About the Project
This project will evaluate construction materials and processes that enable the use of synthetic/engineering biology to recycle and regenerate components in space.
Research will establish which metals and materials can be processed and which components can be recycled using biomining approaches. It will consider the current practices used to build space components and how biomining can be developed in order to be integrated into current practice, especially with a focus on the space environment. It will examine the organisms that can be used, how they can be maintained, the suitability and adaptation of bioreactors and how to estimate the speed at which components can be processed. It will include aspects dedicated to the redesign of the components and of the structure to allow the replacement and processes of such components when degraded or at end of life. The redesign will be informed by the experimental findings and may include selection of new construction materials that are more amenable to be recycled and still can be used in space.
For more information on the project, eligibility and how to apply for the School's PhD programme, please click on the "Visit Institution Website" link.
Please download and complete the mandatory documents from the EastBio "how to apply" website, before proceeding with your application.
Applicants should apply to the PhD in Biological Sciences with Internship programme via the University of Edinburgh’s admissions portal (Euclid) with a start date of 01 October 2027.
Important: Before applying, please send your referees the EastBio reference form to ensure reference letters are submitted using the correct format.
When completing the Euclid application, applicants should include:
- the project title
- the proposed research supervisor(s)
- anticipated funding source (i.e. EastBio/ Edinburgh Doctoral College Award)
- the completed EastBio application form, uploaded to the Research Proposal Section
- referee details or completed reference letters using the template EastBio reference form. Please note: If you submit only the referee details, they will automatically receive a link to upload their reference letter. However, the submitted letter must be using the template form, so please share this with them in advance.
The closing date for applications to be submitted to Euclid is midday on Monday 16 November 2026.
Reference letters will be accepted up to 2 weeks after the closing date.
Submitted applications will remain under consideration during the shortlisting process until 22 February 2027, when successful candidates will be invited to interview. If any information is missing from your application, we will contact you through Euclid to request this. Please check your emails and the Euclid portal regularly.
Please be aware The University reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to amend or withdraw any of the advertised scholarships, without further notice.
Funding Notes
This 4 year PhD project is fully funded. Applicants will be considered for either an EastBio BBSRC Doctoral Landscape Award or the University of Edinburgh Doctoral College Award. Successful applicants will join the EastBio cohort as an EastBio-funded or associate-funded student. Those joining will undertake a mandatory training programme which includes a 3-month placement. This is open to students worldwide has financial support with a monthly stipend at the UKRI standard rate, funding towards project costs, and tuition fee cover. For further guidance; EastBio website; no separate application is required for consideration of the University of Edinburgh Doctoral College Award.
Project supervisors
Professor Louise Horsfall
Career overview
Louise Horsfall holds a Doctorat en Sciences from Université de Liège, Belgium, obtained in 2007, and a DEA en Sciences from the same institution in 2004. They completed an MChem at the University of Oxford in 2002. Their academic career at the University of Edinburgh began in 2012 as a Lecturer in Biotechnology, progressing to Senior Lecturer in 2016, and currently serving as Chair of Sustainable Biotechnology since 2020. Prior to their tenure at Edinburgh, they were a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Leeds in 2007 and a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Glasgow in 2010.
Research interests
Louise Horsfall's research focuses on synthetic biology and biotechnology. They are particularly interested in novel enzymes, protein engineering, and directed evolution.