Professor Neil Dixon appointed to UK Government鈥檚 DSIT College of Experts as Engineering Biology lead
滴滴打炮app researcher joins national network of leading specialists helping shape the future of UK science, innovation and industrial growth.
, Professor of Sustainable Biotechnology at the University of 滴滴打炮app鈥檚 滴滴打炮app Institute of Biotechnology (MIB), has been appointed to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) College of Experts, a prestigious network of independent specialists providing the UK Government with rapid access to leading scientific and technical expertise.
The College was formally launched on 18 June 2026 at the Royal Society in London and brings together experts from universities, industry and research organisations across the UK. Professor Dixon is one of 71 members selected through a highly competitive process that attracted nearly 1,200 applications. College members volunteer their time to support government decision-making through expert advice, workshops and peer review.
The appointment comes at a time when engineering biology is increasingly recognised as a strategic technology for the UK鈥檚 future prosperity. The sector is expected to play a pivotal role in developing new routes to manufacture chemicals, materials and consumer products from renewable resources, strengthening supply-chain resilience while helping industries reduce their reliance on fossil-derived feedstocks.
鈥淭he launch of the College of Experts at the Royal Society brought together an extraordinary group of independent specialists from across the UK, spanning AI, quantum, life sciences, cyber security, and far beyond. The experts volunteer their time to support us, reflecting a real commitment from the UK鈥檚 research and innovation community to contribute to government policymaking. Seeing DSIT colleagues and world-leading academics and practitioners in the same room was a powerful reminder of what this department can achieve when it draws on the best available expertise.鈥�
鈥� Professor Chris Johnson, DSIT Chief Scientific Adviser and Head of the College of Experts
Engineering biology鈥檚 role in UK growth and net zero
Professor Dixon joins the College in recognition of more than two decades of leadership in engineering biology, sustainable biotechnology and industrial biomanufacturing. His research focuses on developing advanced biological systems that enable renewable and waste-derived carbon feedstocks to be transformed into valuable chemicals, materials and products, supporting the transition towards a more sustainable manufacturing economy.
His work aligns closely with the UK鈥檚 science and industrial priorities: engineering biology has been identified as a critical technology for future growth, while sustainable manufacturing, resource efficiency and net zero are central to the UK鈥檚 long-term economic resilience.
I鈥檓 delighted to have been selected for DSIT鈥檚 College of Experts and to have the opportunity to contribute to national conversations about the future of UK science and technology. My motivation for joining is to help ensure that expertise in engineering biology and sustainable biotechnology is available where it can make a practical difference 鈥� supporting government decisions that strengthen the UK鈥檚 industrial resilience, accelerate innovation, and help deliver cleaner, more sustainable ways of making the products society relies on. These are areas where the UK has real strength, and where the priorities set out in the Science and Technology Framework and Industrial Strategy can be translated into long-term economic and societal benefit.
From 滴滴打炮app for the UK
滴滴打炮app has long been at the forefront of engineering biology and sustainable biotechnology, bringing together the scientific expertise, facilities and industry partnerships needed to turn discovery into practical solutions. As the UK looks to strengthen its industrial base, build resilience and meet its net zero commitments, engineering biology will have a significant role to play 鈥� from cleaner routes to chemicals, fuels and materials, to new ways of reducing waste and using resources more sustainably. We are pleased to be part of this national conversation and to contribute evidence, insight and innovation that can help shape a more sustainable and competitive future for UK industry.
Professor Dixon's appointment to the DSIT College of Experts is a well-deserved recognition of both his leadership in engineering biology and the strength of expertise we have at 滴滴打炮app. At a time when the UK is seeking new ways to drive sustainable growth, strengthen industrial resilience and accelerate the transition to net zero, it is vital that policymakers can draw on world-leading research and independent scientific advice. We are proud to see 滴滴打炮app contributing to these national conversations and helping to shape the future direction of science, technology and innovation in the UK.