BBSRC news feed

International research joins forces to meet needs of countries facing global issues

Thu, 20 Jul 2017 23:00:00 GMT

Leading experts from the UK and in developing countries across the world are joining forces to tackle some of the most serious global challenges in a new multidisciplinary research programme launched today. In one of the most ambitious international research programmes ever created, £225 million has been invested across 37 interdisciplinary projects to address challenges in fields such as health, humanitarian crises, conflict, the environment, the economy, domestic violence, society, and technology.

Growing better trees faster

Tue, 18 Jul 2017 23:00:00 GMT

A new University of Oxford collaboration called ‘Sitka Spruced’ could significantly increase the economic productivity of one of the UK’s largest crop yields, the Sitka spruce conifer tree. Using advanced genomic testing, scientists from the University of Oxford will work in partnership with The University of Edinburgh and Forest Research (an agency of the Forestry Commission) to identify rare individuals which combine fast growth-rate with good timber quality to improve the economics of Sitka spruce plantations in the UK.

UK Research and Innovation launches interim website

Tue, 18 Jul 2017 23:00:00 GMT

An interim website has been launched today by UK Research and Innovation. The site will be a source of news and information about the development of UK Research and Innovation ahead of its formal creation in April 2018.

BBSRC annual report and accounts published

Mon, 17 Jul 2017 23:00:00 GMT

The BBSRC Annual Report and Accounts for 2016-2017 have been officially published following their laying before Parliament on 13 July 2017. Copies of the Annual Report and Accounts (from 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2017) are now available to download from the BBSRC website.

Cannibal cells may limit cancer growth

Wed, 12 Jul 2017 23:00:00 GMT

Cell cannibalism in tumour samples has been observed for over a century, yet this unusual behaviour is not well studied. New research led by scientists at the Babraham Institute, Cambridge reveals a new mechanism driving cell cannibalism that offers surprising insights into cancer biology.

Addressing global challenges receives boost with new projects in agriculture and food systems sustainability

Tue, 11 Jul 2017 23:00:00 GMT

To address key global development challenges in securing future food supplies, the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) is leading a collaboration with the Medical Research Council (MRC), Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), and Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) to invest over £16 million through the Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) Foundation Awards for Global Agriculture and Food Systems Research. “This investment will address a number of different threats to the sustainable production of safe and nutritious food, ranging from tackling pests and disease, examining human behaviours, and improving food safety and nutrition, through to the sustainability of agricultural soils and the wider cultural and social context of food and farming,” said Dr Amanda Collis, BBSRC Executive Director of Science.

New flexible training opportunities for agri-food professionals from the AgriFood Training Partnership

Thu, 06 Jul 2017 23:00:00 GMT

Today marks the launch of the new AgriFood Training Partnership (AFTP) which builds on the heritage of the three previous Advanced Training Partnerships (ATPs) in agri-food, food and pasture. These three partnerships were all funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) with the primary aim of translating cutting edge research into applied industry expertise with the agri-food sector.

Professor Sir Mark Walport outlines the vision for UK Research and Innovation

Mon, 03 Jul 2017 23:00:00 GMT

Professor Sir Mark Walport, Chief Executive Designate of UK Research and Innovation, has given a speech outlining the vision, objectives and next steps in development for the organisation. UK Research and Innovation will be formed in April 2018, bringing together the research councils, Innovate UK and a new body, Research England.

New study links antibiotic resistance to common household disinfectant triclosan

Sun, 02 Jul 2017 23:00:00 GMT

Scientists from the University of Birmingham and Norwich Research Park have discovered a link between a major mechanism of antibiotic resistance and resistance to the disinfectant triclosan which is commonly found in domestic products. Researchers made the unexpected finding that bacteria that mutated to become resistant to quinolone antibiotics also became more resistant to triclosan.

Call for Bioscience Skills and Careers Postdoctoral Researcher Subgroup members

Sun, 02 Jul 2017 23:00:00 GMT

The Bioscience Skills and Careers Strategy Advisory Panel (BSC) has received input from a postdoctoral researcher (postdoc) subgroup since March 2013. Membership of the subgroup is currently being refreshed to ensure it continues to have the necessary skills and expertise to provide input into topics highlighted by the subgroup’s recently updated terms of reference.