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Accessibility statement
An image to illustrate the Life, Health and Chemical Sciences research area
The School of Life, Health and Chemical Sciences brings together world-class researchers from the disciplines of neuroscience, cancer biology, cardiovascular biology, global health studies materials chemistry and educational research.
The School undertakes to develop internationally recognised interdisciplinary research within key areas of the biomedical sciences, bioinformatics, analytical sciences and materials chemistry. Our research focuses on the design of novel therapeutic agents and diagnostic tools, the molecular and cellular processes underlying diseases with significant impact in society, and the fundamentals of neurobiology and behaviour. Research in the School into novel materials is linked to multiple industrial applications, for example, healthcare technologies and sensor applications.
The School has a vibrant research culture that facilitates collaborative alliances across scientific disciplines. It provides a nurturing scientific home for doctoral and post-doctoral researchers at the outset of their careers and those seeking to achieve success in their fields.
We are committed to providing an integrated research support system of laboratories, and highly skilled technical staff in order to meet our scientific aims: to continue to forge technological and translational development partnerships and to train the next generation of scientists.
The additional value we can offer to candidates in these areas is the increasingly integrated approach taken by The Open University across STEM subjects. Cross-faculty collaboration provides unique opportunities for interdisciplinary research, science outreach and science communication.
Most of our full-time research students are based at our Milton Keynes campus; for details of residence requirements for different modes of study see Full-time study and Part-time study.
Our centralised research facilities also include support for microbiology, biotechnology, protein preparation, DNA sequencing, real-time PCR, a gel documentation system for quantitative nucleic acid detection and other fluorescent studies, cryopreservation, scintillation and gamma counting, fluorescence and luminescence cell-based assays, photographic facilities (print and X-ray) and digital image processing. Experiments involving radiochemical work are performed in both ‘controlled’ and ‘supervised’ areas to comply with current legislation.
The laboratory complex has a purpose-built seminar room for research seminars, meetings and journal clubs.
Explore specific areas of research, current and prospective projects, entry requirements, fees and funding, available supervisors, how to apply and contact details for advice.
Cancer biology
Cardiovascular research
Chemistry and materials
Global health and development research
Neuroscience and behaviour
Research in STEM education
Consider linked topics from other research areas.
Health systems and development
Mathematical biology