Research

Our research ranges from fundamental cell and evolutionary biology through to biomedical and industrial applications. We aim to make exciting scientific discoveries and to ensure our research makes a difference in the world.

We are one of the largest centres of biological science in the UK. We are ranked fifth in the UK, and top ranked in Scotland, for the quality and breadth of our research, by Times Higher Education - based on the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.

We are ranked in the UK top 5 and world top 25 for biological sciences in the QS world university rankings and UK top 5 for biological sciences by Times Higher Education. We place a particularly strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research, linking complementary approaches in theoretical and experimental science and working closely with physical sciences, engineering, medical and veterinary sciences.

Our Strategic Research Themes

Biology underpins sustainable solutions to many of the challenges facing our planet.

Research groups

There are more than 130 research groups in the School, each led by a Principal Investigator.

Research Centres

Formal groupings for interdisciplinary research between life science disciplines and linking the life and physical sciences.

Research Institutes

To support our Research Themes and provide an underlying organisational structure, six institutes sit within the School of Biological Sciences.

Research facilities

Cutting edge facilities for innovative research and development​

Bioinformatics support

We have excellent bioinformatics facilities and support based in the School.

Research Ethics and Integrity

All researchers in the School follow the UKRIO code of good practice in research.

Research and Funding Support

Navigating your way through the research funding landscape can be bewildering but there is help at hand. A guide to funding calls, support staff and resources.