Our world-class research is at the forefront of scientific discovery. The Department of Biological Sciences was recognised in the most recent research assessment (Research Excellence Framework, 2021) for the high proportion of world-leading and internationally excellent research impact which is bringing benefit to society.
World class research by internationally-renowned academics
We have an active research programme based on our three major research centres:
Biomedical Sciences
Ecology, Evolution and Behaviour
Plant Molecular Sciences
Within Biomedical Sciences, we also have the Centre of Gene and Cell Therapy and the Institute of Cardiovascular Research.
Our stimulating research environment has more than 30 permanent members of academic staff, 30 postdoctoral Research Fellows and Assistants and around 40 postgraduate students, all working and studying in well-equipped laboratories.
Our base is the Bourne Laboratory right at the heart of Royal Holloway’s parkland campus. Our laboratories have cutting-edge facilities and equipment for mass spectrometry and bioinformatics, and imaging facilities that include confocal laser scanning microscopes for 3D live-cell imaging. We also have marine and freshwater aquaria, glasshouses, and an electrophysiology suite.
Our research is addressing global challenges, such as the POSHBee consortium led by Professor Mark Brown, which aims to support healthy bee populations, sustainable beekeeping and pollination across Europe.