Engineering biology projects at UCL boosted by UKRI funding

UCL Academics UCL scientists will be leveraging engineering biology to tackle global challenges such as preventing plastic pollution and improving metal recovery and recycling, in new collaborative project on (UKRI). The Engineering Biology Mission Hubs and Awards, announced by the UKRI as a £100m investment, aim to harness cutting-edge engineering biology research from across the UK to address global challenges from health to the environment. The six hubs, two of which feature UCL academics, will receive up to £12 million each from the UKRI Technology Missions Fund and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). Mission Hub: Preventing plastic pollution with engineering biology  . This Mission Hub aims to tackle the urgent environmental challenge of plastic pollution and create new ways for the sustainable deconstruction of synthetic plastics as the UK transitions towards a circular plastics economy. The hub will be led by Professor Andrew Pickford (University of Portsmouth), with support from scientists from seven leading UK institutions, including UCL co-investigators: Professor Helen Hailes (UCL Chemistry), Dr Jack Jeffries (UCL Biochemical Engineering), Professor Mark Miodownik (UCL Mechanical Engineering), Professor Paola Lettieri (UCL Chemical Engineering), Dr Andrea Paulillo (UCL Chemical Engineering), Dr Brooks Paige (UCL Centre for Artificial Intelligence), Professor Christine Orengo (UCL Biosciences). Over the next five years, the Mission Hub will develop impactful engineering biology platforms that will enhance the performance of enzymes and microbes for the deconstruction of a wide range of plastics.