Environmental Biotechnology Network

CBE Calls for proposals – don’t miss these!

Deadline:  22 Sept 2026 The Circular Bio-Based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) is inviting proposals to develop innovative and sustainable bio-based solutions with a variety of funding types and across a range of topics. Examples particularly relevant to EBNet members include: Innovation actions – flagship Boosting biorefinery competitiveness through biotech …

CIWEM Journal special issue on microplastics – call for papers

The Water and Environmental Journal of the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) is hosting a Special Issue on Micro and nanoplastics and the Plastisphere in Aquatic Environments: Sources, Impacts, and Sustainable Mitigation Strategies. The journal is open to submissions from both members and non-members on key issues …

JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowships for Research in Japan

Deadline: 28 August 2026 This fellowship is supported by the Japan Society for Promotion of Science (JSPS), and is open to all fields.  It provides an opportunity for researchers based outside of Japan to conduct collaborative research with leading groups at Japanese universities and research institutions for visits of between …

Biofilm Microenvironments: EBNet workshop report out now

Microenvironments can be defined as localised zones with chemical, biological or physical characteristics that differ significantly from those of the larger-scale surrounding environment. Because microbes respond primarily to these immediate conditions, microenvironments strongly influence the performance of microbially-based systems. Understanding and controlling these influences is essential for engineering improved systems. …

Royal Society – University Research Fellowships 2026

Closing date: 9 Sept 2026 The Royal Society’s University Research Fellowship (URF) programme aims to support the next generation of research leaders to undertake cutting-edge research. The programme’s objectives are to enable outstanding early career scientists to: Build an independent research career at a UK university or research institution Gain …

Elemental Hub Business Interaction Vouchers – Round 3

Final deadline: 27 Nov 2026 (earlier applications encouraged) The Elemental Hub’s Business Interaction Voucher (BIV) scheme provides funding of up to ÂŁ50k to support short-term collaborative projects between UK businesses and academic researchers working in engineering biology for environmental processing of metals. Examples of eligible topics include: Environmental metal recovery …

BBSRC-STFC DeepTech Catalyst Bio 2026

Closing dates: EoI 16 Aug 2026, invited full applications 14 Sept 2026 BBSRC–STFC‘s DeepTech Catalyst Bio (DTC Bio) is a business incubator programme designed to support early-stage biotechnology start-ups in achieving their commercial potential. DTC Bio provides: ÂŁ50k of R&D funding ÂŁ10k innovation voucher for R&D activity Technical, commercial, business …

EBNet’s UKRI report available now

A report covering EBNet’s main activities and outputs during our UKRI funding period is now up on the Resources page, under More EBNet reports.  A bit later than originally planned, but brimming with information on our working groups, events and publications. The report is available in two formats, with a …

AICatalyst2026: AI in the Biosciences Training Conference

Date and venue: 4 Sept 2026, The Guildhall, York This 1-day training conference is organised by the UKRI Digital Research Skills Catalyst, with funding support from AIBIO-UK. The programme brings together expert talks and hands-on workshops designed to introduce AI methods in bioscience research. The sessions will provide a working knowledge …

Bioefficiency webinar available – and a PhycoClub crowdfunding campaign

If you missed the joint PhycoClub / EBNet webinar on 26 June 2026, or want to hear it again, a recorded version is now available HERE. Dr Marin Sawa’s talk on Bioefficiency led to many questions and further discussion continuing well after the session ended. The concept can readily be …

CIWM: New ‘Think Again’ campaign

A warm welcome to the new ‘Think Again’ campaign championed by Vicki Hughes, President of the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM). Launched on 18 June, this initiative is challenging employers, educators and industry leaders to rethink how the sector talks about careers, attracts talent and opens doors for the …

Metal and Rare Earth Element Bioleaching – Joint Webinar

Date: 29 July 2026 12-13:00 UK, online The Environmental Biotechnology Innovation Centre (EBIC) and the Elemental Hub are hosting a joint webinar on Metal and Rare Earth Element (REE) Bioleaching. Speakers for this session include Danny McNeice of Pensana and Ana Santos of the Natural History Museum. The presenters will share …

ISM2S Conference postponed – and a new paper on sensors

The organisers of the 3rd International Symposium on Microfluidics for Sensing and Sequencing (ISM2S) have reluctantly decided to postpone this year’s conference. Prof Zhugen Yang, who leads EBNet’s ESWS WG and is on the Conference organising committee, said: “Due to the merger between Cranfield and King’s College London and the …