Queen Mary receives prestigious BBSRC award to train the next generation of computational researchers in spatial biology
Queen Mary University of London have secured a major award from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) to train computational researchers to develop the next generation of artificial intelligence (AI) tools for spatial biology. Spatial biology represents the leading cutting-edge technology used to understand fundamental biological processes.
The PhD programme, known as a Doctoral Focal Award (DFA), is the first of its kind, and will produce future leaders in computational approaches for spatial biology, developing the latest data science, AI and machine learning (ML) techniques. The students will create new models of how molecules and cells interact to control tissue function, using data comprised of both visual images and single-molecule measurements.
The BBSRC award will fund 21 full-time PhD studentships working with teams from the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry and the Faculty of Science and Engineering. Queen Mary is matching another six studentships so that a total of 27 positions will be available, starting over the next three-year (nine per year). The Doctoral Focal Award includes partners from University College London (UCL), the Francis Crick Institute, and industry partners working at the cutting edge of AI in biomedicine.
Queen Mary is home to world-leading computational and biological science using the latest cutting-edge technologies. Our multi-disciplinary teams will create new tools to study spatial patterns and advance our understanding of biology.
Professor Greg Slabaugh, Director of the Digital Environment Research Institute (DERI) & Professor of Computer Vision and AI, said:
“We are entering an era where biology is powered by data at a scale never seen before, with spatial imaging technologies driving a scientific transformation. These platforms reveal the architecture of life in unprecedented detail, but turning this complexity into discovery demands advanced analytical tools. AI provides scalable, interpretable methods to unlock new insights. Through the Doctoral Focal Award, we will train researchers who unite deep biological understanding with cutting-edge AI expertise, positioning the UK at the forefront of this rapidly evolving field.”
Paul Chapple, Professor of Molecular Cell Biology and Deputy Dean for Postgraduate Research said:
“Our Doctoral Focal Award will give students a unique opportunity to conduct research at the intersection of two rapidly advancing fields: Artificial Intelligence and Spatial Biology. Under the guidance of our world-leading academics, students will learn how to apply cutting-edge AI approaches to spatial biology data and scientific questions. Alongside this, they will receive comprehensive training in entrepreneurship and have the chance to collaborate with our industry partners. Our aim is to develop highly skilled, adaptable PhD graduates who are ready to excel in these dynamic and fast-growing sectors.”
“This DFA award is a tremendous opportunity to bring computational graduates into the heart of spatial-biology research, pairing AI-led training from academic and industry experts while being embedded within biology teams confronting major biomedical challenges, including ageing” added James Timmons, one of the programme leaders.
Applications will open early in 2026
The studentship programme will start in October 2026, and each year 9 PhD students will start comprehensive training in AI, machine learning (ML), GPU-accelerated computing, and cloud-based workflows, while embedded within world-class bioscience teams. When applications open in early 2026, prospective students will be able to choose from a range of cutting-edge projects running at Queen Mary and partner organisations. Three studentships will be ringfenced for UK-domiciled students from an underrepresented ethnic group.