Biotechnology

The University of Manchester is leading a bio-industrial revolution.

Fossil fuels have been our primary energy source since the Industrial Revolution, but our dependency on them can't continue. The combined effect of fossil carbon depletion and climate change means 21st century industry must find cleaner, more sustainable forms of energy.

We need solutions that will help us respond to society’s grand challenges: an ever-increasing and ageing population, affordable health care, resource efficiency, food security, climate change and energy shortages. We’re a research powerhouse and we’re working with industry partners to tackle these global challenges head-on.

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General Academic Industry Policy

A bio-industrial revolution

We’re at the forefront of a European industrial renaissance, creating next-generation chemicals for industrial and health care needs. Just as Manchester was at the heart of the first Industrial Revolution, The University of Manchester is now leading the way, both nationally and across Europe.

Using biological resources such as plants, algae, fungi, marine life and micro-organisms, biotechnology, combined with the emerging science of synthetic biology, is changing how we manufacture chemicals and materials, and provides a source of renewable energy.

We’re channelling the full breadth of our expertise in chemicals, materials and energy to find the answers. In the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology (MIB), the University has one of Europe’s leading industry-interfaced institutes, with world-leading capabilities in chemicals synthesis and manufacture.

Since its inception in 2006 the MIB’s pipeline of discovery through innovation has supported over 51 patents, 8 spin-out companies and more than 230 new invention disclosures and 12 licenses.

Solutions for 21st century industry

As the 21st century progresses and we move towards more bio-based economies, we need solutions for the manufacture of chemicals that are smarter, more predictable and more sustainable.

At The University of Manchester we’re advancing this agenda.

We have the capacity to deliver renewable and sustainable materials, biopharmaceuticals, chemicals and energy that will transform the UK and European industrial landscape.

A collaborative approach

We know the value of working together with others. We break down barriers and get involved; we collaborate across disciplines, cultures and countries to solve global problems; and we transform people’s lives by making positive change across the world.

Supported by a grant portfolio of more than £100 million, we partner with some of the world’s leading companies from across the chemistry, biotechnology and biopharmaceutical sectors – including GlaxoSmithKline, Shell, Unilever and Pfizer – to drive the creation of new, bio-based chemicals.

Through these partnerships we translate scientific discovery into commercial reality.

Access our specialist facilities

Our work takes place in a 13,100m² state-of-the-art research support space, which features open-plan, multifunctional research laboratories and extensive specialist facilities over five floors.

Collaborate with us and you can access our bespoke experimental equipment and powerful research infrastructure, all supported by technical experts. These facilities are open to external users from industry and our staff can provide expert advice, guidance and experimental assistance.

We have facilities dedicated to protein structure, protein expression, biophysics, computational chemistry, mass spectrometry, transcriptomics, secondary ion mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. 

Biotechnology: research breakthroughs