Cell and Developmental Biology
We research how cellular and molecular processes combine to regulate the development and functioning of animals and plants.
Department of Biology & Biochemistry research
We are one of the leading research-intensive biosciences departments in the UK.
Research themes
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.
Medical and Industrial Biotechnology
Our research focuses on a fundamental understanding of the molecular processes of life, especially those involved in health and disease.
Infection and Immunity
We address questions related to the origins and mechanisms of antibiotic resistance, disease epidemiology and evolution.
Evolution and Biodiversity
Our research covers issues across the temporal and spatial scales.
Impact from our Research Excellence
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.
We are mutating SARS-CoV-2, but it is evolving back
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.
Simplifying the search for successful antibodies
CiteAb, a new impartial citation-based search engine, is shaking up the $2 billion antibody industry.
Research boost to find treatments for 'undruggable' cancers
Bath researchers collaborate with Sapience Therapeutics to find new treatments for cancer cell targets that don't respond to other drugs.
Unique protein structures could hold the key to treatment for Parkinson’s disease
Bath scientists have discovered a series of protein structures that are thought to be highly relevant to the onset of Parkinson’s disease.
Nanodevices show how cells change with time, by tracking from the inside
For the first time, scientists have added microscopic tracking devices into the interior of living cells, giving a peek into how development starts.
Intensive farming increases risk of epidemics, warn scientists
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
Our research centres build a lively research community across intra- and interdisciplinary fields.
Milner Centre for Evolution
We are a unique, cross-faculty research centre bridging biology, health and education.
Centre for Mathematical Biology
We translate living systems into mathematical models in order to make quantitative predictions and inform biological experiments.
Cancer Research at Bath
Our mission is to improve cancer patient outcomes by fostering links between Bath’s scientists and clinicians.
Our Contribution to Other Research Centres
We also support research in faculty- and university-wide interdisciplinary research centres.
Centre for Integrated Bioprocessing Research
Our research focuses on all parts of the bioprocess from fundamental biology to industrial scale-up, addressing challenges in food, sustainability and health.
Centre for Biosensors, Bioelectronics and Biodevices
We develop technologies to improve biomedical diagnosis, environmental monitoring, industrial bio-processes and our understanding of biological functions.
Centre for Therapeutic Innovation
We transform innovation, arisen from basic research, to diagnostics and prognostics, medicines design and delivery, leading to personalised medicine.
Centre for Networks and Collective Behaviour
An interdisciplinary research centre for the modelling and analysis of complex interacting systems.
Institute for Mathematical Innovation
The Institute for Mathematical Innovation delivers multi-disciplinary and mathematically grounded research for real-world, societal and industrial challenges.
Centre for Sustainable & Circular Technologies
A multidisciplinary centre that brings together researchers with a strong interest in sustainability.
Our Facilities
Explore our state-of-the-art facilities available for teaching, research and industry with expert support from University staff.
Material and Chemical Characterisation Facility (MC²)
We combine cutting-edge analytical equipment with extensive in-house expertise to provide a comprehensive material and chemical characterisation service.
Cryo-EM - GW4 Cryo-Electron Microscopy
This GW4 facility is located in Bristol and provides access to cryo-microscopy and analysis tools to study molecular processes responsible for cell function.
Biotechnology Suite
A multi-user facility providing protein expression and purification services to researchers across the University and beyond.
Milner Genomics Centre
The Milner Genomics Centre provides genome sequencing and analysis for evolution research.
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.
BBSRC South West Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (SWBio DTP) in food security & bioscience
SWBio DTP in food security & bioscience trains PhD students in the biosciences for leadership positions in academia, industry and beyond.
MRC GW4 BioMed Doctoral Training Partnership
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+ Doctoral Training Partnership in environmental sciences
NERC GW4+ DTP in environmental sciences is a community of Earth, Environmental and Life Scientists.
Postgraduate research degrees in biology & biochemistry
Find out about our PhD degrees, funding opportunities and how to apply.
Doctoral College
We support and enrich the experience of our doctoral researchers and play a key role in developing policy and strategy relevant to doctoral study.
Applying for an Evolution Education Trust PhD Studentship
Find out how to apply for PhD funding opportunities offered by the Evolution Education Trust in conjunction with the Milner Centre for Evolution.
Join us
Apply now for one of our academic positions.
Research Consortium
Find out more about research consortia in which we participate.
Major Grants
Find out more about some of our major research grants.
EvoGenMed
EvoGenMed - Evolutionary genomics: new perspectives and novel medical applications
Biofuel production
An integrated approach to explore a novel paradigm for biofuel production from lignocellulosic feedstocks
The Wellcome Trust - Henry Dale Fellowship
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
Rethinking the neural crest - a novel dynamic hypothesis of neural crest fate restriction
Role of 5hmC in colon cancer
Two-stage genome-wide 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) reprogramming during colorectal carcinogenesis and liver metastasis
Identification and Characterisation of Library Derived PPI Inhibitors
Sapience Therapeutics, a biotechnology company discovering and developing peptide therapeutics to treat "undruggable" cancer, renews drug discovery pact.
Our Spin out Companies
Find out more about our spin out companies, which resulted from commercialising our research.
CiteAb
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
BLOC Laboratories has created a suite of software tools to help researchers working with biomolecules to rapidly advance the understanding of their system.
FMB - Maio Biodiversity Foundation
Prof Tamás Székely founded a successful biodiversity conservation NGO in Cape Verde for which he served as President between 2010 and 2018.
Department of Biology & Biochemistry
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).