GenBio DTP

The DTP forms part of the long-term strategic alliance between the University of Oxford and EIT, which aims to develop innovative solutions and foster leaders to tackle some of the greatest challenges facing humanity.

Key topics and themes will focus on fundamentals of generative biology, reflecting the breadth and depth of the research experience of the supervisory pool consisting of EIT and University of Oxford investigators. It is anticipated that research proposals will focus on the key challenges in making biology engineerable and therefore have the potential to impact, directly or indirectly, on:

1) The ability to write in the natural language of biology, and

2) The ability to understand which DNA sequences will generate biological systems that perform the desired functions.

Course structure

Students will start work on their research project from the outset, developing their research skills through hands-on learning in the laboratory of their supervisor(s). Supervisors will guide students to take full advantage of relevant lecture courses and training modules within the University that will contribute to the academic development of their research.

To supplement the academic learning objectives of the programme, cohort-level training throughout the programme will develop the transferable skills that are essential for both effective research and the world beyond academia. Students will also have the opportunity to undertake training in leadership and innovation, provided by EIT, which can be taken at intervals most appropriate for their specific research priorities.

The DTP will host regular lunchtime seminar sessions, as well as an annual symposium, where students will present their research in a high-trust environment between peers. The DTP will also organise funded retreats where students and supervisors spend a consolidated block of time together as group, discussing science outside of the normal context and strengthening their working relationships.

How to apply

Applicants will be required to select preferred projects from two lists of projects below ('List A' and 'List B', with at least one project chosen from each category). Projects will be listed below as they are confirmed, and by no later than 1st December 2025.

Students are encouraged to make informal contact with supervisors of the projects that they are interested in working on, before submitting their application. Students are also welcome to include a research proposal as part of their application, though this is optional.

Students who are admitted to projects in List A will primarily be based in the Generative Biology Institute (GBI) at the Ellison Institute of Technology, Oxford Science Park. Students admitted to projects in List B will primarily be based in the laboratory of their University of Oxford supervisor.