The Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, the oldest in Europe, has been a beacon of excellence for teaching and research since it was created in 1905. The fusion of the full breadth of biochemical research with systems-based studies, which encompasses everything from multi-'omics, data analysis and structural biology through to synthetic biology and artificial intelligence, gives our department world-leading attributes. These are enhanced by outstanding research facilities and a strong desire to communicate our findings with the outside world.

Overview

Our research into fundamental biochemistry and systems biology puts the cell's chemistry into the context of the whole organism in normal and diseases states. By understanding the causes of a disease, we can control symptoms or eradicate it.

The key principle behind our research is the recognition that to elucidate cell, organ or organismal function in health and disease requires an integrated approach utilising the best available cutting-edge technologies.

We offer intense PhD training programmes with exposure to a wide range of technologies. Much research is multidisciplinary with strong collaborative links within the Institute and also to physical, chemical and clinical sciences across the Liverpool campus. We use technologies such as electrophysiology, biosensors, proteomics, transcriptomics, NMR, X-Ray crystallography, enzyme assays, confocal microscopy, nanoparticles, protein structure modelling and molecular biology.

Many of our students are recognised for the role they play in communicating their science to the wider community. On completing their PhDs our students have taken competitive post-doctoral positions in the UK and abroad, or career paths in the NHS, government or the commercial sector.