The UK rapeseed oil market continues to grow and the increased oil production to meet the demand is associated with high amounts/volumes of by-products being created. These by-products may provide an important biological resource if processed in an effective and sustainable way to make new products to generate greater economic and social value.
Rapeseed press cake (by-product of cold pressed oil production), normally used for animal feed, could be alternatively used as feed for insects, addressing the increased global demand for production of novel protein-rich ingredients and the sustainable use of raw materials with a small environmental footprint, and a higher nutritional and economic value. There is, therefore, great potential for increased valorisation of rapeseed press cake by exploiting such rich source of valuable nutrients contributing to the creation of circular opportunities and progress towards a ‘zero-waste’ approach to the production of cold pressed rapeseed oil.
The aim of the project is to valorise rapeseed press cake by i) establishing conditions for its use as feedstock for production of enriched insects; ii) developing and optimising “green” water-based technologies for extraction of bioactives from press cake before its use as feed; iii) establishing an evidence-base for new food product development (NPD) using insects’ derived components and for biologically active extracts; and iv) assessing the cost-benefit associated to its valorisation.
This PhD Scholarship is a 4-year PhD funded through an IBioIC Collaborative Training Partnership (CTP). The IBioIC CTP training programme aims to ensure that students are fully equipped with both the commercial and technical skills required to meet the demanding needs of a career in biotechnology and to significantly contribute to the growth of the industry. Potential candidates are advised to visit the IBioIC CTP website (www.ibioicctp.com) to familiarise themselves of what is required as part of the programme. The successful applicant will be awarded a 4-year studentship including full tuition fees (UK rate) and a tax-free maintenance stipend (currently £15,285 per annum). The PhD Studentship, which will commence no later than 30th September 2021, will also include a mandatory industry placement (minimum 3 months) hosted by the Industrial Partner Mackintosh of Glendaveny (Peterhead, Aberdeenshire). Candidates should have (or expect to achieve) a First Class Honours undergraduate degree and/or an excellent postgraduate qualification in biological sciences, industrial biotechnology, food science/technology or related subjects. Potential applicants should, in the first instance, make email contact (including a CV) with the Principal Supervisor, Dr Giovanna Bermano ([Email Address Removed]), to discuss the project. Please note that this position is only open to applicants with settled status in the UK.
Applicants’ data may be shared in an anonymised fashion between project partners and the funding bodies.
How to apply
If interested, please apply via the portal below and include a CV, a covering letter/personal statement of interest and at least 2 references
Interviews will be held in the first week of May by video conferencing.
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