Faculty successes

05 Jun 2025

Celebrating recent achievements and breakthroughs from across the Faculty

Future-proofing agriculture: scientists look to biotechnology to improve crop resilience and nutritional value

A new project, co-led by Dr Joshua James and Professor Patrick Cai of the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology at The University of Manchester, in collaboration with the John Innes Centre and Earlham Institute, will look at how engineering biology technologies can be developed and used to help feed a growing population while protecting crops against climate change-related catastrophes and pests. The project will focus on potatoes, a staple crop for millions of people. Read more.

Clara Cheung delivers keynote at Women’s Pavilion, Osaka-Kansai Expo

Clara Cheung, Reader in Engineering Management, was invited to speak at the Women’s Pavilion at the Osaka-Kansai Expo, delivering a keynote address on the theme ‘Technology for people: women leading a human-centred future’. She also took part in a panel discussion focused on advancing gender equality, contributing her insights on creating more inclusive and equitable futures.

Professor Vahid Niasar begins term as President of InterPore

Vahid Niasar, Professor and Chair of Subsurface Engineering and Porous Media Physics and Deputy Head of Research of School of Engineering, has officially begun his two-year term as President of the International Society for Porous Media (InterPore), starting in May 2025. InterPore is a global network dedicated to advancing research into porous media which play critical roles in sectors ranging from energy and the environment to health and industry. As President, Vahid will help steer the Society’s mission to deepen understanding of the behaviour of porous materials.