The Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation and the MRC CoRE in Exposome Immunology are partnering with the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology (MIB) to launch the Manchester Immuno-Biotechnology Initiative (MImmBI)

While Manchester hosts world-leading expertise across immunology, environmental health, and biotechnology, collaborative work connecting these specific domains has traditionally been fragmented. Supported by the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, MImmBI will create a shared innovation space across the three institutes to build collaborative networks driving future funding.

Led by Dr Jonathan Worboys, the 12-month programme will bring together scientists from the Becker, MIB, and the MRC CoRE around three primary themes:

Synthetic Immunology & Molecular Sensing: Engineering biological circuits and biosensors to track and direct immune responses in real time.

Non-Destructive Analysis of Pollutants and Metabolites: Profiling how environmental pollutants and cellular metabolites interact with barrier immune tissues without destroying the sample.

Immunology-Focused Bioengineering: Building physical platforms and microfluidic tools to mimic or control complex immune micro-environments.

“Advances in biotechnology, bioengineering and synthetic biology are revolutionising how we do research. MImmBI will ensure immunology research in Manchester can employ these transformational advances and drive exciting innovations across our institutes.”  

Dr Jonathan Worboys – MIMMBI lead, Lydia Becker Institute

“Understanding and treating immune-mediated disease requires new approaches and new partnerships. MImmBI creates an exciting platform for researchers in Manchester to combine expertise in immunology, biotechnology and engineering, opening the door to innovative technologies and discoveries that will accelerate research and ultimately benefit patients.”

Professor Tracy Hussell – Director, Lydia Becker Institute

“I am excited about the opportunity to bring together researchers from across biotechnology and immunology to explore new ideas at the interface of our disciplines. Manchester has outstanding strengths in each of these areas, and MImmBI will create the connections and collaborations needed to develop innovative research programmes and future funding opportunities.”

Professor Anthony Green – Director, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology

MImmBI prioritises exploratory, upstream discussion over immediate project deliverables. Launching August 2026, the programme will feature cross-institute symposia and sandpit workshops. These sessions will allow immunologists to pitch biological and environmental questions directly to engineers and physical scientists, laying the groundwork for joint research agendas and future external funding bids.

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