Led by Cranfield University, the Environmental Biotechnology Innovation Centre (EBIC) brings together academics from ten universities across the UK—including Heriot-Watt University, the University of Edinburgh, and the University of Glasgow—to advance the abilities of microorganisms to monitor the environment and remove pollutants.

The centre is being established with £13 million in funding from the Technology Missions Fund of UKRI, the country’s funding agency for science and research, as well as support from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, which invests in bioscience research and training in the UK.

Tony Gutierrez, associate professor of environmental microbiology and biotechnology at Heriot-Watt University’s School of Engineering & Physical Sciences, explained: “Micro-organisms, or microbes, are microscopic organisms that are like tiny but effective ‘superheroes.’ Whilst they can only be seen through a microscope, they can be used, for example, to clean up almost any pollutant from the environment.”

Scientists involved in the five-year EBIC project will examine ways to develop microorganisms to target and mitigate negative impacts from polluting substances like plastic waste, hydrocarbons, metals and oil. The microorganisms can be used to not only clean up hazardous and toxic pollutants from the environment, but also to help regenerate or recycle waste.

Cutting-edge techniques from biotechnology, synthetic biology, and environmental engineering will be used to develop applications in the lab and then apply them in the field. Engineering biology is identified as one of the UK government’s five critical technologies in its Science and Technology Framework.

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Professor Leon A. Terry, pro-vice chancellor for research and innovation at Cranfield University, said: “This new research centre is set to bring together some of the UK’s leading experts in biotechnology to create a world-class hub of excellence. Working closely with industry and focused on real-world applications, the research will develop a creative and sustainable way to address some of our most pressing environmental challenges.”

Professor Steve McLaughlin, deputy principal of research and impact at Heriot-Watt University, also commented: “At Heriot-Watt University, we are committed to using our deep research and teaching expertise to help to tackle global challenges like pollution and climate change. This project shows how we can make a real impact through science and collaboration.”