Dr William Davis Birch

Profile

I am a postdoctoral researcher and commercial lead for MicroMimetics, a microbiome research unit at the University of Leeds. With a background in mechanical engineering, I specialise in applying engineering design principles to biological challenges. I completed my PhD in 2023, developing MiGut – a scalable in vitro model of the human gut microbiome that enables high-fidelity testing of how ingredients and therapeutics affect the gut bacteria.

I now lead the commercialisation of MiGut, working with industry partners to validate microbiome-modulating supplements and therapeutics. I am establishing a dedicated microbiome research facility that bridges academic innovation and commercial application, offering both testing services and collaborative research opportunities. I am also a fellow of the Michael Beverley Innovation Fellowship, a programme supporting entrepreneurship among early career researchers at the University of Leeds.

Responsibilities

• MicroMimetics Commercial Lead

Research interests

My research focuses on developing innovative technologies addressing challenges in healthcare and biological sciences. My primary areas of interest include:

In vitro microbiome modelling

My main research focus is on the development and application of novel in vitro models of the gut microbiome. This work encompasses the design, validation, and commercialisation of platforms (such as MiGut) that enable high-fidelity testing of how interventions such as ingredients and therapeutics affect microbial communities. By combining engineering principles with microbiology insights, this research bridges the gap between fundamental microbiome science and commercial applications. This work continues to expand to include models of animal microbiomes (RoboHog – pig microbiome) and models of diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Frugal medical device engineering

I have contributed to the development of the LeVe CPAP system, a frugally-engineered respiratory support device designed developed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. LeVe provides effective continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy at accessible costs for resource-constrained healthcare settings in low- and middle-income countries. The device has been successfully deployed in clinical practice through partnerships with Mengo Hospital and Makarere University, Uganda, where we are currently exploring routes to local manufacture.

Interdisciplinary innovation

Across my projects, I apply mechanical engineering design principles to solve complex problems in biology and medicine, working across engineering, microbiology, clinical medicine, and commercialisation. My work emphasises creating practical, scalable solutions that can have real-world impact.

Qualifications

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering, University of Leeds (2019 - 2023)
• BSc in Mechanical Engineering, University of Leeds (2016 - 2019)

Research groups and institutes

• Healthcare Mechatronics
• Institute of Thermofluids