PhD student looking at experimental results in the laboratory

Kent/Jason Dodd.

Research

Our internationally acclaimed research promotes the understanding of human diseases and how living systems can be of benefit to human society.

World-leading research

Within our collaborative research community, the School offers an inspiring environment where researchers at all levels can produce their best work.

An impressive 93% of our active research staff submitted to the 2014 Research Excellence Framework and 88% of this research was classed as 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent'.

Our research is focussed on biological processes at the molecular and cellular level and spans the disciplines of biochemistry, genetics, biotechnology and biomedical research. The five main research themes within the School are:

Each theme is supported by specialist facilities.

Human immune system reduces potency of antibiotics

"The human immune system can profoundly affect the activity of antibiotics"

Research groups and interdisciplinary centres

Cancer and ageing

Industrial biotechnology

Evolution, reproduction and genome organisation

Cellular architecture and dynamics

Infectious diseases

Industrial Biotechnology Centre (interdisciplinary)

Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies of Reproduction

Artificial voice box patient, photographed with his wife

Research shows a new approach to cancer treatment

"Our new study establishes the basis for a potentially exciting new approach to treatment."

Making a difference

Our researchers regularly collaborate with medical companies and clinicians. In recent times, this work has contributed to improvements in drug discovery, diagnosis, treatment and aftercare for a wide range of medical conditions, such as cancer, infertility and infection.

Biopharmaceutical manufacturers have also applied our research to create new diagnostics, novel medications and complex, high-value products.