Shape the Future of Digital Biomedicine: A call for Industry Support
Bionow member Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU), in partnership with the University of Hull, is seeking industry collaborators to join the HuMan DigBio consortium – a new Doctoral Training Programme focused on chronic disease, multimorbidity and digital innovation.
As the life sciences sector faces a growing digital skills gap, this programme is designed to train the next generation of R&D leaders in translational and computational biology, ensuring future talent is equipped with both laboratory expertise and advanced digital capability.
About the HuMan DigBio Consortium
This 4‑year PhD programme focuses on chronic disease and multimorbidity, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes and wound healing. It bridges the gap between lab‑based research and digital application through three integrated research themes:
Disease modelling and mechanisms
In vitro and in silico modelling to understand underpinning molecular mechanisms and identify targets for precision diagnosis and personalised prevention and treatment strategies for chronic diseases of increasing global significance.
Diagnosis
Multi‑modal imaging and biomarkers, quantitative image analysis, and AI‑enabled phenotyping.
Prevention and intervention
Life‑course risk modelling, vascular biology and haemostasis, wound healing, lifestyle and digital interventions, population data science, device design (including stents and sensors), image‑guided procedures, in‑silico trials and translational therapeutics.
How Your Organisation Can Benefit
By supporting this bid, your organisation can gain early access to a high‑calibre talent pipeline and low‑cost, high‑impact R&D collaboration. MMU is seeking partners to:
Host placements – provide short‑term industry experience for PhD students
Co‑fund studentships – sponsor 20–50% of a PhD project tailored to your specific R&D interests
The immediate priority is to identify partners willing to demonstrate the industry validity and relevance of this programme. Early collaborators will have a direct influence on shaping a training ecosystem aligned to real‑world commercial and translational needs.
Additional Doctoral Training Opportunity: Cellular Perception Programme
Alongside HuMan DigBio, MMU is also leading the Cellular Perception: Decoding and Modelling Cellular Responses to Environmental Complexity Doctoral Training Programme.
This 4‑year PhD programme focuses on curiosity‑driven, interdisciplinary research exploring how cells sense, interpret and respond to environmental complexity. Projects combine experimental cell biology with advanced manufacturing, fluid dynamics, computational modelling and AI‑driven analytics, creating a distinctive training environment where students develop deep scientific expertise alongside cross‑disciplinary skills.
MMU is seeking partners who can offer relevant placements and training opportunities for PhD students as part of this programme.
How to Get Involved
To secure funding for these programmes, the consortium must demonstrate strong industry demand. The priority focus is on building the HuMan DigBio consortium and identifying collaborators who are willing to actively support the bid and help shape future skills development in digital biomedicine.
Deadline for expression of interest: 24th February 2026
To express your interest and receive further details on how to support the bid, please contact:
Prof. Sarah Jones - S.Jones@mmu.ac.uk