Is it possible to do a PhD in biotechnology with a thesis based on theoretical studies?

 Yes, it's entirely possible for a doctoral program in biotechnology to emphasize theoretical studies. While many biotechnology programs may have a strong practical or laboratory-based focus due to the nature of the field, there are also programs that emphasize theoretical aspects such as computational biology, bioinformatics, systems biology, or biostatistics.

Theoretical studies in biotechnology can involve:

    Computational modeling of biological systems: This includes using mathematical and computational methods to simulate and analyze biological processes, which can provide insights into how these systems function.

    Bioinformatics: This field involves the development and application of computational methods for analyzing biological data, such as DNA sequences, protein structures, and gene expression data.

    Systems biology: This interdisciplinary field aims to understand biological systems as integrated wholes, often using computational and mathematical approaches to study the interactions between components of biological systems.

    Biostatistics: Statistical methods are crucial in many areas of biotechnology, such as experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation of results. Biostatistics focuses on the application of statistical methods to biological data.

These theoretical studies can be just as important as experimental work in advancing our understanding of biology and developing new biotechnological applications. Therefore, it's not uncommon for doctoral programs in biotechnology to include a significant theoretical component, especially if the program is focused on these areas of study.