Skip to main content

Department of Life Sciences research

Our research spans a diverse range of areas, from drug discovery science and healthcare, to evolutionary biology and biodiversity.

Research divisions

These research themes bridge across the Department, enabling new opportunities for wider collaboration.


Three students in white lab coats working in the lab

Life Science Education

We develop and share innovative, evidence-based teaching, support professional growth, strengthen our academic community, and promote educational research.

graphic abstract image of microscope and science equipment

Medicines Discovery & Development

We advance global health with innovative medicines, integrating molecular design, structural biology, and novel delivery systems for safer, effective therapies.

graphic abstract of magnifying glass

Systems Medicine and Population Health

We advance drug delivery, precision health and medicine safety using innovative methods integrating bioinformatics and clinical data to improve equity and care.

Our research centres

Our research centres build a lively research community across intra- and interdisciplinary fields.


Members of the Centre for Mathematical Biology in a group smiling to camera

Centre for Mathematical Biology

From cell behaviour to ecosystem dynamics, we use mathematical modelling to help better understand living systems, making predictions and informing experiments.

CR@B logo

Cancer Research at Bath

Our mission is to improve cancer patient outcomes by fostering links between Bath’s scientists and clinicians.

Close up

Consortium for Precision Health

We transform innovation, arisen from basic research, to diagnostics and prognostics, medicines design and delivery, leading to personalised medicine.

Research impact Allied Health Professions, Dentistry, Nursing & Pharmacy

99% of our submitted research activity was ranked as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF2021).


Research impact Biological Sciences

100% of our research environment achieved a 4* or 3* rating, defined as 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent' in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF2021). Learn more about how our research helps to shape a better future.


Our facilities

Explore our state-of-the-art facilities available for teaching, research and industry with expert support from University staff.


A picture of the AKTA GO machine with the computer screen visible showing the protein purification result

Biotechnology Facility

A multi-user facility providing protein expression and purification services to researchers across the University and beyond.

Doctoral training

We offer projects over a broad spectrum of subject areas. Projects are available as part of Doctoral Training Partnerships as well as on an individual basis.