University of Surrey secures major funding for doctoral training, driving innovation in food and infection biosciences

“Investing in research is crucial, especially as we face growing threats such as antimicrobial resistance,” say leaders at the University of Surrey.

Credit: Nicolae Malancea via Getty

This major investment from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) will support doctoral students across the UK, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to address global challenges in areas such as food, health, environment and sustainability.

The Wessex One Health (WOH) partnership, led by the University of Surrey, with Professor Gill Elliott as programme director, aims to train students in innovative and interdisciplinary approaches to address threats such as emerging infections, vector-borne diseases and antimicrobial resistance.

The WOH programme will deliver highly trained professionals equipped for a range of careers including government, industry, academia and entrepreneurship, where they will lead an interdisciplinary approach to tackling disease threats.

The Wessex One Health (WOH) partnership comprises of:

University of Surrey (including the School of Veterinary Medicine)

University of Sussex (including Brighton and Sussex Medical School)

Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter

The Pirbright Institute

Animal and Plant Health Agency

UK Health Security Agency

Defence Science and Technology Laboratory

The Wessex One Health partnership will address the global challenges posed by infectious diseases. By training a new generation of interdisciplinary scientists, we’re empowering them to develop innovative solutions using an approach that encompasses people, animals and their shared environment. Professor Gill Elliott, Professor of Virology

Surrey is also a co-applicant in the FoodBioSystems Doctoral Training Partnership, a partnership of seven universities led by the University of Reading. FoodBioSystems has been awarded a BBSRC Landscape Award in Food and Nutrition, securing funding for a second consecutive nine-year period, following on from its successful Doctoral Training Programme (DTP) funding in 20192028, and now this new Landscape Award 2025-2034.

FoodBioSystems aims to produce leaders with expertise in food systems and biological processes, from farm to fork. Students will be equipped to address challenges in sustainability, efficacy, authenticity, and safety in food production, while improving nutrition and health outcomes.

FoodBiosystems partnership comprises of: