Two doctoral training programmes led and supported by the University of Warwick are to receive fresh funding from UK Research and Innovation.

The Midlands Integrative Bioscience Training Partnership (MIBTP) is a highly regarded consortium led by the University of Warwick and includes the University of Birmingham, University of Leicester, Aston University, and Harper Adams University with the recent addition of Coventry University. This partnership leverages these institutions' collective expertise and resources to offer exceptional interdisciplinary PhD training to the next generation of bioscientists. It will offer a total of 270 studentships over five years.

“We are thrilled to welcome Coventry University to the MIBTP family, supported by the prestigious DLA funding,” said Vardis Ntoukakis, MIBTP Director and Professor at the University of Warwick. “This expansion not only strengthens the diversity and depth of our partnership but also aligns with our wider strategy and focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion. Through this collaboration, MIBTP is positioned to foster a new generation of bioscientists from varied backgrounds, equipped to address the world’s most pressing biological challenges with fresh perspectives and innovative approaches.”

The Central England NERC Training Alliance (CENTA3) 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.

“We at Warwick are delighted to continue our involvement in the CENTA3 partnership, which represents a significant advancement in environmental science training,” said Ryan Mushinski, CENTA Warwick Lead. "This renewed funding builds on our proven track record of delivering excellence in doctoral training while expanding our reach and impact across the Midlands.

“By bringing together diverse expertise from Universities, Research Centres, and industry partners, CENTA3 creates an exceptional environment where PhD researchers from all backgrounds can develop into the environmental leaders we need. Our focus on climate change, sustainability, and earth systems science provides students with the tools and perspectives necessary to tackle the urgent environmental challenges facing our society. Our approach ensures we're not just training scientists but developing innovative problem-solvers who can bridge the gap between research and real-world solutions.”

UKRI Chief Executive, Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser, said: “UKRI’s investments in Doctoral Training are pivotal for the UK’s research and innovation endeavour.

The awards provide funding for Universities across the UK to nurture a cadre of creative, talented people to develop their skills and knowledge, to build partnerships and networks, and to pursue the discoveries that will transform tomorrow, with diverse benefits for society and economic growth.”

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.

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.

Applications Now Open for MIBTP2025 and CENTA3

MIBTP2025

MIBTP invites talented students with biology, chemistry, and physical sciences backgrounds to apply for a place in the 2025 cohort. Successful applicants will receive a fully funded studentship, a competitive stipend, and access to resources that support research excellence and professional growth.

The deadline for applications is 23:59 GMT on 16 January 2025. To learn more about MIBTP and apply, visit: warwick.ac.uk/mibtp/phd/

CENTA3

You can apply directly to a project, or, if eligible, you can apply directly for one of the Science Opportunity Scholarships (or both). The routes have different eligibility criteria and application deadlines.

The deadline for applications is 23:59 GMT on Wednesday, 8th January 2025.  To learn more about CENTA and apply, visit: Studentship FAQs page.

ENDS

For further information contact:
Helen Annetts
Media & Communications Officer (Press Office)
Helen.Annetts@Warwick.ac.uk / 07779 026720

Notes to Editors

About UK Research and Innovation
UK Research and InnovationLink opens in a new window (UKRI) is the largest public funder of research and innovation in the UK, investing £8 billion annually spanning all disciplines and all sectors. We are nine councils, drawing on our unique breadth and depth of expertise to work with government and other stakeholders to enrich lives, by increasing our understanding of ourselves and the world around us, supporting innovative businesses and public services, and creating high-quality jobs throughout the UK.

University of Warwick
The University of Warwick is one of the UK’s leading universities, marking its 60th anniversary in 2025. With over twenty-eight thousand students from 147 countries, it's currently ranked 9th in the UK by The Guardian University Guide. It has an acknowledged reputation for excellence in research and teaching, for innovation, and for links with business and industry. The recent Research Excellence Framework classed 92% of its research as ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’. The University of Warwick was awarded Midlands University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times.