PhD Studentship: Biotech Innovations to Optimise Algae for Human Nutrition

Join a world-leading, cross-continental research team

The University of Exeter and the University of Queensland are seeking exceptional students to join a world-leading, cross-continental research team tackling major challenges facing the world’s population in global sustainability and wellbeing as part of the QUEX Institute. The joint PhD programme provides a fantastic opportunity for the most talented doctoral students to work closely with world-class research groups and benefit from the combined expertise and facilities offered at the two institutions, with a lead supervisor within each university. This prestigious programme provides full tuition fees, stipend, travel funds and research training support grants to the successful applicants. The studentship provides funding for up to 42 months (3.5 years).

Project Description

The challenge of how to sustainably feed a global population anticipated to move close to 10billion in coming decades centres around whether sufficient protein and micronutrient dense food can be produced whilst staying within planetary boundaries (e.g. greenhouse gas emissions). Aside from plant-based foods, various other alternatives to meat and dairy production have been suggested, but each has significant barriers limiting widespread commercialisation and, thus, meaningful environmental impact (van der Heijden et al. 2023a; Williamson et al. 2024a). We have recently reported proof-of-concept data to show algae can be consumed by humans in large enough boluses to provide meal-like amounts of protein and various micronutrients (van der Heijden et al. 2023b; van der Heijden et al. 2024; Williamson et al. 2024b). Further, we showed that this protein can be metabolised and utilised to synthesise skeletal muscle proteins; however, depending on species it showed low bioavailability and palatability.

Funding

The QUEX Institute studentships are available for January 2025 entry.

This prestigious programme provides full tuition fees, stipend of £20780 p.a, travel funds of up to £15,000, and RTSG of £10,715 over the life of the studentship. 

The studentship funding is provided for up to 42 months (3.5 years)

Advert information