Biosciences

Our mission is to understand the complex steps that lead from genotype to phenotype through the integration of traditional disciplines within cell and molecular biosciences as well as chemistry, biophysics and eukaryotic-microbial models. A number of successful spin-off companies have been created by our staff as a result of their research. This is testimony to our intellectual and innovative capacity and ability to translate basic biological research to the industrial medical setting.

The Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences (ICaMB) is the focus for basic cellular and molecular biology research in Newcastle. Our research is well funded and highly regarded. In the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) 2008, 75 per cent of our outputs were classed as ‘internationally excellent’ or ‘internationally recognised’ with a further 15 per cent classed as ‘world leading’.

We have a BBSRC Doctoral Training Account and can offer about 15 funded integrated MRes/PhD and PhD studentships each year. Some of our spin-off companies, including Arrow Therapeutics (recently acquired by AstraZeneca), Demuris Ltd and Orla Protein Technologies, provide part funding for ICaMBsponsored PhD studentships, allowing our students to obtain valuable training and work experience in a modern industrial biotechnology setting.

Currently we have approximately 90 postgraduate students based in the Institute studying for a MRes/ PhD, or PhD. They come from a range of subject backgrounds in biological and biomedical sciences, including biochemistry, immunology, microbiology, molecular biology, genetics, physiology and bioinformatics, as well as computing science, medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and pharmacy, and undertake projects that match our multidisciplinary research portfolio.

As a postgraduate student, you will join one of our established research groups and work alongside postdoctoral researchers, senior PhD students and staff. As well as designated office space, you will also have access to excellent facilities to support your studies. For example, a recent £1 million initiative in structural biology has added to our facilities for proteomics, mass spectrometry (with Europe’s first Q-trap mass spectrometer), protein X-ray crystallography and a wide range of microscopic technologies. Research training is provided by the Medical Sciences Graduate School. You will present your work at postgraduate symposia and seminars organised by the Institute and you will be encouraged to attend conferences and scientific meetings where you can discuss your work with other students and academics.

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