Looking for a PhD

Where can I study?

The first step is to identify a leading UK university with the potential to support a cell ag related programme, then to define what degrees are available that could focus on cellular agriculture. Our table of UK universities with associated academics working on cellular agriculture topics and our ecosystem of UK organisations map are both good places to start.

What can I study?

Unless you have a project in mind, many fully funded PhDs will have project proposals written by a supervisor, who you apply to directly. If you are looking to propose your own project, you must find a supervisor to support your project, as well as secure your own funding. Don't be afraid to propose a novel project to an academic who has yet to get involved!

Findaphd.com

Our tips on helping with your application

  • For a successful postgraduate application, any “hard” skills (cell culture, data science) and “soft” skills (independence, critical thinking, oral/written communication) you can demonstrate through activities or practical work will benefit your application, however a postgraduate program is also there to train you in these skills.

  • Take part in online courses on cellular agriculture such as this MOOC run by GFI: The Science Behind Alternative Proteins, which covers cell ag.

    Get involved with student societies - and if there isn't one at the university you are at, consider setting one up.

  • YOU have a unique background and experience, understand how to use that to your advantage.

    Masters are a great way to train in core skills or test out if a PhD is for you, with less commitment. Some PhD/DTP programmes will require a Masters.

  • For exploring novel project ideas, take a look at GFI’s Advancing Solutions initiative, which highlights the main sustainable protein knowledge gaps.

Further Resources

Check out GFI’s alternative protein researcher directory for potential collaborators or supervisors, or have a look at the previous project examples below for supervisors

To find funding opportunities, check out GFI’s research funding database for grants from across the sector.

Identify commercial partners through GFI’s alternative protein company database or look out for companies looking to break into the alternative protein industry that would be willing to fund your project.

  • ● Cultivated meat: safety and quality characterisation during production scale up - University of Newcastle/UCL

    ● The Impact of Cellular Agriculture on Land Use and the Environment in the UK and Africa - University of Newcastle, company WildBio

    ● Bioprocess development for manufacturing fish cells for cultivated fish - UCL

    ● Process design of cell culture media ingredients for scalability of cultivated meat industry - University of Birmingham

    ● Process manufacturing techniques for scaffolding of cultured meat - University of Sheffield

    ● Improving artificial meat production using genome-wide CRISPR screens - University of Edinburgh

    ● Utilising food waste as a feedstock for cultivated meat - University of Bath

    ● Socio-ecological research to understand the potential impacts of alternative protein sources in the UK and Europe - University of Leeds and GFI