New MRC funding will see the next generation of medical researchers trained in Norwich

The funding will support a new MRC Doctoral Landscape Award at UEA in partnership with the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals, Quadram Institute, John Innes Centre and Earlham Institute.

It will support 14 PhD students in Norwich each year, across three intakes beginning in October 2027.

They will focus on how nutrition, our microbiomes and antimicrobial resistance impact human health, and will receive specialist training in nutrition science, microbiology and clinical research – helping equip them to address emerging global health threats.

The programme complements other doctoral training awards hosted at Norwich Research Park and strengthens its position as one of Europe’s largest centres for life science research and microbiology.

Programme Director Prof Stuart Rushworth, from UEA’s Norwich Medical School, said: “I am thrilled the MRC have chosen to support our programme and its unique focus on nutrition and microbiology. We are delighted to receive this funding and believe our plan to train these cohorts of students will lead to exciting improvements in health. Our students will benefit from the strong ecosystem in Norwich and will be fully equipped for the challenges of the 21^st century with their unique training allowing them to tackle global health issues.”

Professor Mark Webber, Group Leader at the Quadram Institute said: “I’m delighted we have been awarded this grant. The unique training the students will gain will allow them to study some of the most pressing challenges facing us today which directly relate to the Centre for Microbial Interactions’ interests and expertise in nutrition, microbiome science and antimicrobial resistance. I look forward to welcoming the first cohort of students to join the thriving research environment in Norwich”

Dr Joanna Robinson, Director of Research Talent, Skills and Careers at the MRC, said: “Medical research depends on talented people. These awards will support doctoral researchers to develop deep scientific expertise alongside the broader capabilities needed for successful and rewarding careers across research, healthcare, industry and policy. By investing in researchers at the start of their careers, we are helping to strengthen the UK’s medical research workforce and enable discoveries that improve lives.”

Prof Samuel Fountain is Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the UEA Doctoral College, which is a group that brings together UEA’s postgraduate research community, coordinating support, training and development to create an inclusive environment where more than 1,500 doctoral researchers can thrive academically and professionally.

Prof Fountain said: “This award recognises the exceptional doctoral training opportunities available across UEA and Norwich Research Park. By bringing together expertise from across the biomedical, clinical and health sciences, the MRC Doctoral Landscape Award will help us train future research leaders who can deliver impactful solutions to complex health challenges.”

This is one of 14 MRC Doctoral Landscape Awards from the MRC to universities across all four nations of the UK. They form part of MRC’s long-term investment in the people and capabilities needed to support a strong research and innovation system and ensure the UK has the expertise needed to support a thriving life sciences sector.