Innovate UK Funds Biofilm Alliance Initiative
The National Biofilms Innovation Centre (NBIC), in collaboration with Manchester Metropolitan University, Swansea University and Industrial Microbiological Services Limited, is excited to announce that it has secured funding from Innovate UK for the Biofilm Alliance, an initiative aimed at bridging the gap between biofilm research and regulatory science.
The Biofilm Alliance is a collaborative network that will bring together academia, industry experts, metrology institutes, regulatory bodies, and standardisation agencies to address the urgent need for standardised methodologies and regulatory frameworks in biofilm control and prevention technologies.
Microbial biofilms pose substantial challenges across numerous sectors, with global economic impacts estimated at US$5 trillion annually. Despite these staggering figures, advances in biofilm control, prevention, and innovation have been slow due to the absence of regulatory frameworks, standardised protocols, and guidelines that account for the complexities of biofilms.
By fostering dialogue and collaboration among researchers, regulators, and industry stakeholders, the Alliance will focus on evaluating current methodologies and recommending best practices. The ultimate goal is to develop a suite of resources – underpinned by consensus among all key stakeholders – that will be accessible to industry innovators, regulatory professionals, and academic researchers alike.
Commenting on the funding, Dr Paulina Rakowska, lead on the project from the National Biofilms Innovation Centre, said:
“Innovate UK’s support recognises the critical need to standardise biofilm control methodologies and streamline regulatory processes. In the long term, the Biofilm Alliance will not only advance regulatory science but also drive innovation, ultimately benefiting a range of industries and protecting public health and the environment.”
With Innovate UK’s backing, the Biofilm Alliance is poised to transform the management of biofilm challenges, paving the way for more effective regulation, innovation, and economic growth across multiple sectors.
For further information please contact Dr Paulina Rakowska.