Cell and Developmental Biology

We research how cellular and molecular processes combine to regulate the development and functioning of animals and plants.
We carry out research on animals, plants and microorganisms across a broad range of areas from cell and developmental biology, structural and molecular biology to evolutionary biology and biodiversity.
We research how cellular and molecular processes combine to regulate the development and functioning of animals and plants.
Our research focuses on a fundamental understanding of the molecular processes of life, especially those involved in health and disease.
We address questions related to the origins and mechanisms of antibiotic resistance, disease epidemiology and evolution.
Our research covers issues across the temporal and spatial scales.
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.
Scientists at the Milner Centre for Evolution looked at the evolution of the virus that causes Covid19; their findings could help the design of a new vaccine.
CiteAb, a new impartial citation-based search engine, is shaking up the $2 billion antibody industry.
Bath researchers collaborate with Sapience Therapeutics to find new treatments for cancer cell targets that don't respond to other drugs.
Bath scientists have discovered a series of protein structures that are thought to be highly relevant to the onset of Parkinson’s disease.
For the first time, scientists have added microscopic tracking devices into the interior of living cells, giving a peek into how development starts.
Overuse of antibiotics, high animal numbers and low genetic diversity from intensive farming increase the risk of animal pathogens transferring to humans.
Our research centres build a lively research community across intra- and interdisciplinary fields.
We are a unique, cross-faculty research centre bridging biology, health and education.
We translate living systems into mathematical models in order to make quantitative predictions and inform biological experiments.
Our mission is to improve cancer patient outcomes by fostering links between Bath’s scientists and clinicians.
We also support research in faculty- and university-wide interdisciplinary research centres.
Our research focuses on all parts of the bioprocess from fundamental biology to industrial scale-up, addressing challenges in food, sustainability and health.
We develop technologies to improve biomedical diagnosis, environmental monitoring, industrial bio-processes and our understanding of biological functions.
We transform innovation, arisen from basic research, to diagnostics and prognostics, medicines design and delivery, leading to personalised medicine.
An interdisciplinary research centre for the modelling and analysis of complex interacting systems.
The Institute for Mathematical Innovation delivers multi-disciplinary and mathematically grounded research for real-world, societal and industrial challenges.
A multidisciplinary centre that brings together researchers with a strong interest in sustainability.
Explore our state-of-the-art facilities available for teaching, research and industry with expert support from University staff.
We combine cutting-edge analytical equipment with extensive in-house expertise to provide a comprehensive material and chemical characterisation service.
This GW4 facility is located in Bristol and provides access to cryo-microscopy and analysis tools to study molecular processes responsible for cell function.
A multi-user facility providing protein expression and purification services to researchers across the University and beyond.
The Milner Genomics Centre provides genome sequencing and analysis for evolution research.
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.
SWBio DTP in food security & bioscience trains PhD students in the biosciences for leadership positions in academia, industry and beyond.
The GW4 BioMed MRC Doctoral Training Partnership aims to develop both medical and non-medical students into the next generation of medical researchers.
NERC GW4+ DTP in environmental sciences is a community of Earth, Environmental and Life Scientists.
Find out about our PhD degrees, funding opportunities and how to apply.
We support and enrich the experience of our doctoral researchers and play a key role in developing policy and strategy relevant to doctoral study.
Find out how to apply for PhD funding opportunities offered by the Evolution Education Trust in conjunction with the Milner Centre for Evolution.
Apply now for one of our academic positions.
Find out more about research consortia in which we participate.
Find out more about some of our major research grants.
EvoGenMed - Evolutionary genomics: new perspectives and novel medical applications
An integrated approach to explore a novel paradigm for biofuel production from lignocellulosic feedstocks
Vicky Hunt - The Role of Small RNA Pathways in Regulating Aspects of the Parasitic Lifestyle and Host Environment by Strongyloides Nematodes
Rethinking the neural crest - a novel dynamic hypothesis of neural crest fate restriction
Two-stage genome-wide 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) reprogramming during colorectal carcinogenesis and liver metastasis
Sapience Therapeutics, a biotechnology company discovering and developing peptide therapeutics to treat "undruggable" cancer, renews drug discovery pact.
Find out more about our spin out companies, which resulted from commercialising our research.
CiteAb is a leading life science data provider used by researchers and commercially by many of the world’s leading reagent suppliers and investment companies.
BLOC Laboratories has created a suite of software tools to help researchers working with biomolecules to rapidly advance the understanding of their system.
Prof Tamás Székely founded a successful biodiversity conservation NGO in Cape Verde for which he served as President between 2010 and 2018.
Specialisms in the department include cell & developmental biology, medical & industrial biotechnology, infection & immunity and evolutionary biology & biodiversity.
The outstanding quality of our research is reflected in the level of external funding from UK Research Councils, medical charities, European Union and industry, as well as publications in top international journals (Nature, Science, PNAS and PLoS Biology).