Interdisciplinary teams

Biomedical Sciences and Devices and Materials are the two interdisciplinary research groups within the School which unify the interests of engineers, physical scientists and bio-scientists. These groups were entered into RAE2008 under Units 12 and 25 (Allied Health Professions and Studies and General Engineering), with both recognised as being more than 50% Internationally Excellent or World Leading.

Biomedical Sciences 

Within Biomedical Sciences the three main themes are:

• Cell Biology and Pathology
• Neuroscience, Pharmacology and Toxicology
• Biomolecular and Microbial Analysis (including Biotechnology).

Biomedical Research is partly housed in the purpose-built Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research and Natural Sciences Research Centres. The Anthony Nolan Trust created a satellite laboratory in 2005, led by a Chair position in Haemato-Oncology and opened its groundbreaking Cord Blood Programme, which combines blood banking and a research institute, at the Clifton campus in 2008. A new John and Lucille van Geest Cancer Research Centre is being built in 2009. Researchers are using genomics, proteomics, bioinformatics, biosensor and imaging technologies to underpin their projects, supported by a comprehensive proteomic suite, cell culture facilities, a microscope suite, flow cytometry and macro-and micro-imaging equipment, plus the normal range of molecular, biochemical and analytical facilities.

For enquiries please email Professor E Ellen Billett, Director of Biomedical Sciences Research or telephone +44 (0)115 848 6456.

Devices and Materials 

Research topics within Devices and Materials include:

• Sensors and Acoustics
• Biomaterials and Nanocomposites
• Displays technologies (EL)
• Displays technologies (LC)
• Imaging for art conservation and archaeology
• Super water-repellent surfaces
• Applied Imaging and Displays.

Laboratories are well equipped with a 3D real-time X-ray imaging set, Nd:YAG pulse laser, Karl-Süss MJB4 mask aligner, lapping and polishing, ball bonder, contact and non-contact surface profilometers, liquid crystal materials analysis, 400MHz multinuclear NMR spectrometer, powder x-ray diffractometer and a thermal analysis suite (TGA and DSC). A Class 100 clean-room is available with adjacent laboratories for laser processing for displays and X-ray security research. Thin film services are available for industry.

For enquiries, please email Professor Wayne Cranton, Director of Devices and Materials Research or telephone +44 (0)115 848 3383.