Biological Sciences PhD

Key insights into a research degree in Biological Sciences:A diverse and international postgraduate research communityStrong and international links with research institutions and organisationsStrong links with stakeholders e.g., the National Health ServiceSupportive and inclusive learning and research training environmentDedicated, state of the art research facilities at our St John’s CampusSupervisors involved in cutting-edge research and consultancy in their fieldTailored supervision and support through the Researcher Development Programme (RDP)We conduct impactful Biochemistry research that promotes improvements in human disease diagnosis and patient risk stratification. Our specialist multi-national Human Biology research focuses on corroborating links between nutrition and long-term health conditions that impact global health economics. We also have links with industry that enable us to develop novel laboratory workflows and in vitro in silico modelling systems, and these allow the exploration of deeper research hypotheses regarding molecular and cellular function. Our Plant Biology research in plant–microbe interactions focus on advancing sustainable crop protection and food security; and our work on small RNAs strengthens understanding of plant immunity. We also conduct impactful translational breeding research that applies molecular markers to develop climate-resilient crops. We also specialise in biological control research focused on reducing reliance on chemical pesticides.