New university-led scheme aims to boost research into wastewater treatment

Led by the University of York and Newcastle University, Bio-Boost will deliver 21 doctoral graduates, with those behind the scheme hoping the new researchers will drive innovation across the public, private, and third sectors.

The scheme comes in partnership with UK Water Industry Research (UKWIR), the Environment Agency, Oxford Nanopore Technologies, and Waters Corporation.

Professor Jason Snape, Bio-Boost lead at the University of York, inset, said: "By training scientists who can bridge biology, engineering, and digital technologies, we are future-proofing the UK water industry and delivering solutions with national and global impact.”

Wastewater treatment is thought to be the largest global application of biotechnology, directly contributing to 11 of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

Despite its critical role in public health, energy security, and environmental protection, however, those behind the new scheme said wastewater treatment has not fully harnessed recent advances in biology, bioengineering, and digital innovation.

Climate change, antimicrobial resistance, and increasing societal and industrial water demands also pose urgent challenges to the technology.

Professor Tom Curtis, Bio-Boost Co-Lead, Newcastle University, added: “Wastewater treatment is no longer just about keeping our rivers clean, it’s about safeguarding public health, building climate resilience, and unlocking new sources of renewable energy. Bio-Boost will ensure the UK leads the way in turning these challenges into opportunities”

As well as furthering understanding around wastewater treatment, the new scheme will aim to help combat the ongoing sector skills gap.

The UK water industry currently employs over 127,000 people and contributes £15bn annually to the economy.

It is also set to deliver around £80bn in infrastructure investment between 2025 and 2030.

Mike Rose, CEO of UK Research and Innovation, which has invested in the scheme, said: “By providing advanced skills and training in areas such as health, climate, environmental protection, energy security and the circular bioeconomy, the Bio-BOOST program will help develop future experts who can work in partnership with the UK water industry.

“That alignment between academic training and industry priorities is essential in supporting long-term planning and sustainable services for customers and the environment.”

UK Research and Innovation has invested in Bio-Boost as part of two flagship doctoral training initiatives funded by BBSRC that are designed to strengthen the UK’s talent pipeline in bioscience, biotechnology, data science and engineering biology.

The Bio-Boost programme is set to deliver doctoral training across three research cohorts.

The first will look into health security and pandemic preparedness, with the aim of developing innovative approaches and biosensors to monitor human pathogens, as well as removal strategies to enhance public health. The second research cohort will look at climate resilience and environmental protection, aiming to harness microbiological and bioengineering innovations to protect aquatic environments.

The third will look into energy security and the circular economy, creating renewable bioresources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and developing solutions for sustainable industrial growth.

The team behind Bio-Boost said further benefits will include improved public health, biodiversity protection, and community engagement through education and awareness.

Professor Claire Hughes, University of York’s head of environment and geography,said: "Bio-Boost represents a step-change in how we think about wastewater treatment – not just as a utility, but as a platform for innovation, resilience, and sustainable growth.”

The first cohort is now open for recruitment.