Our research
Internationally important research across the spectrum of modern biology.
Our research spans the biological sciences - from ecology to biomedicine.
With wide-ranging expertise and strong industrial links, our research has a major influence in areas including environmental policy, tackling disease and biofuels.
We're committed to providing a supportive culture and strive to ensure our staff reach their full potential. We're exceptionally proud to have been awarded an Athena SWAN Gold award in recognition of our commitment.
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The Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Biological Sciences is ranked in the top 10 overall in the UK according to the Times Higher Education’s ranking of the latest REF results. Over 55% of our research outputs and 75% of our research environment - the support we give to our researchers - is classed as “world-leading” with 4* - the REFs highest rating.
Global challenges
Biological research has a critical role to play in securing a sustainable future. Our research contributes to solutions for three major global challenges:
Research strengths
To tackle these challenges, we channel our expertise in key areas of fundamental research:
- Biochemistry and Biophysics
- Bioinformatics and Mathematical Biology
- Cell and Developmental Biology
- Ecology and Evolution
- Immunology, Haematology and Infection (York Biomedical Research Institute)
- Industrial Biotechnology
- Microbiology
- Molecular and Cellular Medicine (York Biomedical Research Institute)
- Plant Biology
Impact and engagement
Our research has a major influence on policy, industry and public health.
We work in partnership with businesses of all sizes as well as policymakers and NGOs to translate our research into societal and economic benefits.
Highlights
- Developing resilient strategies for conservation under climate change
- Bladder tissue research verifies safety concerns for a class of drugs developed for type 2 diabetes
- Improving sustainable palm oil
- Improving the effectiveness of conservation areas in Africa
We inspire and support our research community to engage with the public and bring positive change for our society, see our work on enhancing the research culture.
Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal visited the University to participate in the launch of BioYork.
Centres and initiatives
We are home to a number of centres conducting impact-directed research in specific areas of biological research:
University research themes
Interdisciplinary research is one of our strengths. We collaborate across the University's research themes – areas of research excellence that cross departmental boundaries. We have particularly strong partnerships within three themes:
Facilities
Our research is underpinned by excellent facilities including purpose-built laboratories and state-of-the-art equipment.
The Bioscience Technology Facility provides services in imaging and cytometry, metabolomics and proteomics, molecular interactions and biophysics, bioinformatics and genomic analysis.
We have access to specialist glasshouse and controlled environment facilities. The Horticulture team provide plant material for research and a range of services.
We have access to a range of specialist glasshouse and controlled environment facilities.