New PhD programme launched to create bioscience leaders of tomorrow
The Wellcome Sanger Institute, alongside the Babraham Institute, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, and the University of Cambridge has announced a transformative new PhD programme: Bioscience South Cambridge doctoral training Partnership (BioSCaPe).
The BioSCaPe programme is designed to create the bioscience leaders of tomorrow by combining cutting-edge research with entrepreneurial and leadership skills. It emphasises innovation, collaboration, excellence and inclusivity. The programme will equip future biotech entrepreneurs, research leaders, or those committed to driving innovation in the industry, by providing the necessary tools, training, and community to make it happen.
From day one, students will be supported to grow professionally with access to bespoke programmes such as training at the Cambridge Judge Business School and Accelerate@Babraham at the Babraham Research Campus. They will also be able to undertake industry based placements and explore internships in other sectors with over 100 approved posts.
The first student to take up this opportunity at the Sanger Institute will be hosted by Head of Generative and Synthetic Genomics, Professor Ben Lehner and Group Leader, Professor Jussi Taipale. The goal of this PhD project will be to use massive scale experimental datasets to develop improved machine learning models for interpreting human genetic variation and, in particular, for predicting the biological mechanisms which cause disease. These models will improve the clinical interpretation of genetic variation and guide new experiments that continuously improve the models.
“It will be great to welcome the first student from this new programme into our labs later this year. Having a PhD researcher who is focussed on, not only AI and machine learning in genomics, but also the broader strategy and impact of their work is hugely exciting.”
Professor Ben Lehner, Head of Generative and Synthetic Genomics at the Wellcome Sanger Institute
“BioSCaPe is about giving scientists exposure to a wide range of academic and industry perspectives combined with strong skills development that combined will position them effectively to become the next generation of leaders. We are excited to bring together these areas of strength of the leading South Cambridge cluster and really excited about working with our partners to deliver a world-leading programme.”
Dr Alice Mann, Head of Academic Programmes at the Wellcome Sanger Institute
More information
The deadline for submission of applications is 26 February 2026.
For more information, please visit: BioSCaPe PhD programme | Babraham Institute and Mechanistic interpretation of human genetic variation using AI/ML at Babraham Institute (Cambridge) on FindAPhD.com
