Tuesday, 02 September 2025
A pioneering initiative led by experts at the 糖心原创 and Nottingham Trent University, will support early career researchers in the UK working on obesity and metabolism.
The New Investigator Obesity and Metabolism Network (NOBLE), aims to create a UK-wide, community-led network that encourages collaboration, provides training, ensures access to world-class resources and expertise to drive collaborative, discovery science and answer the most pressing questions in the field.
Through a £570,000 award by the UKRI Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), NOBLE will provide flexible funding, including six grants (at a value of up to £20,000 each) for teams of new investigators across the UK to develop collaborative research ideas tackling the most important questions in the field and to develop these for larger funding awards. In addition, there will be 20 skill-sharing grants (up to £2,000 each) for PhD students and Postdocs to learn new techniques and drive knowledge exchange across the network
Training and capacity building are a key focus of this network. An MBA-level course will be developed in collaboration with the Business Schools at both Universities aimed at teaching new-investigators the fundamental business skills required for leading, growing and promoting research groups globally. Alongside this, the MAGnify+ summer school will be co-designed with postdocs from underrepresented groups to support their transition to independent roles.
The NOBLE network will be bolstered by support from industry leaders and local project partners, Sygnature Discovery and We Are Pioneer Group. As part of our goal to transform Nottingham into a hub for discovery science in the field they will provide members with training and support in drug discovery, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Ultimately, NOBLE seeks to transform how new investigators work in UK bioscience, creating a lasting model for collaborative, team-led research and innovation across the sector. By addressing overweight and obesity鈥攁 major health challenge affecting around 64% of UK adults鈥擭OBLE will drive scientific advances and improve lifelong health outcomes, setting a blueprint for future research networks.鈥�
Dr. Craig Doig, Co-Director of NOBLE based at the Centre for Systems Health and Integrated Metabolic Research, in Nottingham Trent University’s School of Science and Technology, said: “At this crucial and often challenging stage of their careers, emerging academics deserve a consistent, high-quality experience. Through NOBLE, we will unite academics during this pivotal period of independent development, fostering a supportive and collaborative community.
“By working together as a national cohort, the NOBLE community will enhance the early career researcher experience and drive both the quality and quantity of bioscience research across the UK.”
Professor Anne Ferguson-Smith, BBSRC Executive Chair, said: “Supporting the next generation of research leaders is vital to sustaining the UK’s world-class bioscience capability. Initiatives like NOBLE provide the tools, networks and collaborative opportunities that early career researchers need to thrive and tackle major challenges such as obesity and metabolic disease. By investing in people and fostering an environment where innovative ideas can flourish, we are helping to secure the future of UK bioscience and deliver real benefits for health and society.”
Story credits
More information is available from Dr Peter Aldiss from the School of Medicine at peter.aldiss@nottingham.ac.uk
Notes to editors:
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.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
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.