University of Bath alumnus awarded OBE in 2026 New Year Honours
Former Bath student, Dr Alexander Rhys, has been awarded an OBE in the New Year Honours 2026 for services to healthcare and the LGBTQ+ community.
Department of Life Sciences
We deliver excellence in research and teaching across the spectrum of Life Sciences, from biology, biochemistry and biomedicine to pharmacy and pharmacology.
Latest news
Read about the latest research news and press releases from the Department.
Bath scientists design peptide ‘switch’ that keeps Parkinson’s protein in its healthy form
Researchers have engineered a molecule that prevents the clumping and build-up of Alpha-synuclein, a protein linked to Parkinson’s disease and other dementias.
New study uncovers how DNA damage can lead to Motor Neurone Disease
Insights into how a faulty gene makes neurones more susceptible to DNA damage could give new avenues for treatment.
Up to 1 in 4 vapes confiscated in schools contains spice - and these are pushed on social media
Up to one-quarter of vapes confiscated in secondary schools in England contain the dangerous synthetic drug ‘spice’, according to a new study led by Bath.
Roadmap for the start of human embryonic life
Dr Maki Asami and Professor Tony Perry from the Laboratory of Mammalian Embryology lay out a new framework for the beginning of development in mammals.
New technology developed by the University of Bath is a step towards swapping injections for pills
Protein therapies that currently must be injected, could in the future be taken as pills, thanks to new technology developed by the University of Bath.
Our research
Our research spans a diverse range of areas, from drug discovery science and healthcare, to evolutionary biology and biodiversity.
Biodiversity
Studying organisms across the five kingdoms, find out how our research is helping answer the big questions about past, present and future biodiversity.
Drug Discovery and Therapeutics
![The image shows a novel chimeric drug molecule [stick format], designed by combination of motifs from a naturally-occurring compound (purple) from Colchicum autumnale and a sex steroid oestrogen metabolite (blue) [spacefilling].](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54138633907_7e7fd2c8ce_b_d.jpg)
Through both prevention and cure, our research in drug discovery and therapeutics addresses the major health challenges of our times.
Evolution
We study the evolutionary process from micro to macro-evolution to resolve key problems in fundamental, applied and evolution education research.
Food Security
From plant immune systems to synthetic biology, find out how we're helping increase crop plant resilience against extreme temperatures, drought, and pathogens.
Infection and antimicrobial resistance
Discover how we're addressing the rapid rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the challenges of emerging microbes with epidemic and pandemic potential.
Life Course
From conception to death, our research addresses developmental and homeostatic mechanisms and the detection, treatment and prevention of their dysfunction.
Meet our researchers
Watch a series of videos from teams working across our research domains.
Hear directly from the people driving life sciences research at Bath. These short videos offer insight into their motivations, challenges, and the work that shapes their scientific journey.
Explore behind the scenes - into labs, fieldwork, and analytical processes - and gain a glimpse into our researchers' day-to-day lives working in their field.
Explore the researcher video gallery
Research with Impact
Our research is helping to change the world for the better. We work in partnership to help create a healthier, more sustainable and connected future for us all.
Stemming the flow of drugs into prisons
A multi-disciplinary team from Bath is developing the world's first portable device that detects synthetic drugs.
Study with the Department of Life Sciences
Find out about our undergraduate and master's courses, PhD degrees, and taught postgraduate courses for practising pharmacists.
Undergraduate degrees in Life Sciences
Learn more about our range of BSc and undergraduate master's courses, including biosciences, pharmacy, and pharmacology.
Master's courses in Life Sciences
We offer a range of master's courses including molecular biosciences, biotechnology and drug discovery.
Clinical Pharmacy Practice: programmes and courses for pharmacists
Part-time, practice-based learning for UK practising pharmacists at all career stages.
Postgraduate research degrees in Life Sciences
Find out about our PhD degrees, funding opportunities and how to apply.
Department of Life Sciences seminars
Find out more about the seminars taking place in the Department of Life Sciences.
View the schedule of our upcoming seminars
People, equality and diversity
We are firmly committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome a diverse population of both students and staff.
People in the Department of Life Sciences
Find a member of staff in the department.
Equality, diversity and inclusion in the Department of Life Sciences
The Department is firmly committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion.
School outreach activities
Details on how we engage with schools and communities.
Life sciences outreach activities
We offer a range of activities to local schools, colleges and communities.
Campus visits for schools and colleges
Explore our campus, meet staff and students, and learn what it's like to study at Bath.
About us
Five cross-disciplinary research domains are prioritised: biodiversity, evolution, food security, infection and antimicrobial resistance, and life course. These domains bridge across the Department, enabling new opportunities for wider collaboration and defining a new vision of Life Sciences.
Contact us
Ask us more details about our courses and research, and keep up-to-date through social media.