Biological Sciences: Unit of Assessment 14
The majority of research in the Biological Sciences UoA is officially classified as world-leading or internationally excellent in terms of originality, significance and rigour, having most of its evidence assessed as being in the 4* and 3* categories for quality in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise.
| Quality Level | 4* | 3* | 2* | 1* | Unclassified |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of research activity | 15 | 45 | 30 | 5 | 5 |
The Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences (ICaMB) was formed in July 2004 to consolidate basic molecular and cellular biology which had been dispersed between the School of Biochemistry and Genetics, Microbiology and Immunology and Physiology. ICaMB is one of 14 University research institutes, more than half being life sciences based.
ICaMB is sub-divided into two groups:
- Bacterial Cell Biology and Biochemistry
- Eukaryotic Cell Biology and Biochemistry
Each member of staff is assigned to one group but in practice, the Institute encourages ad hoc areas of research emphasis which often traverse these groups and sometimes include staff from other institutes.
ICaMB is part of a Bioscience enterprise which underpins Newcastle’s Science City status, designated by Government. The University, City Council and regional development agency, One NorthEast, are actively attracting knowledge-based business.
ICaMB occupies three floors of Newcastle University’s Medical Sciences Building. Central facilities and most staff laboratories, have been refurbished over the past three years. The physical footprint will be extended in 2009 when part of the Centre for Bacterial Cell Biology transfers to new, purpose-built, accommodation.
