The University is to share in £8m funding to help create the DNA starting blocks for synthetic biology.
Synthetic biology is a new way of doing science that applies engineering principles to biology to make and build new biological parts, devices and systems.
It’s being used to make biological ‘factories’ that make useful products like medicines, chemicals and green energy, as well as tools for improving crops. Synthetic biology has been identified by the UK Government as one of the ‘Eight Great Technologies’ in which Great Britain can be a world leader.
The University has been awarded £469,000 through a partnership with other UK universities.
At Southampton, the funding from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) will provide major new equipment to improve the quality and reduce the cost of DNA synthesis.
You can view more on this research grant on the University website.