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Finding solutions through collaborative systems

Here at King’s, we believe biological systems hold the key to solving some of the world’s most pressing problems. As a dynamic and rapidly growing hub for Engineering Biology, we deliver cutting-edge research with real-world impact, focused on designing and building new biological systems for solutions in healthcare, sustainability, and beyond.

To explore these opportunities, we have formed a cross-faculty research interest group in Engineering Biology. We are fostering a collaborative and multidisciplinary approach by building connections and bringing together expertise from a number of disciplines including: biology, chemistry, engineering, computer science and medicine.

We also actively seek collaborative partnerships with both academic institutions and industry to address critical global challenges; accelerate innovation; and fulfil our commitment to translating discoveries into reality.

What is Engineering Biology?

Engineering Biology is an interdisciplinary field that applies engineering principles to biology. It focuses on the rational design and construction of novel biological parts, devices, and systems with predictable functionality.

The field of Engineering Biology includes foundational research to deepen understanding of biological systems, alongside translational activities to accelerate the development of real-world applications. These real-world applications are wide-ranging and include:

  • Innovations in healthcare, such as gene therapies and engineered cells.
  • Environmental solutions, such as biodegradable materials.
  • Manufacturing advances, such as sustainable production of high-performance materials.

Ultimately, engineering biology offers transformative potential across sectors by enabling high-impact solutions to important global challenges.

Learn more about our research areas on this page. 

Curious to find out more?

Contact the team to find out more about researching and studying Engineering Biology at King's.

eng-bio@kcl.ac.uk

Biomedicine: Engineering Biology for a healthier future

Engineering Biology is revolutionising biomedicine, offering powerful new tools to diagnose, treat, and prevent disease. At King’s, we are situated at the heart of one of the world's leading health research ecosystems, where our interdisciplinary research bridges biology, engineering, and clinical insight. Our researchers collaborate across disciplines to tackle important global health challenges, from drug delivery to medical devices, paving the way for innovative, engineered solutions that can transform lives.

A woman in a labcoat, working with a pipette

Biomanufacturing: Engineering Biology for next-generation biomanufacturing

We are leveraging the power of Engineering Biology to reshape the future of biomanufacturing processes. Our research tackles a range of important challenges, from the scale up of novel routes for nucleic acid and biologics manufacture, to optimising bioprocesses and waste-to-resource technologies. We integrate computational modelling, synthetic biology, process engineering, and systems engineering, and combine foundational science with cutting-edge technologies, to build the tools and frameworks needed for more efficient and environmentally responsible biomanufacturing.

Three women wearing lab coats in discussion

Sustainability: Engineering Biology for sustainable solutions

King’s is dedicated to harnessing the potential of Engineering Biology to address critical sustainability challenges. Our researchers are developing biological systems and tools to support cleaner, more sustainable ways of managing resources e.g. from wastewater recovery to development of biocatalysts that enable low-energy, low-waste chemical transformations. By embedding circular manufacturing principles into biological design, King’s is rethinking how materials are produced, used, and regenerated. With a focus on systems-level understanding and practical impact, our work is helping to lay the foundations for a more sustainable and resilient future.

Professor Harris Makatsoris and a PhD student examining equipment in an engineering laboratory.

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