An illustration of interlinked molecules.

Internationally recognised research, teaching and learning in biological sciences.

The School of Biological Sciences is internationally recognised for our outstanding teaching and learning in biology and biomedical sciences, underpinned by world-leading research.

We are champions of team-based science, engaging in cutting-edge research and driving discovery biology through to real-world application, whether clinically, industrially or environmentally.   

Our research informs our innovative teaching and learning to address pressing global scientific issues. We educate students to be scientifically knowledgeable in biology and biomedical sciences, prepare the next generation of globally engaged scientists and leaders, and tackle diverse interdisciplinary research challenges with global impact. 

Led by the School of Biological Sciences, the University was ranked 5th nationally for biological sciences in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework. Our research explores a broad range of fundamental questions within the discipline of biological sciences, from basic science and discovery through to clinical trials. We translate our understanding of and discoveries within these disciplines into solutions helping to tackle global challenges.

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Our core goals

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Email: sbs.hub@manchester.ac.uk

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Email: ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk

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Our staff

See a list of all academic and research staff in our School.

Academic and research staff

Publications and outputs

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Research projects

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Our Divisions

Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine

The Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine’s objective is to gain a deeper insight into the processes involved in tissue formation and to develop innovative treatments that facilitate regeneration. The Division's members address fundamental questions in regenerative medicine, stem cell biology and the role of the extracellular matrix in the building and repair of tissues.

Our research encompasses a comprehensive range of areas, from the mechanisms underlying cell interactions with matrix in tissues to understanding tissue development, stem cell biology and regeneration.

Our findings extend to clinical applications, the development of engineered tissues and the delivery of novel cell and gene therapies for patient benefit. The work is multidisciplinary and collaborative, involving research into a wide range of organs and tissues.

Our research utilises cutting-edge enabling technologies, including super-resolution imaging, electron microscopy and structural biology, genomics, proteomics, genome editing, nanomedicine, cell and gene therapies, and engineering and materials solutions.

Division lead(s):

Read more about the research in our Division in Research Explorer:

Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine

Biology and regenerative medicine

Regenerative medicine focuses on applying insights from cell and developmental biology to repair, replace, or regenerate damaged tissues and organs due to disease, injury, or aging.

This multidisciplinary approach incorporates stem cells, biomaterials, and gene therapy across various models, including muscular dystrophy, peripheral nerve repair, scar tissue formation, and bone and cartilage regeneration.

Nanomedicine

This field aims to integrate nanotechnology, bioengineering, pharmacology, and cell biology to develop advanced, safe therapeutics and diagnostics.

By converging these disciplines, nanomedicine seeks to transform treatment strategies and enhance patient care.

Cell matrix biology

Dysregulation of the extracellular matrix is key in chronic disease pathogenesis. Our research explores the interactions between cells and their matrix environment, examining how biochemical and biophysical properties influence cellular functions and how factors like circadian rhythms and inflammation impact matrix health.

Research in this area is located in the Wellcome-funded Manchester Matrix Centre.

KNH Centre for Biomedical Egyptology

This Centre investigates ancient Egyptian societies through biomedical science. Employing advanced multi-omic techniques, it analyses degraded biological samples from historical remains.

The findings are integrated into modern teaching with virtual reality technology, enhancing the understanding of skeletal anatomy and its connection to disease.

Learn more: KNH Centre for Biomedical Egyptology website

See all research outputs in Research Explorer:

Division of Cell Matrix and Regenerative Medicine publications

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Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics

The Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics ranges from fundamental biological research into the evolution of molecules and organisms to applications of modern genomic techniques for the understanding, diagnosis and treatment of genetic disease in humans.

Our research is unified by the concept of the genome as a platform from which biological function and dysfunction can be understood. We seek to understand how changes in genes and genomes lead to changes in all forms of phenotype, ranging from speciation events to alterations in Mendelian and quantitative traits that underlie behaviour and disease.

Read more about the research in our Division in Research Explorer:

Evolution, Infection and Genomics

Microbial ecology and evolution

We study microbial ecology and evolution using experimental, genomic and computational methods to explore the molecular, cellular, population and community dynamics of microbial communities.

Fungi and fungal infection

Fungal diseases are poorly understood, with rising resistance to antifungal agents. Manchester leads global research on fungal respiratory and mucosal diseases with over 70 specialists.

Bacterial pathogenesis, antimicrobial resistance and immunity

Infections caused by bacteria, fungi and viruses are major causes of human disease. Our research addresses a triad of factors – host, pathogen and microbiome – to innovate discovery of new vaccines and biologics, adapt existing therapies, and improve diagnosis.

Viruses and phages

Viral infections pose major global health challenges. We are working to improve diagnosing, treating and preventing viral diseases effectively. Our research also addresses the evolution of bacteria and phage in microbiomes and phage therapy.

Genomics and genomic medicine

Our ability to rapidly sequence genomes underpins a new age of research, personalised medicine and pharmacogenomics. Our research covers areas from basic genomic research to developing treatments for genetic disorders.

Zoology and animal biology

We aim to understand the behaviour, physiology, conservation, ecology and evolution of animals using approaches ranging from applying genetic techniques to observing animal behaviour.

Microbial ecology and evolution 

Fungi and fungal infection 

Bacterial pathogenesis, antimicrobial resistance and immunity 

Viruses and phages 

Genomics and genomic medicine

Zoology and animal biology

See all research outputs from the Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics.

Transforming care for people with inherited blindness

Our research into the genetic causes of blindness has revolutionised clinical practice - leading to faster, more precise diagnoses and tailored genetic counselling for thousands of patients worldwide.

Read the case study : Transforming care for people with inherited blindness.

An icon of an eye with partial vision.

Advancing genomic medicine through international collaboration

A collaboration with Peking University has helped to boost genomic and genetic knowledge and skills in China while making a social impact on global healthcare systems.

Read the story : Advancing genomic medicine through international collaboration.

Multichannel pipette dropping liquid into a 96 well plate.

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Division of Immunology, Immunity to Infection and Respiratory Medicine

The Division of Immunology, Immunity to Infection and Respiratory Medicine (DIIIRM) is dedicated to cutting-edge research and innovative treatments. We focus on understanding how the immune system defends the body while preventing disease, alongside exploring respiratory disorders, their diagnostics, and novel therapeutic approaches.

Our team of world-renowned immunologists investigate a variety of immune cells, tissues, and diseases. Our research spans pre-clinical models to human clinical trials, particularly emphasising immune responses at barrier sites such as the lungs and gut.

We also delve into immunity against infectious diseases, including studies on viral and bacterial pathogens and protozoan parasites like malaria. Additionally, we are pioneering research in neuroimmunology and the crucial role of the microbiome.

In respiratory medicine, our discovery science ranges from understanding disease mechanisms to conducting clinical trials aimed at optimising treatments for common respiratory conditions. Our major research themes include asthma, COPD, respiratory symptoms, infections and allergology.

Collaboration is extensive between research groups. Indeed, the great breadth and diversity of immunology research at Manchester has been drawn together into a multidisciplinary research institute, The Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, emphasising how immunology plays an ever-increasing role in modern medicine, and giving more details on our areas of strength in immunology research.

Division lead(s):

Read more about the research in our Division in the Research Explorer:

Immunology, Immunity to Infection and Respiratory Medicine

Immunology and immunity to infection

DIIIRM is home to a world-leading group of immunologists working on different immune cells, tissues, and disorders, ranging from pre-clinical models to human translational immunology in the clinic.

Major strengths include the study of immune responses at barrier sites such as the lung, gut, oral cavity and reproductive tract. Immunity to infectious disease, particularly at barrier sites, is a focus, including viral and bacterial pathogens, protozoan parasites such as malaria and trypanosomes, and a major interest in helminth parasites.

Neuroimmunology is a rapidly growing area, as is the role of the microbiome in underpinning immune function.

Respiratory medicine

We conduct discovery science from disease mechanisms through experimental medicine to clinical trials aiming to optimise treatment of common respiratory diseases by enabling precision medicine.

Major themes in respiratory medicine are:

  • Asthma - Epidemiology and phenotype definition, genetics, diagnostic tests and biomarkers, circadian biology of asthma and chronotherapeutics, airway pharmacology. 
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) - Mechanisms in early disease, biomarkers, exacerbation phenotypes, airway pharmacology, links to lung cancer. 
  • Respiratory symptoms: cough and breathlessness - Studying neuronal processing of respiratory sensations, identifying targets for treatment, clinical trials of novel treatments, development and validation of clinical outcomes. 
  • Infections - Sepsis, early identification, preventing antimicrobial resistance, developing new treatments, for example for tuberculosis and fungal infections.
  • Interstitial lung disease - Ex-vivo models, novel molecular targets and mechanisms.
  • Cystic fibrosis - Airways physiology and methods of assessing disease progression, microbial and fungal infection and role of inflammation in both pulmonary and non-pulmonary manifestations of disease.

See all research outputs from the Division of Immunology, Immunity to Infection and Respiratory Medicine.

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Division of Molecular and Cellular Function

The Division of Molecular and Cellular Function (MCF) contributes widely to bioscience research and teaching across the University.

Our staff conduct world-class research and research-led teaching, while several staff direct undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes. MCF staff also contribute to the development of teaching and to supporting students through leadership roles within the wider University and Faculty.

MCF has research interests that focus on the molecular events that underpin many aspects of crucial cellular processes, including signalling, growth, response to stress, and reprogramming. The experimental models we use range from bacteria, plants, yeasts and Drosophila, through vertebrate models, to human cells.

We investigate dynamics of entire cells but also complex systems, such as membrane proteins at a molecular detail, facilitating state-of-the-art structural and biophysical methods, both computational and experimental.

Division lead(s):

Read more about the research in our Division in the Research Explorer:

Molecular and Cellular Function

Gene expression and signalling

Changes in gene expression underlie development, disease and evolution. Our overall aim is to understand the molecular basis to the complex and dynamic events underlying gene expression, and their significance in the context of organismal homeostasis, development and disease.

We combine biochemistry with population and single-cell ‘omics to study the impact of altered gene expression in diseases such as cancer and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Cell dynamics

Virtually all cellular functions in animals and plants – including division, differentiation, migration, adhesion and secretion – are dependent on cytoskeletal and membrane dynamics.

We use the latest approaches in biological imaging and proteomics to explore the impact of impaired cell dynamics on numerous common and rare diseases.

Structural biology

To study the structure and dynamics of proteins at a molecular level, we use state-of-the-art methods such as structural EPR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, cryo-EM and molecular dynamics simulations.

Our goal is to understand the fundamental biology of protein structure and dynamics to develop new drugs and improve current treatments.

Developmental cell biology

We study the mechanisms of developmental cell fate specification and tissue homeostasis in multicellular organisms. Errors in embryo development result in congenital anomalies, which affect a significant proportion of births and are the leading health-related cause of death in children.

To uncover fundamental rules, we exploit multidisciplinary approaches from stem cells to invertebrate and vertebrate embryos, using cutting-edge approaches.

RNA and protein fate

Discovering how the body creates and regulates RNA functions is critical to health. RNA is a complex molecule, with a number of different active pathways – it can act as a biocatalyst as well as a carrier of information.

We investigate how functional RNAs are produced from primary transcripts, how they are modified, and how proteins are built from basic RNA instructions to better understand various disease pathways.

The BioEmPiRe initiative for Structural Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectroscopy is a BBSRC-funded project, led by Dr Christos Pliotas. It aims to address fundamental biology and elucidate disease-related mechanisms.

A knowledge transfer partnership between Dr Anil Day, James Winterburn and Algaecytes Ltd (2021-2024) was selected for the prestigious short list of case studies by Innovate-UK.

The Roche Pharma Research and Early Development RNAHub collaborates with Dr Pawel Grzechnik to investigate the impact of antisense oligonucleotides on RNA synthesis in human cells.

Plant Organelle Technologies Ltd is a University spinout company underpinned by intellectual property developed by Dr Anil Day and Dr Junwei Ji. The Day lab has developed a method of incorporating variant DNA sequences into the genomes of specialised membranous compartments. This method facilitates the editing of organelle DNA to create plants with new characteristics, such as improved photosynthetic pathways and resistance to herbicides.

The Manchester Fly Facility outreach initiative by Andreas Prokop and Sanjai Patel on promoting the importance of fruit fly (Drosophila) research for the biomedical sciences has global impact. It was submitted as a successful case to REF2021, and was a major reason for being awarded the Wolpert Medal by the British Society for Developmental Biology.”

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Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences

The Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences is a vibrant, multidisciplinary environment hosting internationally leading research.

Our work spans the entire translational pathway and includes genetic and environmental epidemiology, experimental medicine, longitudinal and population-based studies, functional genomics and clinical trials. Our principal investigators lead international consortia, advise national and international bodies, and are partners in global initiatives.

Research in the Division is delivered through the Centre for Musculoskeletal Research and the Centre for Dermatological Research, underpinned by the Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases and Dermatology themes of the NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre.

Our research is supported by UKRI with national programme grants from the Medical Research Council and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, as well as charities and industry partners including Boots UK/No7 Beauty Company, Unilever, UCB and Janssen UK.

Division lead(s):

Read more about the research in our Division in the Research Explorer:

Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences

Epidemiology

We utilise large national and international cohort studies and population datasets to study the occurrence and progression of disease, and the impact of disease and treatment on quality of life.

Drug safety and response

We research the safety and effectiveness of treatments for musculoskeletal and dermatological conditions, for example the safety of opioids in chronic pain.

Children and Young Person’s Rheumatology Research Programme (CHYRRP)

The CHYRRP spans epidemiology, health psychology, genetics and experimental medicine studies in juvenile idiopathic arthritis and its associated comorbidities.

Genetics and genomics

We study genetic, transcriptomic and epigenetic changes to identify genes that increase the risk of developing conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, osteoarthritis and psoriasis.

Photobiology

Our translational research examines the benefits (vitamin D) and hazards (photosensitivity, skin cancer) of sunlight on human skin and the development of photoprotective strategies.

Skin ageing

We characterise the structural and functional changes that occur as skin ages, in people of all skin colours, and develop strategies to mitigate these.

Hair biology

Focusing on the biology and pathology of the human hair follicle as a highly instructive, clinically relevant model system, we study fundamental problems in biomedicine.

Translation of advances from basic science to improve treatment of disease

The TAPER and BioTipRA feasibility studies will assess whether it is feasible to measure drug/anti-drug antibody levels when stopping or starting different therapies.

These feasibility trials can directly change practice in the NHS whilst they are being conducted, resulting in instant patient benefit.

Optimising response to available therapies

Although there are existing effective biological therapies for the treatment of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), still up to 40% of patients do not experience improvement in their disease activity with these therapies.

Robust and objective biomarkers of outcome can be identified so that they can be measured early, enabling patients to be directed to more effective treatment the first time, resulting in significant patient benefit. We have developed an alternative measure of disease activity that uses more objective measures which better define disease activity in RA.

Biologics registers for immune-mediated inflammatory diseases

We led a series of national registry studies in rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and systemic lupus erythematosus, representing around 50,000 patients, the largest such studies ever conducted worldwide. These translational pharmacoepidemiological investigations have greatly enhanced patients’ outcomes by influencing national and international treatment guidelines.

Read more: Biologics registers for immune-mediated inflammatory diseases: enhancing access to novel therapies and balancing drug safety concerns versus effectiveness (Research Explorer)

Affecting change of UK public health policy on vitamin D, sun exposure, skin cancer and vitamin D supplementation

Established and mapped safe levels of sun exposure while meeting vitamin D requirements for different skin types led to new public health advice and guidance from a range of UK public health, medical professional and charitable bodies.

Read more: Affecting change of UK public health policy on vitamin D, sun exposure, skin cancer and vitamin D supplementation 2013-20 (Research Explorer)

International guideline for idiopathic inflammatory myopathy-associated cancer screening

Adult-onset idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM) is associated with an increased cancer risk. Recommendations for IIM-associated cancer screening can potentially improve outcomes. Early detection of cancer in myositis guidelines have been published which provide recommendations for determining risk and screening requirements.

Read more: International Guideline for Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathy-Associated Cancer Screening: An International Myositis Assessment and Clinical Studies Group (IMACS) Initiative (Research Explorer)

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Division of Neuroscience

The Division of Neuroscience has research strengths spanning the entire neurosciences: from understanding how neural circuits develop and function to support motor output and sensory perception, to circadian biology, through to mechanistic understanding of neurological diseases including stroke, degeneration, and epilepsy.

The core academics and fellows utilise a wide range of tractable model systems, including Drosophila and mouse and employ cutting-edge techniques such as genetic manipulation, chemo- and opto-genetics, state-of-the-art optical imaging and computational modelling.

The Division is home to the Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre (GJBRC), which provides enhanced opportunity for basic and clinical researchers to collaborate and maximise translation towards patient impact. The Division’s translational ambitions are supported by the Manchester Brain Bank.

Division lead(s):

Read more about the research in our Division in the Research Explorer:

Neuroscience

To understand the human brain and the neural bases of functions such as memory and learning is one of the most ambitious and exciting challenges of 21st century science. It is also essential to our understanding of brain disorders and to the development of effective treatments.

The Division explores these questions by combining basic and clinical neuroscience, and exploits a wide range of modern techniques and model systems.

Basic neuroscience

The basic neuroscience theme explores the fundamental principles by which neural circuits develop and operate in both healthy and in diseased brains. Exploiting a range of model systems, from Drosophila to human studies, areas of strength include sensory and motor systems, vision, cellular neurophysiology, biological rhythms and computational neuroscience.

Clinical neuroscience

A central aim of the Division is to translate neuroscience discovery to clinical impact. We work with clinicians across Greater Manchester on major clinical programmes which include stroke, dementia, neuro-oncology and epilepsy.

We use neuroscience methodologies to understand these disorders at molecular, genetic, neural and behavioural levels, and use this understanding to develop novel and more effective approaches for prevention and treatment.

This ambition is supported by the Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre.

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