Our research

We integrate research into the biology of life across a magnitude of scales, from single molecules through to whole organisms. Using cutting-edge and world-leading multi-omics technologies, our research answers impactful biological questions.

A key focus of our research is on delivering novel therapeutics with reduced toxicity to patients via an improved understanding of biological mechanisms.
Our work spans the atomic structure of molecules, signalling cellular pathways and the detection of abnormal cellular phenotypes.

Download the ISMIB Research Brochure (PDF, 7.5MB) or ISMIB Researcher Directory (PDF, 5.2MB).

Our challenges

Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology

We're bringing together biochemistry, cutting-edge technology and multi-omics approaches to study the chemistry of life. From proteins to complex biological systems, we provide vital links between both basic and translational research.
Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine

Bridging discovery science with therapeutic applications in cancer patients. Our mission is to optimise effective collaborations between scientists and clinicians to find better ways to detect and treat cancer.
Pharmacology and Therapeutics

Our internationally excellent, multidisciplinary research spans life, physical and clinical sciences, focused on investigating mechanisms of drug efficacy and toxicity. Our aim is to develop new and improve existing therapies for the benefit of patients.

Centres of Excellence

Centre of Excellence in Long-acting Therapeutics (CELT)

The Centre of Excellence in Long-acting Therapeutics (CELT) aims to broaden understanding of long-acting medicines, create new interventions and accelerate the research and development of new therapies.

Centre for Experimental Therapeutics (TherEx)

Improving health and wellbeing by optimising the use of existing drugs and accelerating the development of new treatments. Through clinical trials and experimental medicine, TherEx delivers significant health impact in therapeutics.

Liverpool Head & Neck Centre

Combining internationally recognised clinical and research strengths to deliver research-led improvements in the quality and safety of patient care.

Case studies

Managing toxicity when treating cancer with next-generation drugs

We're researching the newest next-generation drugs, actual biological structures themselves that bind to and stimulate the immune system. These drugs will be used to treat patients with more advanced, malignant cancers.

Stratification of eye cancer patients into metastatic risk using the integrated Liverpool prognosticator tool

Together with our NHS supraregional referral centre for eye cancer, we have spearheaded the development and implementation of prognostic tests to predict metastasis likelihood in individual patients.

HPV-positive Head & Neck Cancer – Driving Change in Clinical Practice

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is linked to 5% of all cancers worldwide. Since 2008 girls in the UK received HPV vaccination to reduce the incidence of cervical cancer. Research carried out in Liverpool provided evidence that HPV is also linked to a high incidence in head and neck cancer.

Facilities

Liverpool Shared Research Facilities (LIV-SRF)

Liverpool Shared Research Facilities offer flexible access to world-class equipment and expertise through its Shared Research Facilities.
Human Liver Research Facility (HLRF)

The Human Liver Research Facility enables wider access to human liver materials for research purposes in a collaboration between academic staff and the Hepatobiliary Unit at Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (LUHFT).

Accreditations and partnerships

Our local and global partnerships provide vital support to our research activity.