School of Life Sciences

ur researchers explore a vast array of scientific programs from climate change to environmental management, infectious diseases, bacteriology, parasitology to diabetes, cancer research and medical diagnostics and devices. It broadly spans three Disciplines:

Medical Sciences

The Discipline of Medical Science within the School of Life Sciences spans three research themes and a teaching focussed group.

The research themes are led by 13 chief investigators and their groups, spanning fundamental discovery to translational science across (1) Infectious Diseases, (2) Metabolic Disorders and Cancer, and (3) Neuroscience and Neurological Disorders.

Impact is being made in numerous health and medical research areas, from malaria, tuberculosis, influenza, COVID-19, to gene therapy and diabetes, women’s cancers and tissue fibrosis; as well as neuroinflammatory conditions, Alzheimer’s disease, spinal cord injury, understanding compulsive disorders, and investigating dietary influences on cognition. 

Environmental Sciences

We are a collaborative, internationally recognised team of environmental scientists within the School of Life Sciences. Our research drives scientific innovation and fosters sustainable partnerships with industry, government, and community stakeholders to address pressing environmental challenges.

The Environmental Sciences Discipline Group investigates the rich biodiversity of both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, exploring how plants and animals interact with each other and their environments, and how ecosystems function. Our goal is to make a meaningful and lasting contribution to environmental science by advancing solutions for managing climate change, reducing human impacts on biodiversity, and promoting the restoration and long-term sustainability of natural ecosystems.

Molecular Biotechnologies

The Molecular Biotechnology Discipline Group is at the forefront of cutting-edge advances in biotechnology and biomedical sciences, all aimed at enhancing the quality of health, medicines, food, and the environment. 

Our investigations span a diverse array of conditions including respiratory diseases like COPD and asthma, in utero exposures, neurodegenerative, metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, as well as ovarian cancer, inflammatory bowel disease and pre-eclampsia. Furthermore, we explore the potential of nano- and biomaterials, synthetic biology, gene editing for improved drug delivery, vaccine development, regenerative medicine and cancer therapies.