Yorkshire Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership Launches

December 4, 2025 Off By

New collaboration supports doctoral research across Yorkshire and Teesside

A new doctoral training partnership has been established across Yorkshire and Teesside to support biosciences research and development. The Yorkshire Bioscience Doctoral Training Partnership (YBDTP) has welcomed its first cohort of PhD students, bringing together nine universities to deliver doctoral training aimed at strengthening the UK bioeconomy.

Participating Universities

University of Leeds
University of Sheffield
University of York
Leeds Beckett University
Sheffield Hallam University
Teesside University
University of Bradford
University of Huddersfield
University of Hull

Research and Training Focus

The partnership builds on the previous White Rose Doctoral Training Partnership in Mechanistic Biology and has received funding from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) alongside contributions from the partner institutions. It offers research projects in bioscience and biotechnology, incorporating interdisciplinary training and professional placements designed to equip students with relevant skills for careers in the bioeconomy.

Induction and Student Experience

The first group of PhD students attended a multi-day induction event held at the Youth Hostel Association National Forest in Derbyshire. The induction included training sessions covering:

The nature and expectations of PhD research
Experimental design and data generation for publication
Project and time management skills

Additionally, a resilience training session was delivered by Professor Jo Clarke from Petros, a not-for-profit organisation focusing on resilience and wellbeing. Students also participated in creative workshops and team-building activities to develop the partnership’s identity and foster networking among researchers.

One of the students, El Cholmondeley, described the induction as fostering a strong sense of community and providing valuable insights into the wider context of their research.

Leadership and Future Plans

Dr Eric Hewitt, Interim Director of the YBDTP and Associate Professor at the University of Leeds, highlighted the partnership’s emphasis on student involvement in shaping its direction. He noted that the collaboration offers opportunities for doctoral researchers to build networks across multiple universities and with industry partners.

Plans are underway to welcome a new cohort of students in 2026, with applications currently open.