Fundamental biology
Our fundamental biology research focuses on molecular mechanisms controlling a range of plant and animal growth, development and physiological processes at cellular, tissue and whole organism scales.
In plants, we primarily draw upon the genetic and genomic resources for the model plant Arabidopsis to investigate fundamental processes such as development of leaves, flowers, fruit and seeds. We have key focus on plant hormones and the essential role they play in controlling plant growth, development and tropisms, particularly in roots. We have strong programmes of research in the molecular mechanisms that underpin plant nutrient acquisition from soil and plant response to environmental stress.
In animals, our focus is on reproduction and development in livestock. Research spans from endocrine studies that investigate mechanisms regulating oestrous cycle and ovary function to molecular studies that elucidate mechanisms controlling early embryo development and stem cells differentiation and tissue programming. Our findings in animal models, such as pig, are being used to better understand human development and disease.
Discover our research groups and centres
Endocrinology, Ovarian Function and Reproductive Health
Developing a better understanding of the regulation of ovarian function and early embryo development and to quantify the adverse effects of external influences such as disease on these processes.
Endocrinology, Ovarian Function and Reproductive Health
Gamete Biology, Embryology and Early Development
Enhancing our understanding of the mechanisms that regulate early development with a view to improving fertility, long-term development, production efficiency, and offspring health and wellbeing.
Gamete Biology, Embryology and Early Development
Integrative systems biology
Advancing our understanding of biological phenomena through close collaboration between laboratory and theoretical scientists.
Integrative systems biology
Models to crops
Understanding the fundamental mechanisms for controlling plant development and investigating key developmental processes in plants using Arabidopsis and other model species.
Models to Crops
National Centre for Macromolecular Hydrodynamics
Facility for the characterisation of the sizes, shapes and interactions of large macro molecules of biomedical and industrial importance in the environment that many occur naturally - water or aqueous solution.
National Centre for Macromolecular Hydrodynamics
Stem cells
Studying the mechanisms that regulate the development of early embryos to develop novel strategies for the derivation of stem cells from germ cells and to reprogram cells towards muscle and germ cell progenitors.
Stem Cell Biology, Reprogramming and Pluropotency
Plant integrative biology
More details coming soon