To achieve truly sustainable integrated biorefining the entire value chain of the process from feedstock to production to material disposal has to be designed, evaluated and optimised. Red clover, a legume, has the potential to play a significant role in supporting truly sustainable integrated biorefining. The commercial partner, Verzyme (UK) Ltd, has considerable interest in developing the application of red clover as both a feed stock for integrated biorefining but also a host for heterologous protein production i.e. industrial enzymes in a red clover leaves post harvest under controlled conditions. The proposal has two principal goals: 1. develop clover as a potential feedstock to support integrated biorefining, where clover proteins can be used for the production of bio-plastics; 2. Identify clover lines which support enhanced production of heterologous protein production in clover leaves under post harvest conditions; A common feature of the two goals is to develop an understanding of the biochemistry and physiological response of red clover under post harvest conditions. This will involve developing an understanding at the molecular and biochemical level of the processes which are initiated when clover leaves are detached, with the goal of preserving the integrated of the leaf /cell until down stream processing is applied. The project has three broad objectives: (i)Inter-cropping strategies between red clover (Trifolium pratense) and oats (Avena sativa ) will be evaluated and optimised, with a view to obtaining a cereal harvest and a red clover harvest during a single season thereby maximise the benefits of reduced inputs. To achieve this, cropping strategies, seeding densities, and establishment strategies will be defined which support the growth of red clover as an intercrop with oats. The optimal configuration will allow a cereal being sown into an establish crop of red clover, in the spring after an early cut of clover. The cereal establishes, and is harvested late summer, allowing the red clover to recover and a second cut taken. (ii)To improve post harvest stability of red clover to enhance its utility as a feedstock to support sustainable integrated biorefining. An extensive range of red clover germplasm including populations, breeding lines and varieties held at IBERS will be screened to evaluate the biochemical, molecular and physiological response under post harvest conditions, identifying lines with reduced rates of senescence. There is already a considerable body of work on gene expression and proteomics during natural senescence and post harvest response within red and white clovers this data will be mined to identify potential candidate genes. The selected genes will then be used as potential marker/indicators of the leaves response when detached. It is important to stress that while we refer to the process as senescence, detaching a leaf and following the response post harvest is not natural senescence, therefore it is likely that additional genes may be involved. To address this affy chip microarray will be used screen RNA populations from lines selected from the biochemical and physiological studies. Using the company's proprietary transient expression technology the expression of candidate genes will be modulated using a combination of RNAi and over expression strategies, with a view to verifying the gene functional role in post harvest stability (iii)The goal is to build on the identification of red clover lines with improved post harvest stability and performance. We will identify red clover lines which support enhanced levels of transient transcription and translation under post harvest conditions. To achieve this goal the company will provide proprietary expression technology which will support transient expression within a clover leaf/cell background. A range of molecular expression techniques such as Real time PCR and run off experiments coupled to protein quantification will be applied.

In redeveloping the EngD VEIV centre, we will be focussing on three themes in the area: - Vision & Imaging, covering the areas of computer-based interpretation of images. For example, object tracking in real-time video, or face detection and surface appearance capture. UCL now has a broad expertise in medical imaging (see description of CMIC), and also in tracking and interpretation of images (e.g. expertise of Julier and Prince who are on the management team). Previously we have supported several EngD projects in this area: e.g. Philips (structure from MRI), Sortex (object detection), Bodymetrics (body measurement from scanning data), where the innovation has been in higher-levels of interpretation of imaging data and derivation of measurements automatically. Two other projects highlight the rapidly developing imaging technology, with high-density sensors and high dynamic range imagery (e.g. BBC and Framestore). We have outline support from several companies for continuing in this area. - Media & Interfaces, covering real-time graphics and interactive interfaces. For example, the use of spatially immersive interfaces, or computer games technology. We have a growing relationship with a number of key games companies (EA, Sony, Eidos, Rebellion), where their concern or interest lies in the management of large sets of assets for complex games software. There is interest in tools for developing imagery (r.g. Arthropics, Geomerics). We also have interest in the online 3D social spaces from IBM and BT. A relatively recent development that we plan to exploit is the combination of real-time tracking, real-time graphics and ubiquitous sensing to create augmented reality systems. Interest has been expressed in this area from Selex and BAe. There is also a growing use of these technologies in the digital heritage area, which we have expertise in and want to expand. - Visualisation & Design, covering the generation and visualisation of computer models in support of decision-making processes. For example, the use of visualisation of geographic models, or generative modelling for architectural design. Great advances have been made in this area recently, with the popularity of online GIS tools such as Google Earth tied in to web services and the acceptance of the role of IT in complex design processes. We would highlight the areas of parameterised geometry (e.g. with Fosters and the ComplexMatters spin-out), studying pedestrian movements (with Buro Happold, Node Architects), visualisation of GIS data (e.g. ThinkLondon, Arup Geotechnical), and medical visualisation.These themes will be supported by broadening the engagement with other centres around UCL, including: the UCL Interaction Centre, the Centre for Medical Image Computing, the Chorley Institute and the Centre for Computational Science.The main value of the centre is that visual engineering requires cross-disciplinary training. This is possible with a normal PhD, but within the centre model inter-disciplinary training can embed the students' focussed research into a larger context. The centre model provides a programme structure and forums to ensure that opportunities and mechanisms for cross-disciplinary working are available. The centre also provides an essential role in providing some core training; though by its nature the programme must incorporate modules of teaching from a wide variety of departments that would otherwise be difficult to justify.

Doctoral Training Partnerships: a range of postgraduate training is funded by the Research Councils. For information on current funding routes, see the common terminology at https://www.ukri.org/apply-for-funding/how-we-fund-studentships/. Training grants may be to one organisation or to a consortia of research organisations. This portal will show the lead organisation only.