National Biofilms Innovation Centre

The National Biofilms Innovation Centre (NBIC) is the UK’s national hub for research, policy, training and innovation in biofilm technologies. NBIC exists to create a fusion of world-class interdisciplinary research and industry partnerships to deliver breakthrough science and technologies to control and exploit biofilms. NBIC’s mission is to drive global leadership in biofilm research, training, and innovation by tackling key challenges crucial to the UK’s future prosperity. Biofilms are central to our most important global challenges – from infections, antimicrobial resistance and food safety to water security, marine biofouling and corrosion, and exert significant economic, social and environmental impacts estimated at $5 trillion per annum. NBIC was established in 2017 by four lead universities (Edinburgh, Liverpool, Nottingham and Southampton), with funding from BBSRC and Innovate UK. NBIC’s vision is to create a pioneering national centre by bringing together the founding universities, an expanded network of research institutions and industry partners, and fostering an inclusive approach that engages new companies and research organisations.