The Department is divided into two research areas centred on Biomedical Sciences and Biodiversity. Within the biomedicine field, work is concentrated in neurosciences, cellular immunology, the biology of ageing, gene expression and psychology. Most of our research concerns key strategic areas identified by UK research councils. Notably, we have been very successful in winning funding from the highly competitive BBSRC strategic funding initiatives into Ageing (SAGE, ERA), neural function (NEURONE) and BIOIMAGING. We have also increased our funding from research charities such as the Multiple Sclerosis Society, the Wellcome Trust and the Leverhulme Trust. We have developed a number of new links with Industry (GlaxoSmithKline, Regen, Bristol-Myers-Squibb). Much of our research is based on very successful collaborations with other universities and institutes and with industry, both nationally and internationally. Through our regional centre in Cambridge, we maintain close links with the Cambridge Genetics Knowledge Park and the i10 network.
Within Biomedical Sciences, we have research groups working in several whole organism models as well as primary cell models, particularly with primary neuronal and glial cell types. We can offer microscopy systems (EM, confocal and time-lapse) integrated with advanced image analysis and 3D reconstruction software. Model experimental systems are established for the study of neuronal structure and development, biochemical and electrophysiological aspects of learning and memory, cellular immunology and cell migration, organismal and cellular ageing and genetic instability. These models range from mammalian systems to the fruit fly Drosophila and yeast. The close association between organ and cell culture, microscopy and analytical facilities (genomic, genetic, immunological and biochemical) supports interdisciplinary research strategies, allowing parallel investigations from whole organism to the molecular level. New researchers are working in tissue engineering and developmental biology and we have recently been joined by a group of cognitive psychologists.
The department has extensive and very well-equipped laboratories. We have recently benefited from a major SRIF-2 refurbishment and additional instruments. Re-equipment of the electron-microscope suite is planned as part of a SRIF-3 programme. In addition there is an active academic programme of seminars with external speakers, a weekly biomedicine journal club, regular research group meetings and presentations of research in progress.
All members of academic staff are engaged in the development and presentation of courses, which may involve working with academics from other departments or faculties. During course production we also interact with a highly talented group of editors, illustrators and software designers to produce high quality course materials in a variety of media.
