Research

The School of Biochemistry was founded in 1964 by Professor Sir Philip Randle FRS who rapidly recruited many very able colleagues so that quickly the School of Biochemistry became one of the strongest in the UK. Research highlights in the very early years of the School of Biochemistry included ground-breaking studies on mitochondrial transporters (Professor Brian Chappell), molecular enzymology (Professor Freddie Gutfreund, FRS), protein structure (Herman Watson, Hiliary Muirhead) as well as the control of mammalian metabolism (Professor Philip Randle).

Over the subsequent 40 years the School of Biochemistry has continued to grow and now contains more than 160 researchers, with over £6M in annual research funding. The original research themes have evolved to cover many aspects of modern Biochemistry and increasingly involve collaborations with colleagues in other Schools that make up Medical Sciences. Strengths in mammalian metabolism have developed into research closely related to diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer that involve cutting-edge cell imaging techniques coupled to more traditional biochemical approaches. Studies in molecular enzymology and protein structure have expanded to cover the fundamental problems of protein folding and DNA-protein interaction, as well as computer-aided protein modelling and drug design. The School of Biochemistry has developed a significant reputation in membrane traffic and cytoskeletal research, and is expanding to develop interests in developmental biology and proteomics.

With a strong international reputation and a broad research portfolio, the School of Biochemistry continues to fulfil the purpose for which it was created — to be at the forefront of current biochemical research.

Heads of School

•  Professor Sir Philip Randle FRS (1964 - 1975)
•  Professor Brian Chappell (1975 - 1995)
•  Professor Dick Denton FRS (1995 - 2000)
•  Professor Len Hall (2000 - 2004)
•  Professor George Banting (2004 - 2009)
•  Professor Leo Brady (2009 - )