The first GM oilseed crop to produce omega-3 fish oils in the field

See more at BBSRC website

In a landmark paper published today in the journal Metabolic Engineering Communications, scientists at Rothamsted Research have announced the first year results of the field-scale trial of Camelina oilseed plants genetically engineered to make omega-3 fish oils in their seeds.

Omega-3 fish oils specifically long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 LC-PUFA) eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are acknowledged by the medical community to be beneficial components of the human diet. The primary dietary sources of EPA & DHA are marine fish, either wild or farmed (aquaculture). Although some types of omega-3 fats are available from other sources in the human diet (such as flax seeds), the nutritionally-beneficial omega-3 LC- PUFA EPA & DHA are only available from marine sources. Fish, like humans, accumulate the omega-3 fish oils by feeding on other organisms in the marine food chain or, in the case of farmed fish, through fishmeal and fish oil in feed.

Farmed fish is a rapidly growing sector, and today over half of the fish consumed worldwide comes from aquaculture. As the production of fish through aquaculture increases so does the need to find alternative sources of omega-3 fish oils. Rothamsted's new data – which demonstrates an important proof of concept that a crop plant can be engineered to synthesise these beneficial fatty acids in seeds – provides hope for sustainable land-based sources of omega-3 fish oils, thereby releasing pressure from the oceans.

Dr Olga Sayanova, the senior Rothamsted Researcher who developed the GM Camelina plants, commented: “We are delighted with the results of our first year field trial. Finding a land-based source of feedstocks containing omega-3 fish oils has long been an urgent priority for truly sustainable aquaculture. Our results give hope that oilseed crops grown on land can contribute to improving the sustainability of the fish farming industry and the marine environment in the future."

Rothamsted scientists, strategically funded by BBSRC, have already shown that they can successfully engineer Camelina sativa plants to produce non-native EPA and DHA, by introducing a set of seven synthetic genes based on the DNA sequences found in photosynthetic marine organisms. Although previous experiments in glasshouses had given positive indications for the performance of this trait, this trial demonstrated the stability of the trait and the ability of the GM Camelina plants to synthesise useful quantities of fish oils without any negative effects on yield. Monitoring of the plants grown in the field showed no obvious phenotypic differences in the growth, flowering or seed-set of the GM Camelina plants when compared to the non-GM control plants.

Professor Johnathan Napier, leading the GM Camelina programme at Rothamsted Research, said: “The omega-3 fish oil trait that we have developed is probably the most complex example of plant genetic engineering to be tested in the field. This is a globally-significant proof of concept and a landmark moment in the effort to develop truly sustainable sources of feed for fish farms.”

The field trial conducted at Rothamsted Research’s experimental farm continues this year. In the field this year two GM Camelina lines are sown as well as the non-GM controls. One line is the same as the one described in the current publication making EPA and DHA. The second one is a GM Camelina line that makes only EPA. Analyses and comparisons will be conducted between the two lines.

The field trial and the associated laboratory analyses are funded by the government-supported Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). The scientific paper published today is available in open-source format from the journal Metabolic Engineering Communications.

Synthace Integrates Powerful Automation Equipment with its High-Level Language for Biological Research

Read more on the SynbioBeta blog

At the O’Reilly Solid conference in San Francisco, a meeting dedicated to the new hardware movement and the Internet of Things, Synthace will be announcing today a partnership to integrate its Antha language with liquid handling equipment from Gilson and CyBio Northern Europe. Sean Ward, CTO of Synthace, will also be announcing a sign-up program for a closed-beta release of the Antha language that will become available in July. This release will include an automated DNA construct assembly protocol that will enable researchers to generate 24 constructs in under an hour using a Gilson Pipetmax®.

"We are delighted to be working with these leading equipment providers to bring the Internet of Things to academic, clinical and industrial laboratories through integration with our Antha platform. Improving reproducibility and productivity across biological R&D will be absolutely reliant on establishing this type of connectivity." Sean Ward, CTO of Synthace.

IBioIC Exemplar Programme (closes 31 August 2015)

See IBioIC website for further information and to apply The Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre (IBioIC) is currently inviting applications for its fourth project competition from Micro Companies, for industry-led collaborative research projects using innovative applications in biotechnology. We request applications from projects with a total value of up to £250,000 that demonstrate a defined market need and commercial opportunity.

IBioIC aims to promote collaboration between universities and industry, to drive innovation, find commercial opportunities for new technology and ideas. The IBioIC Exemplar Programme aims to support projects that meet these criteria and that bring biotechnology closer to industrialisation.

The Exemplar Programme is available to all companies from large to micro businesses with a sliding scale of IBioIC funding. IBioIC also offer personal one-to-one project consultations to all members to assist in the development of projects.

Translational Plant Sciences Funding Seminar (30 July 2015)

See CambPlants Hub eventbrite for more info Are you an academic thinking of: - translation of basic plant science into crop science research? - integrating the latest bioscience and modelling techniques into practice? - creating collaborative work opportunities with industry? Or are you a Business interested in finding solutions from academic resources? Would you like to find out more about what funding schemes are available to support you in this?

CambPlants Hub invites you to a TRANSLATIONAL PLANT SCIENCES FUNDING SEMINAR, where you will have the opportunity to learn about the latest translational funding schemes in this area and network with academics, industry and research council representatives. Seminar Programme: 9:30 - Registration and Tea/coffee 9:55 - Welcome and Introduction 10:00 - BBSRC Translation Funding Schemes 10:20 - NERC Translation Funding Schemes 10:40 - Tea/coffee break 11:10 - Innovate UK and KTN opportunities 11:30 - H2020 Funding Schemes 12:00 - Elevator pitches from industry 12:30 - Lunch From 13:00 - Bookable 1:1 sessions with speakers from funding research councils.

Please contact ml745@cam.ac.uk to book your 1:1 session with a funder OR if you are interested in giving an elevator pitch. Do you have questions about this seminar? Contact Mariana Fazenda: ml745@cam.ac.uk.

David Phillips Fellowships (close 21 Oct 15)

See BBSRC for more details The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council invites applications for the David Phillips fellowships. These support researchers who are wishing to establish their first independent research group. The research may be in any area of science within the council’s remit, which includes research on plants, microbes, animals, and tools and technology underpinning biological research.

Applicants should hold a PhD but not hold, or have held, an open-ended academic position of lecturer level or equivalent. They should have at least three years of active postdoctoral research experience prior to June 2015.

Up to five fellowships are available. Each fellowship includes up to £1 million at 80 per cent full economic cost for personal salary and research support. The host institution should also make a substantial demonstration of support for the fellow, in terms of access to facilities and equipment, training and research costs.

ZuvaSyntha scientist and business development vacancies (based in BioPark Hertfordshire)

More info in the ZuvaSyntha website ZuvaSyntha is a young and exciting UK SME working in the rapidly expanding Industrial Biotechnology sector. Recently formed through the merger of BioSyntha Technology Ltd and ZuvaChem LLC, we are developing novel microbial-based routes to renewable intermediate and specialty chemicals.

ZuvaSyntha is planning to expand and seeks to appoint outstanding candidates for the following roles:

  • Business Development Manager
  • Senior Biochemist
  • Scientist/Senior Scientist in Molecular Biology and Strain Development

Call for participation in Lean Launchpad for Synthetic Biology (apply ASASP)

As part of its innovation development programme, SynbiCITE, is pleased to offer all its partners the opportunity to participate in the Lean Launchpad for Synthetic Biology. You can now take part in this unique programme that has helped numerous would-be entrepreneurs translate research ideas into successful products and services. Translating research from the laboratory to the market place – takes more than just improving technology. It requires a parallel track of optimizing the other parts of the business that are essential for turning an idea into a profitable company.

The Lean LaunchPad for Synthetic Biology does this by helping teams rapidly:

· Define the utility of the idea before committing resources to develop it.

· Understand who their core and tertiary customers are, and the sales and marketing process required for initial sales and downstream commercialisation.

· Assess intellectual property and regulatory risk early in the process.

· Know what data will be required by future partnerships/collaborations/purchases before doing the science.

· Identify the financing vehicles before you need them.

The Lean Launchpad for Synthetic Biology is based on the Lean Launchpad programme, developed by Steve Blank in Silicon Valley. This program has been taught at Stanford, Berkley, Columbia and Caltech, and is being adopted by US NSF as part of its i-Corps curriculum. The programme was run earlier this year at Imperial College and was highly successful launching new companies and products, and teaching entrepreneurship.

The Lean Launchpad for Synthetic Biology is a ten-week long programme for 3-person teams interested in commercialising research. The programme starts on September 15 with a 3-day kickoff, and followed by nine weekly meetings, and a 2-day wrap up session on November 23-24. You will need to commit to 20 hours per week in addition to class time for this programme to be successful. The course content includes Customer Discovery and Development methods, the Business Model Canvas and topics specific to the commercialisation of synthetic biology. The goal of the programme, within the constraints of a classroom and a limited amount of time, is to create the entrepreneurial experience of an early stage start-up. Supporting each team will be a mentor, an entrepreneur or executive with deep business experience, to provide guidance.

The course will be led by Professor Jerry Engel, the Director of the NSF i-Corp programme and

Founding Executive Director Emeritus, Lester Center for Entrepreneurship at UC Berkley’s Haas School of Business. He also has over 20 years experience and success in high technology entrepreneurship and venture capital. The teaching faculty will include entrepreneurs and investors who have successfully translated scientific research into commercial products and services.

If you have an idea you want to exploit, identify its commercial potential, discover customers, collaborators and investors to realise your dreams this is the programme is for you.

Entrance is very limited. Applicants apply as teams, not individuals. The teams are required to tell us about themselves using the “Team Information” template. They also must submit a completed Business Model Canvas using the “Business Model Information” template based on a minimum of 5 interviews. Those who are interested fill in the “Lean LaunchPad Application” form, which is available from Jenny (jcm80@cam.ac.uk).

We strongly encourage you to apply ASAP.

If you would like more information or arrange a visit to discuss the programme please contact: stephen.chambers@synbicite.com

Molecular microbiologist position at Synthace

More info and to apply We require a molecular microbiologist, ideally experienced in the genetic manipulation of a diversity of microbial species.

We’re looking for someone who will thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic atmosphere, acting on their own initiative to solve complex problems. Candidates will need a PhD or equivalent experience and a strong track record of delivering high quality, quantitative results in a commercial or academic environment.

Synthace is committed to transforming the productivity of bioengineering through automation, computation and mathematics, so a willingness to work in a highly disciplinary environment and embrace cutting edge working practices is essential. Experience with automation or coding is an advantage.

SynthSys Mammalian Postdoc (closes 20 July)

More info at SynthSysEd website A highly motivated and talented Postdoctoral Research Associate is invited to join the laboratories of Dr. Abdenour Soufi and Prof. Susan Rosser at the University of Edinburgh to develop novel synthetic Biology tools for Cellular reprogramming applications. This is part of SynthSys Mammalian, which is a BBSRC/EPSRC/MRC Synthetic Biology Research Centre (SBRC), hosted by the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Edinburgh.

We are particularly interested in the interaction between transcription factors and chromatin during the conversion of human fibroblasts to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) (Soufi et al; Cell 2015, Soufi et al; Cell 2012). This collaborative project will focus on engineering synthetic transcription factors and will employ a wide range of techniques including; synthetic DNA-assembly and high-throughput-cloning, engineering synthetic transcription factors such as TALEs and ZFGs, human stem cell culture and lentivirus production, Next Generation Sequencing based techniques such as ChIP-seq, recombinant protein purification, DNA-protein interaction analysis such as EMSA and DNase-footprinting.

The successful candidate requires a PhD (or soon to be awarded) in an appropriate discipline with clear evidence of independent research capabilities. Knowledge and past experience in synthetic transcription factors, cellular reprogramming, stem cells and epigenetics are highly desirable.

The post is full-time for a fixed term of 3 years.

Elsevier Data Analytics Award (closes 6 Nov 2015)

More info on the Fulbright website In this Award category, one scholarship is generously sponsored by Elsevier and offered to a UK citizen for the first year of postgraduate study requiring data analysis to advance understanding of research in any field or across fields. This could include, for example, the quantitative analysis of research inputs (eg, funding sources), outputs (eg, articles, patents), and outcomes (eg, impact on society) to uncover new research trends, emerging fields of research, or collaborations between universities and industry.

Candidates choose and apply to US university departments directly and independently.

Please read the above tabs for more information about the benefits of the Postgraduate Student Awards, eligibility and selection criteria, the application process and the awards timeline. You can also read profiles of current and past scholars, as well as a list of FAQs, to help you learn more about the Fulbright Programme.

HVCfP Proof of Concept Fund (closes 8 Sep 2015)

More info on HVCfP site HVCfP has a fund of £800,000 for proof of concept research and we have now awarded £270,473 of this fund. Funds are open to Network members who are eligible to receive BBSRC funding.

HVCfP aims to encourage novel, technology-based solutions to major industry problems whilst promoting scientific excellence. Therefore, our priority for awarding funds is for scientific excellence combined with research ideas that have clear potential for further funding or have a route to commercial translation. In addition, we encourage funding to be used to access technology providers or for collaborative work to enable rapid progression of research.

Proof of Concept Funding – round three now OPEN

Our third Proof of Concept call is now open. You should submit your application by 12 noon on Tuesday, 8th September. If you have an inquiry, please contact Caroline Calvert (caroline.calvert@york.ac.uk) by 21st August 2015. You will informed of the outcome of your application by the end of October 2015.

Proof of Concept applications consists of four separate documents:

  • PoC application form (download the Round Three form from the resources box on the left hand side of this page)
  • Case for support (5 pages maximum – a template is given at the end of the PoC application form)
  • Lead applicant CV (2 pages maximum)
  • Letter of support from lead applicant’s institution

The updated operational guidelines for proof of concept awards and the application process can be downloaded from the resources panel. Please read these guidelines before applying. Any questions regarding proof of concept funding should be directed to Caroline Calvert, caroline.calvert@york.ac.uk.

Junior Interdisciplinary Fellowship (Wellcome Trust/University of Cambridge - closes 22 July 2015)

Full details are available via the University of Cambridge.

The scheme is aimed at suitably qualified post-doctoral candidates with backgrounds in the physical sciences (incl. engineering, mathematics and computer sciences) who wish to gain experience in the application of their research to solve problems in the basic biological and biomedical sciences.

The fellowships are intended to provide opportunities for award holders to gain experience in applying biological approaches, and/or apply novel theoretical or experimental techniques from the physical sciences to address biological problems. In addition, it is hoped that this scheme will foster longer-term collaborations between Principal Investigators from the physical and life sciences disciplines within the University of Cambridge.

Research projects must fall within the broad remit of the Wellcome Trust. The research must be undertaken in laboratories within the School of the Biological Sciences or the School of Clinical Medicine.

Exceptionally, applications from post-doctoral candidates with a background in the life sciences wishing to gain experience working in the physical sciences may also be considered. However, this is not the core focus of the Scheme and it is expected that the host lab has a proven track record of life/physical sciences interdisciplinary research. A non-exclusive list of such labs can be found here: http://www.physbio.group.cam.ac.uk/members.html.

Newton Fund UK-China-Philippines-Thailand-Vietnam call for collaborative research proposals in rice research (closes 13 Aug 2015)

Full fund details can be found on the BBSRC website

Applicants are invited to submit bilateral or multilateral collaborative research proposals comprising eligible researchers from the UK, China, Thailand, the Philippines or Vietnam. All proposals will be required to have a UK Principal Investigator, in addition to a Principal Investigator from one or more of the partner countries.

The funders aim to support innovative basic, strategic or applied research that will contribute to and underpin long-term sustainable production of rice, including an understanding that rice production sits alongside the provision of other ecosystem services. Proposals of up to three years in duration will be encouraged to address the following challenges in rice:

  • Greater resilience to biotic and abiotic stresses
  • Improved resource use efficiency (including Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Water)
  • Improved quality of rice (including nutritional enhancement and grain quality)
  • Novel research tool and technology development supporting the above areas (including systems biology, bioinformatics, screening and characterisation of germplasm for gene and trait discovery)

In addition to the challenges listed above, proposals will also be welcomed in the following areas and countries:

  • Improved photosynthetic efficiency in rice (China, Thailand, UK)
  • Environmentally sustainable rice cultivation systems (Thailand, Philippines, UK)
  • Utilisation of rice by-products (Philippines, Vietnam, UK)
  • Sustainably increasing the genetic yield potential of rice (China, UK)

The participating agencies wish to develop and strengthen transnational collaborations across the countries involved and to support collaborations which will have a real impact in this field. Applicants must successfully demonstrate the sustainability of the collaboration and the potential impact of the activities proposed.

EUSynBioS: growing networks in Synthetic Biology

The European Association of Students and Postdocs in Synthetic Biology (EUSynBioS) founded and chaired by Department of Plant Sciences Graduate Student Christian R. Boehm continues to attract international attention.

Half a year after its establishment, the student-led initiative embraces a membership base of several hundred students and postdoctoral researchers based in 15 European countries, is supported by an Advisory Board composed of 20 accomplished principal investigators (including Dr Jim Haseloff and Dr Nicola Patron from Cambridge), and works closely with major partner organizations across the globe towards its overall goal: shaping and fostering a community of young researchers in synthetic biology by means of providing an integrative central resource for interaction and professional development.

Co-sponsored by the Cambridge-based OpenPlant initiative, the EUSynBioS Steering Committee recently participated in the SynBioBeta London 2015 conference, where the Association was introduced to an international high-profile audience and hosted a social event in the evening. An OpenDiscussion satellite workshop chaired by Christian on the second day was well-attended by students, principal investigators, and representatives from the UK research councils BBSRC, EPSRC, and the Dstl alike. He comments on the session: “We are hopeful that bringing students, principal investigators, and representatives from funding bodies into the same room like this will lead to new opportunities for the next generation of young researchers to be better involved in shaping the future of their discipline.” To foster collaboration and exchange among students and postdoctoral researchers in the field, Christian and colleagues are working towards an international symposium for the young synthetic biology community to be hosted in Europe in the near future.

Students and postdoctoral researchers active in synthetic biology can become Members of EUSynBioS by completing a short online form at http://www.eusynbios.org.

 

OpenPlant Fund: Perfect Pitch on a Punt, 23 Jul 16:00-19:30

PitchOnaPuntPoster-newCome and join potential OpenPlant Fund applicants from Norwich and Cambridge to hone your pitches, network and enjoy punting and a picnic by the Cam (wet weather option also available!).

30 spaces are bookable below (logged-in users only, email jcm80@cam.ac.uk if you prefer not to make an account) and the event will take place at The Pitt Building, Trumpington Street, Cambridge.

A minibus will leave Norwich at 14:30 and depart from Cambridge at 19:30, please email Jenny on jcm80@cam.ac.uk to secure your place!

[dpProEventCalendar id="9" category="32" event="1000"]

Image credit: Punting by Jussarian on Flickr. Licensed under CC-BY-SA

Global Food Security Cambridge Symposium — 9 July 2015

Bookings are now open for the one-day symposium taking place at the Sainsbury Laboratory on Wednesday 8th July 2015, 9.30–4.30. The aim of the day is to learn about and be inspired by food security research taking place across the University, and explore ways in which collaboration across disciplines can bring greater impact. Speakers from all Schools in the University will be speaking on topics ranging from zoonoses to forests and food security, resource limitations on the Ugandan food system to food supply chain risks and sustainability.

The event is aimed principally at University of Cambridge researchers, and a Raven account is required to access booking details. Please if this does not apply to you but you are still interested in attending.

Log in

Programme draft [PDF]

Global Food Security Cambridge Symposium — Cambridge University Strategic Initiative in Global Food Security.

Registration and abstract submission open for Synthetic Biology UK 2015!

Featured image 1 Synthetic Biology UK 2015: Think, develop, measure, make 1—3 September 2015 Charles Darwin House, London, UK More info

Synthetic Biology is a field that has rapidly expanded. It relies on multidisciplinary approaches and delivers transdisciplinary advances that have the potential to redefine our understanding of the natural world and to significantly contribute to our society and economy.

The UK is a world leader in science and engineering, and Synthetic Biology has been identified as an important area for our continued success. Key to that success is a cohesive, vibrant and multidisciplinary community, open to collaboration, open to advances and driven to exceptional research with meaningful outcomes.

That cannot be delivered by a single research centre, single funding body or hosted by a single learned society. The SynBio UK conference aims to showcase UK Synthetic Biology research and to create a focal point for the community, embracing its diversity and fostering its growth and its engagement with society.

Under the themes of Making, Measuring, Thinking and Developing, the aim of the conference is to bring together the Synthetic Biology community in all forms in the UK to capitalise on synergies, enabling the exploration of entirely new approaches to the systematic and safe engineering of biology.

Abstract deadline: 3 July 2015 Abstract Submission is now open

Earlybird registration deadline: 3 July 2015 Registration is now open.

Oral communication slots are available at this meeting. All attendees, particularly researchers in the early stages of their career, are invited to submit a poster abstract for consideration as an oral communication.

Featured image credit: DNA by MIKI Yoshihito on Flickr, licensed under CC-BY 2.0