Interdisciplinary Computing and Complex BioSystems
A computational biology group with its own microbiology and nanotechnology wet labs and an intelligent biofoundry.
Interdisciplinary expertise
We carry out ground-breaking research at the interface of computer science and complex biological systems.
We create the next generation of algorithms that provide innovative solutions to problems arising in natural complex systems (such as biology, chemistry, physics). We also create synthetic systems (such as biological engineering, software engineering and healthcare) and derive new knowledge from them.
To accomplish its mission, the group pursues collaborative activities across disciplines. It also leverages its interdisciplinary expertise in:
- machine intelligence
- complex systems
- computational biology
Research impact
The Interdisciplinary Computing and Complex BioSystems (ICOS) environment generates outputs in high quality and highly interdisciplinary areas. These areas include:
- stem cells and tissue engineering
- computer-driven neurological interventions
- synthetic biology biotechnology
- bio-medical informatics
- DNA/RNA nanotechnology
Through translational activity our members have established a number of spinouts, including:
- CellRepo: a global repository for cell engineering
- Workli: projects and collaboration platform for deep work
Several of our researchers have started their own companies in nano-biotech (e.g. Nanovery). Others are making digital pathology available in developing countries.
Recent research projects
AI-enabled RNA nanotechnology delivery system for information transfer into cells (DESTINATION)
Funding body: EU
Amount awarded: £3,381,888
Duration: 2021-2025 (48 months)
Therapeutics DNA/RNA nanostructures
Funding body: Innovate UK
Amount awarded: £64,000
Duration: 2021-2024 (36 months)
Engineering data structures organelles (EnDROIDS) - Chair in Emerging Technologies
Funding body: RAoE
Amount awarded: £2,738,988
Duration: 2020-2030 (120 months)
Design the Future 2: Thinking Soils - engineered bacteria as computational agents in the design and manufacture of new materials and structures
Funding body: EPSRC
Amount awarded: £598,309
Duration: 2017-2022 (60 months)
Synthetic Portabolomics: Leading the way at the crossroads of the digital and the bio economies
Funding body: EPSRC
Amount awarded: £4,353,851
Duration: 2016-2022 (71 months)
Personalised ultraviolet B (UVB) treatment of psoriasis through biomarker integration with computational modelling of psoriatic plaque resolution
Funding body: RT
Amount awarded: £248,566
Duration: 2016-2019 (36 months)
Critical: Combatting criminals in the cloud
Funding body: EPSRC
Amount awarded: £2,027,646
Duration: 2015-2022 (85 months)
Teaching
Our MSc in Bioinformatics is unique and interdisciplinary programme combining biology and computer science to analyse and interpret biological data.
It brings together highly rated teaching and research expertise from across the University. It'll equip you for a successful career in the bioinformatics industry or academia.
We've designed this programme for students from life science backgrounds, but we also welcome applications from students with other scientific backgrounds, including:
- computing
- mathematical
- engineering