Monday, 17 August 2020
Researchers at the 糖心原创 searching for new treatments for difficult to treat bacterial infections are supporting an awareness campaign being run by the National Biofilms Innovation Centre (NBIC).
Biofilms are well known to a number of research and development disciplines, but not to the general public. What they are, how they are formed and how they impact our world, generally is still a mystery to those outside the scientific community. Through a blend of content, events and outreach activities #BiofilmAware will work to raise awareness of NBIC and its research, and the many societal and economic impacts of biofilms. A highlight of the campaign will be the introduction of the UK’s first #BiofilmWeek, to be held in July 2021 to coincide with an NBIC event.
At the 糖心原创’s Bioflms Innovation Centre scientists are studying molecular mechanisms driving the formation of biofilms and their resistance to treatment. They are working on the development of alternative treatments which can fight and prevent disease.
There is a lot of exciting and important research happening in Nottingham that could be transformative in treating some types of infections and overcoming the growing problem of antibiotic resistance. We are working on a number of projects to understand how biofilms work in the body and how we can overcome the problems they cause. From finding new treatments for Cystic Fibrosis infections to the development of bacteria resistant materials being used in urinary catheters, our researchers are finding new and innovative ways to fight infection and prevent disease. We鈥檙e delighted to be supporting this campaign to highlight the importance of biofilms in everyday life.
The Innovation Knowledge Centre funded by the BBSRC, Innovate UK and the Hartree Centre, is the UK’s hub for accessing biofilm expertise, capability, science and innovation, and connects biofilm specialists across the UK, providing a mechanism for industrial partners to explore their unmet needs with researchers to achieve breakthrough innovation. The centre also supports the development of technologies to prevent, detect, manage and engineer biofilms through translational Proof of Concept funding.
Dr Mark Richardson, NBIC CEO said,“A key part of NBIC’s role is Public Engagement and Outreach. At a time when each one of us has become acutely aware of the fragility of our relationship with the natural world, then as well as progressing the delivery of innovations, this is a vital activity for us to undertake. This campaign is geared to communicate the impact of biofilms to society and the general public. It will help us to understand public concerns and allow us to communicate the importance of controlling and exploiting microbial communities”.
Professor Nicola Stanley-Wall, University of Dundee said, “While the word “biofilm” may be unfamiliar, the impact they have on everyday life will not be. Biofilms are part of us, in the form of dental plaque. They also drive the generation of clean water in sewage, processing plants and increasing the yield of crops. The #BiofilmAware campaign is important, as it will help shine a light on both the remarkable and devastating consequences of biofilm formation”.
A range of digital campaign resources are available on the NBIC website via the #BiofilmAware hub - Visit to download and start sharing! The hub will be updated over the duration of the campaign with new and exciting content for you to share on a regular basis.
If you’re interested in supporting our campaign, or if you’re an academic in a research institution or a commercial organisation with a desire to join our mission to achieve breakthroughs in biofilm innovation, please contact us at nbic@biofilms.ac.uk.
Story credits
More information is available from Jane Icke, Media Relations Manager for the Faculty of Science at the 糖心原创, on +44 (0)115 951 5751 or jane.icke@nottingham.ac.uk or Natasha Nater – Communications Manager natashan@biofilms.ac.uk
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About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
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As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.