of profit and purpose, aiming to create businesses that can make a genuine difference in the world.

Key highlights of the Social Enterprise Discovery Bootcamp included:

·       Inspirational Speakers: attendees heard from , social business coach, and MEC Social Enterprise Ambassador , Social Entrepreneur and visiting lecturer at Alliance 91ֱ�� Business School. Further insights were provided by , who recently co-founded the ground-breaking new charitable funding platform .

·       Collaborative Learning: Participants collaborated in interdisciplinary teams, fostering a dynamic environment where diverse perspectives merged to generate new ideas and solutions.

·       Sustainable Business Models: The bootcamp emphasised the importance of incorporating sustainable practices, inspiring participants to create businesses that have a positive impact on both people and the planet.

·       Mentorship and Guidance: all attendees have benefitted from ongoing personalised guidance to nurture their entrepreneurial aspirations.

As participants immersed themselves in the challenges faced by real-life social enterprises, they were tasked with devising viable business plans to address pressing social and environmental issues. Anika Dubey, programme attendee and MSc International Development student, shared her feedback: “From business planning and the Social Business Model Canvas to perfecting pitches and writing compelling proposals, we honed our skills and received valuable feedback from peers. I'm grateful for the supportive environment fostered by the bootcamp.”

Meanwhile, fellow attendee Kexin Zhang, MA English Literature & American Studies student, reflects: “The bootcamp has ignited my passion for social entrepreneurship and equipped me with valuable tools and knowledge to create positive change.”

MEC’s Social Enterprise Discovery Bootcamp has proven to be a steppingstone for visionary entrepreneurs who aspire to redefine the landscape of business for a brighter and more sustainable future. The centre's dedication to fostering innovation and empowering individuals to create meaningful social impact remains unwavering.

"We are immensely proud of the remarkable talent and dedication demonstrated by all the participants in this year's Social Enterprise Discovery Bootcamp," said Lucy Hutchinson, Community Development Manager at MEC. "The ideas and solutions they've generated showcase the potential of entrepreneurship to drive positive change in our society. As a centre, we remain committed to supporting these aspiring changemakers as they continue on their journey to create businesses that make a lasting difference."

About the Masood Entrepreneurship Centre (MEC): MEC is a leading hub for fostering innovation and entrepreneurship at the intersection of profit and purpose. Dedicated to nurturing the next generation of socially conscious entrepreneurs, the centre welcomes all students, staff, and graduates from the University of Manchester.