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BEYOND THE PHD: INDUSTRY PATHWAYS WEBINAR SERIES
As part of the NBIC BITE PhD Training Programme, since March 2026 we have delivered four sessions in our 
new ‘Beyond the PhD: Industry Pathways’ webinar series, giving PhD researchers the opportunity to explore 
careers, research and development (R&D), and innovation beyond academia.The series is open to PhD 
researchers across NBIC research partner institutions, including those not enrolled in the BITE Programme. 
The four webinars have featured industry experts from sectors including water, energy, industrial microbiology, 
consumer health and digital innovation. Speakers have included Amanda Lake, Global Principal in Water Resource 
Recovery at Jacobs; Reinhard Dirmeier, Manager for Industrial Microbiology at bp’s Biosciences Center; David 
Bradshaw, Innovation Principal Scientist at Haleon; and Bhavik Barochia, Senior Digital Water Consultant at Arup. 
Each session offers a real-world perspective on R&D beyond academia, exploring career journeys, 
the transition from doctoral research into industry, and how scientific expertise can address industry 
challenges. The diversity of speakers and sectors has given participants a broad understanding of 
the career pathways available and how scientific skills can be applied outside academia. 
The webinars also explore the application of biofilm research and related expertise in industry, highlighting 
challenges, unmet needs and opportunities for innovation. Interactive Q&As allow participants to ask 
practical questions about careers, industry research and translating PhD skills into non-academic roles.
BIOFILM BREAKTHROUGHS: PARTNERING FOR NEXT-GENERATION BIOFILM CONTROL
On 22 April 2026, NBIC held Biofilm Breakthroughs: Partnering for next-generation 
biofilm control in partnership with the University of Nottingham Centre for Healthcare 
Technologies (CHT). The interactive half-day workshop brought together HealthTech and 
MedTech industry innovators with leading researchers at NBIC’s Nottingham Hub. 
The event focused on challenges posed by biofilms in medical technologies, including device 
contamination, infection risk, product reliability and patient safety. Participants explored 
opportunities to apply expertise in biofilm detection, diagnostics, biosensing, surface engineering 
and advanced imaging to develop safer and more reliable medical technologies. 
The programme included research and industry flash presentations, funding advice, speed networking 
and informal networking, creating opportunities for participants to share challenges, exchange ideas 
and identify potential collaborations. The workshop also highlighted support for early-stage industry–
academia partnerships, including opportunities through the NBIC Innovation Challenge Fund and 
eligible funding through UKRI’s Impact Accelerator Accounts. Overall, the event connected industry 
and academic expertise, supporting collaborative R&D and new approaches to biofilm control.

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