BioDesign research
Synthetic biology is the rational design and engineering of biological systems for useful purposes. The Bristol BioDesign Institute (BBI) encompasses synthetic biology and biodesign research and innovation across the University of Bristol and with our key collaborators. Researchers across the BBI draw together a broad base of theoretical and experimental expertise across the life, physical and engineering sciences to address the understanding, design and engineering of biomolecules, biomolecular systems, and bioinspired devices. There are over 100 active biodesign projects taking place across the University. These involve academics, researchers and students from many different disciplines.
Our work is oriented around the following themes:
Bioengineered cells and systems
Constructing and/or modifying form and function of cells and systems.
Bioinspired design
Building on the fundamental potential of biology.
- Prof Ross Anderson (Group website)
- Dr Aimee Boyle
- Prof Ian Collinson
- Dr John Crosby
- Dr Mark Dodding (Group website)
- Prof Mike R Jones
- Prof Adrian Mulholland (Group website)
- Prof Emma Raven (Group website)
- Prof Nigel Savery
- Dr Thom Sharp
- Prof Mark Szczelkun
- Prof Paul Verkade
- Prof Dek Woolfson (Group website)
Biomedicine
Enhancing human health through innovation in prevention, diagnosis and therapeutics.
- Dr Andy Bailey
- Prof Imre Berger
- Dr Steven Burston
- Prof Matt Crump (Group website)
- Dr Paul Curnow
- Prof Andrew Davidson
- Prof Anthony Davis (Group website)
- Prof Jan Frayne
- Prof Carmen Galan (Group website)
- Prof Jon Lane (Group website)
- Prof Adam Perriman (Group website)
- Prof Moin Saleem
- Prof Christiane Berger Schaffitzel
- Dr Thom Sharp
- Prof Ash Toye
- Dr Marc van der Kamp
- Prof Gavin Welsh
- Prof Chris Willis (Group website)
- Prof Dek Woolfson (Group website)
Environmental solutions and food systems
Productive, resilient and sustainable food, farming and environmental solutions.
Novel materials
Novel and enhanced chemistry, materials, products and production processes.
- Prof Wuge Briscoe
- Prof Steve Eichhorn
- Dr Reiner Groh
- Prof Ian Hamerton
- Dr Sabine Hauert (Group website)
- Prof Ben Hicks (Group website)
- Prof Marc Holderied
- Prof Tanniemola Liverpool
- Dr Jennifer McManus
- Dr Terence McMaster
- Prof Adam Perriman (Group website)
- Prof Jonathan Rossiter (Group website)
- Prof Fabrizio Scarpa
- Prof Bo Su (Group website)
- Prof Richard Trask
- Dr Christopher Woods
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Minimal biology
Building stripped-down versions of life using protocells, genome delivery systems and synthetic cytoskeletons.
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Targeted therapeutics
Rational design and engineering of novel therapeutic platforms and technologies.
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Materials and novel chemistries
Re-engineering natural product pathways and novel enzymes for industry.
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Computer-aided design
Computational modelling, AI and machine learning for biodesign.
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Innovation and entrepreneurship
Unlocking the social and economic value of synthetic biology technologies.
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RRI and public engagement
Co-creating synthetic biology research with citizens and civil society organisations.