OU joins NBIC’s national biofilm research network

The Open University (OU) is proud to announce its inclusion in the National Biofilms Innovation Centre (NBIC) consortium as part of NBIC’s sixth accession round. This milestone sees 10 new UK universities and research institutions join NBIC’s growing network, reinforcing the UK’s position as a global leader in biofilm research and innovation.

Biofilms are structured communities of microorganisms (such as bacteria, fungi, or algae) that attach to a surface and produce a protective, sticky matrix. This matrix helps them survive in harsh environments and makes them highly resistant to cleaning, antibiotics, and other treatments. NBIC is a UK-wide research and innovation hub that brings together universities, research institutions, and industry partners to advance biofilm science and translate cutting-edge research into practical solutions for sectors such as healthcare, food, water, energy, and marine environments.

Professor Jo Slater-Jefferies, NBIC CEO, commented: “This latest round of accession reflects the extraordinary momentum behind our mission. Over the last eight years, we have built a truly national platform for biofilm innovation, uniting leading universities, research institutions and industry partners to accelerate discovery, strengthen collaboration, and translate world-class research into real-world solutions. What we are seeing is more than growth; it is the creation of an ecosystem that will shape the future of biofilm science and deliver lasting impact for industry, society and the global research community”.

The OU brings unique expertise in interdisciplinary research and distance learning, enabling NBIC to broaden its reach and impact. Dr Claire Batty, NBIC Academic Lead at The Open University, said, “Joining NBIC provides an exciting opportunity to collaborate on cutting-edge biofilm research and contribute to solutions that address global challenges. We look forward to working with partners across academia and industry to drive innovation and deliver societal benefits.”