A Network for Regulatory Sciences, Academic Research, and Industry Collaboration
The Biofilm Alliance is an initiative funded by Innovate UK to create a transformative network dedicated to tackling the global challenges posed by microbial biofilms. By bringing together experts from academia, industry, metrology, regulatory bodies, and standardisation organisations, we aim to bridge the gap between state-of-the-art research and effective regulation, fostering innovation in biofilm mitigation and control technologies.
Mission
Biofilm Alliance is committed to creating a structured framework for regulatory science that will:
- Bridge the gap between scientific advancements and regulatory decision-making.
- Promote collaboration between researchers, regulators, and industry leaders.
- Support standardisation and the development of evidence-based tools.
- Provide training and resources to empower stakeholders navigating the regulatory landscape.
- Influence policy and regulation to support innovation and sustainable solutions.
Focus Areas
Biofilm Alliance focuses on four broad industry areas, where biofilms pose significant challenges:
- Industrial Processes: Addressing the impact of biofilms on manufacturing efficiency and contamination risks.
- Water Systems: Tackling biofilm formation in drinking water, wastewater treatment, wet leisure, and industrial water applications.
- Food: Managing biofilm risks in food production, processing, storage, and packaging.
- Built Environment: Understanding and mitigating the impact of biofilms in buildings and infrastructure.
Key Objectives
- Data Collection and Gap Analysis in biofilm-related regulations through surveys, interviews, and workshops, focusing on four key sectors: Industrial Processes, Water Systems, Food and the Build Environment.
- Development of an Expertise Register to connect regulatory and industry stakeholders with leading biofilm experts.
- Creation of a catalogue of regulatory tools to support regulatory decision-making.
- Provision of training modules and educational resources to support innovation and compliance.
- Working closely with UK regulators, such as the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), to address regulatory challenges and improve biofilm-related standards.
- Through comprehensive reports and active participation in regulatory discussions, we aim to shape policies that support biofilm innovation.
Contacts
National Biofilms Innovation Centre Paulina Rakowska
National Biofilms Innovation Centre William Green
Manchester Metropolitan University James Redfern
Swansea University Geertje Van Keulen
Industrial Microbiological Services Limited Peter Askew
Industrial Microbiological Services Limited Gillian Iredale
Partners
Join the Biofilm Alliance
The Biofilm Alliance invites researchers, industry stakeholders, regulatory agencies, and standardisation bodies to join us in this transformative effort. Together, we can unlock innovation and ensure biofilm control technologies are effective, safe, and compliant with regulatory standards. Have any questions or want to learn more about how you can contribute? Get in touch with us today and be part of the solution.
Dr Paulina Rakowska
Biofilms Standards and Regulatory Programme Manager
Paulina develops and manages external relationships with government and policy makers to deliver step changes in biofilm standards and regulations, and works with NBIC Co-Directors to identify and deliver investment to NBIC’s core partners that enable the development of biofilm standards and biofilm biobanks.