BioYorkshire demonstrates engineering biology excellence to government

Lunch roundtable discussion - photo credit: University of York | Alex Holland

BioYorkshire recently welcomed Dr Izzy Webb, Deputy Director for Technology Strategy and Security and Dr Dana Galili, Policy Advisor from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) to review the region's UK-leading expertise in engineering biology and to strengthen the case for future government investment in our regional infrastructure to accelerate growth in the national bioeconomy. The ambition of BioYorkshire is for York and North Yorkshire to become the heart of the UK bioeconomy, lead the start-up and scale-up of innovation in the sector and a magnet for global investment to that end.

The visit began at Fera Science, where the DSIT team described how Engineering Biology had been identified as one of five key growth pillars of the UK’s Industrial Strategy for growth in ‘tech’ industries and how investment into national centres of excellence covering the full span of Engineering Biology will accelerate UK growth in international markets. Strategic national investment was most critically needed for scale-up and workforce development.

The DSIT team then toured Fera's research and test facilities where its application of engineering biology plays a crucial role in defending the UK’s biosecurity, food safety and environmental stewardship: knowledge and capability which it very successfully commercialises in the provision of expert science services to industry to support UK GDP as one of our regions fastest growing ‘tech’ businesses. BioYorkshire's project team provided an introduction, stressing the partnership's integrated approach across research, technology and skills development.

The focus then shifted to the University of York campus for a roundtable discussion with David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, and Rachael Maskell, MP for York Central. Co-chaired by Professor Sarah Thompson and Steve Bagshaw CBE (Chair of the Bioeconomy Cluster Management Group) and supported by regional leaders from industry and farming, the session addressed industrial impact and talent needs for the bioeconomy.

The discussion provided DSIT with direct input from a diverse group of key stakeholders, with the voice of industry strongly represented by experts such as Dr Damian Kelly, Vice President of Innovation & Technology at Croda; Tom Taylor, Technical Specialist at Yorkshire Water; Dr Mark Corbett, Director of the Biorenewables Development Centre; Christine Parry, Head of Development and Innovation at AB Agri, and James Mills and Richard Bramely both from the farming

Tour of biology research at University of York

sector with leadership roles at the National Farmers Union. The group debated key issues around the opportunities and challenges presented by engineering biology, the need for deep collaboration across the region, the skills pipeline and the criticality of strategic funding of key infrastructure required to deliver growth for this expanding sector.

The afternoon was dedicated to a tour of cutting-edge research at the University of York's Department of Biology. The tour focused on key research themes critical to the bioeconomy, including biobased recycling and remediation, demonstrating how value can be recovered from waste and collaborative work with Yorkshire Water to improve anaerobic digestion; biological carbon capture, leveraging microalgae to improve photosynthetic performance; and the high value bio-based product development across sectors such as agriculture and cosmetics.

Professor Sarah Thompson, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research at the University of York, summed up the ambition of the day, saying: "This visit was an excellent opportunity to spotlight the leading engineering biology research and innovation within BioYorkshire, demonstrating how we are ready to lead the development of the UK's bioeconomy. Our world-class facilities and collaborative approach span the Technology Readiness Levels, moving research concepts to market solutions. This is essential to delivering high-quality jobs, attracting global investment, and positioning York and North Yorkshire as a national leader in sustainable innovation."