Expanding training for future research leaders

Oxford University will be able to expand training for young scientists and engineers through several additional Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs). The CDTs, which are supported by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), are designed to give doctoral students the skills and expertise to take on research challenges relevant to science and economic growth and develop into the research leaders of the future. In November 2013 it was announced that Oxford would lead six EPSRC CDTs and play a leading role in two others. Today Universities and Science Minister David Willetts announced that Oxford will lead two more CDTs (bringing the total number of Oxford-led CDTs to eight) and will be a leading partner in two more. The two additional Oxford-led CDTs are: The CDT in Synthetic Biology will combine world-leading expertise in engineering and the physical and life sciences at the Universities of Oxford, Bristol and Warwick to create the next generation of industrial and academic leaders in this important new field. Synthetic Biology provides opportunities for revolutionary advances in fundamental science and industrial technology. The CDT's four-year programme of research and training has strong industrial links and will be highly multi-disciplinary, accepting students from a wide range of scientific backgrounds and focusing on the application of engineering principles to the design of biologically based parts, devices, and systems. CDT in Autonomous, Intelligent Machines and Systems