Biodesigning the future of scent experience using microbial organisms

Based at Central Saint Martins, UAL, in collaboration with Haeckels.

Project overview

Working with microbial organisms such as bacterial, algae, fungi and yeasts, this project aims to explore how scents of the future can be produced, designed and experienced. The interdisciplinary project will combine aspects of molecular biology, human and ecological health with biodesign and speculative design. The project is in collaboration with Haeckels; a microbial skincare and fragrance company based in Margate, UK.

The ability to smell is a commonly evolved trait amongst species in the animal kingdom. The odour perception of humans is governed by previous experiences and current psychological and physiological well-being. Scents have been proven to assist in the recall of memories and they have the capacity to arouse emotion. We have developed to subconsciously interact with our microbial neighbours through the scents they create, including geosmin after it’s rained and the smell of yeast throughout the bread making process. 

Perfume can have devastating effects on human and environmental health, the industry is resources heavy and synthetic molecules from fragrances have been found to contaminate aquatic ecosystems. Additionally, the turbulence of our climate is straining the perfume industry. Biotechnology-based production of fragrances could improve the planet-positive ambitions of the perfume industry.

Microbes, having regenerative capacities, are our chosen collaborator for this project as we believe they hold optimistic solutions to issues which are arising in the scent industries. How can we reimagine and redesign the future of scent experiences using biodesign. Here, we propose investigating the potential of microorganisms for the creation and design of scents and scent experiences which are beneficial for human and planetary health simultaneously.

Potential areas of research

• The historical, cultural and social significance of scent and scent experiences.
• Understanding the impact of scents and the scent industries on human and environmental health.
• Understanding how climate and environmental predictions will influence the scent industry.
• Investigating the potential of synthetic biology and microbial organisms for the production molecular scents.
• Establishing speculative and biodesign methodologies for reimagining the future of scent experiences.
• Developing experimental methods of microbial organism cultivation and fermentation for the production of microbial scents.
• Creating a microbial scent library archive with physical and digital archiving.
• Designing methods for communicating scent data visually and digitally.
• Reimagining the future of microbial scents using speculative narratives and biodesigned artefacts.
• Gathering feedback from local communities, customers and members of the public about the adoption of these innovative microbial scent experiences.
• Creating a film to communicate the research and design outcomes, making it accessible to wider audiences.

The PhD will take place at Central St Martins (CSM) and the candidate will have access to the Grow Lab, a Biological Safety Level 1 laboratory, as well as other making facilities at CSM.

Haeckels performance driven, environmentally conscious products and storytelling – rooted in the connection of innovation, sustainability and community. The candidate will have access to some of their facilities in Margate, Kent, including the microbial fermentation and scents formulations laboratories. The candidate will also benefit from a supportive and expert-guided environment within the field of scent development and microbial fermentation by the industry innovation leads. 

Supervision and research at UAL

The successful candidate will be supervised by Dr Alice Taylor as primary supervisor and Professor Carole Collet as second supervisor.

Dr Alice Taylor research is in the field of bioengineering technologies and One Health: the interconnection between human physical/mental health and the non-human ecosystem and planetary health.

Professor Carole Collet’s research inquiries are related to biomaterials, mycelium kinship, regenerative design, design for multi-species and biodiversity. The PhD student will join Living Systems Lab Research Group at CSM, UAL where both supervisors are members.

Haeckels, who are pioneering the new natural through skincare and fragrance will be an advisor to the project, offering access to facilities for scent development and experimentation.

Application Process

Applicants for this Studentship should first read the project brief and selection criteria in that document. In selecting applicants, the panel will be looking for skills and experience that directly address the themes and concerns outlined.

All applications for this studentship must be received by UAL by 20 May 2024.

PhD Applications submitted to the College where the project is based via one of the links below:

• Central Saint Martins PhD Full time
• Central Saint Martins PhD Part time

Applications should also include the following:

• The project title and reference
• A personal statement of up to one side of A4 demonstrating what they will bring to the project, how it fits with their skills, previous experience and interests.
• A CV to be uploaded to the UAL online application system
• A project proposal (no more than 1000 words) that addresses the ‘project brief’ as set out and articulates your particular emphasis or approach.

Your proposal should include the following:

1. Your focus/emphasis in relation to the Research Question(s)
2. Research context: Your how your proposed research relates to existing research on the subject
3. Methodologies/Methods that will be used
4. The contribution your research will make to your discipline and area of study
5. A short bibliography of any sources/publications you refer to in your proposal.

Interview

Applications selected for interview will be considered by a panel convened by UAL and the selected applicant will be offered a place at UAL.

The offer will include full supervision, mentoring and support from UAL and for the duration of studies.

We aim to recruit from diverse backgrounds, including race, disability, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion and belief.

Queries regarding these studentships: researchdegrees@arts.ac.uk