by Dr Samantha Law, Curator, NCIMB One of the reasons that I love being the curator of a microbial culture collection is the potential that exists within it. Microbial strains are at the heart of innovations with so many societal benefits – from foodstuffs to fuels, medicines and sustainable chemical production, we are really only just beginning to understand how microorganisms can benefit mankind. For companies and research groups working with microorganisms, years of research and development may have gone into strain selection and process optimisation, making microorganisms highly valuable, …
NCIMB at the European Congress on Biotechnology
NCIMB news, June 2026 NCIMB is heading to the European Congress on Biotechnology in Antwerp on the 28th July 2026. The conference programme brings together leading researchers, innovators and industry experts across four key thematic streams: Our Scientific Advisor Richard van Kranenburg will be presenting a poster, featuring two of NCIMB’s latest developments, to showcase how the potential from strains within the NCIMB culture collection can be unlocked to improve health. NCIMB’s extensive culture collection offers exciting potential for biotechnology applications and we offer a suite of services that support …
Celtic Renewables and NCIMB form new partnership to further advance biological processes
NCIMB news, 26 March 2026 Scottish bio-based chemical manufacturer Celtic Renewables is collaborating on a three-month project with Aberdeen-based microbiology company NCIMB. Celtic converts waste and by-products like potatoes and residues from whisky distillation into bio-based chemicals. NCIMB will work with Celtic Renewables on an initial 12-week project to assess candidate microbial performance using a range of feedstocks identified by the company, supporting the scale-up of their process. Currently, acetone and butanol are primarily derived from the petrochemical industry. Celtic Renewables aims to displace the use of fossil fuels by …
NCIMB attending the Microbiome Times Partnering Forum
NCIMB news March 2026 NCIMB is delighted to be attending the Microbiome Times Partnering Forum. The event, which is organised by the Microbiome Times Magazine will be held in Copenhagen March 18-19. We are looking forward to making new connections and highlighting the products and services we offer to support companies and researchers working in the microbiome arena in managing the microorganisms they work with. Our services include: At the event we will be seeking: To find out more visit our microbiome services web page or use the form on …
Two easy additions to strain engineering DBTL workflows to better understand and protect your microbial assets
By Dr Reuben Carr, Technology Commercialisation Manager, NCIMB Ltd. Acquiring precision genetic alignment between strain design and biological reality can be a challenge for microbial strain engineers. NCIMB’s technology commercialisation manager Dr Reuben Carr considers what is at stake, and the steps that can be taken to tackle this important issue. Precision engineered microbes provide sustainable and low carbon routes to the production of essential chemical feedstocks. They contribute billions to the global economy and help achieve industrial net zero targets. Whilst some precision engineered microbes are already put to …
NCIMB appoints Martin Gouldstone as Chairman
NCIMB news, December 2025 NCIMB, the Aberdeen-based microbiology company, is delighted to welcome Martin Gouldstone as chairman of the board. Martin was appointed on 10 November 2025 and brings a wealth of commercial and leadership expertise from drug discovery and contract research. His previous board and advisory roles include non-exec director for hVIVO, an AIM listed viral challenge services business; chair for ValiRx, an AIM listed Biotech company; and advisor to Alden Scientific post the acquisition of Oncimmune GmbH. NCIMB is a trusted provider of high-quality microbial products and services …