The impact of innovative food ingredients on the human gut microbiome and health at University of East Anglia

Primary supervisor – Dr Fred Warren

This project offers the opportunity to develop the next generation of microbiome targeted food ingredients. Working in collaboration between Quadram Institute and ADM, one of the worlds largest food ingredient suppliers, this PhD program will explore the impact of novel milling technologies on microbial accessibility of carbohydrates in food ingredients. Using cutting edge microbiome modelling techniques and bioinformatics approaches the studentship will explore the impact of these novel ingredients on gut microbiome composition and function. Using the latest in gut microbiome lab-based models and culture methods, the studentship will explore microbial dynamics, microbe carbohydrate degradation pathways and microbial binding to substrates. These findings will be placed into the context of human physiology looking at the impact on glycaemic responses and gut hormone signalling, e.g. GLP-1 and PYY, using advanced cell culture models. The partnership with ADM will give the student the opportunity for insights into how cutting edge research findings are translated into real world impact within a large multinational company.

The Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme (NRPDTP) is offering fully funded studentships for October 2025 entry. The programme offers postgraduates the opportunity to undertake a 4-year PhD research project whilst enhancing professional development and research skills through a comprehensive training programme. You will join a vibrant community of world-leading researchers. All NRPDTP CASE students undertake a three to 18-month placement with the non-academic partner during their study. The placement offers experience designed to enhance professional development. Full support and advice will be provided by our Professional Internship team.

This project has been shortlisted for funding by the NRPDTP. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on 3,4 or 5 February 2026.

Visit our website for further information on eligibility and how to apply: https://biodtp.norwichresearchpark.ac.uk/.

Entry requirements

At least UK equivalence Bachelors (Honours) 2:1. English Language requirement (Faculty of Science equivalent: IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category). 

Mode of study

Full time

Start date

1 October 2026

Additional Funding Information

This project is awarded with a 4-year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership PhD CASE studentship with Inspiralis Limited. The studentship includes payment of tuition fees (directly to the University), a stipend to cover living expenses (2025/6 stipend rate: £20,780), and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000pa for each year of the studentship.