• Research and Teaching

Research lines

The PhD in Bioengineering programme is structured into seven research lines grouped into four large thematic areas. Together, the thematic areas cover the different IQS research groups recognised by the Government of Catalonia, the IQS Bioengineering Department laboratories, and the individual interests of the various professors in the programme.

Biological Chemistry and Glycobiology Area

  • Enzyme and bioinformatics engineering in glycobiology and biocatalysis.
  • Genetic and metabolic engineering of bacteria, yeasts, and microalgae.
  • Design and optimisation of bioprocesses to produce high value-added products.

View GQBB

Biomaterials Area

  • Biomaterials for transport in gene therapy and drug delivery.
  • Surface engineering and biomaterials for biomedical applications.

View GEMAT

Fabric Engineering Area

  • Tissue generation using biomimetic materials for biomedical applications.

Microbiology Area

  • Microbiology applied to biomedicine and food and water treatment.

Educational activities

The PhD in Bioengineering programme includes a series of activities that aim to advance the educational activities for students in the programme. As part of the requirements established for the doctoral programme, IQS places special importance on assisting its professors in terms of teaching, research, and management (through Teaching and Research Assistants), as well as offering them the opportunity to participate in seminars, conferences, and special courses of interest for doctoral students that are held at IQS. The range of educational activities in which students in the PhD in Bioengineering programme can participate includes:

  • Attending the Department of Bioengineering Conference Cycle.
  • Participating in teaching activities.
  • Participating in conferences and courses.
  • Teaching a seminar within the department.
  • Conducting research at another university.

Procedure for preparing and defending student research plans

Before the end of their first year, doctoral students must prepare a detailed Research Plan that includes a background statement, the objectives to be achieved, the methodology to be used, the necessary means, and the timeline for carrying out their research. This research plan, submitted in writing upon approval from the student's thesis supervisor and tutor, will be assessed by the Doctoral Programme Academic Committee during the evaluation of the doctoral student's first year. Doctoral students must submit their detailed Research Plan to the Doctoral Programme Academic Committee in a public session, followed by a round of questions from the committee's members.