Centre
Centre for Systems Health and integrated Metabolic Research (SHiMR)
Research theme(s): Health Innovation
School: School of Science and Technology
Overview
The Centre for Systems Health and Integrated Metabolic Research (SHiMR) harnesses cutting edge technological approaches to understand the common underpinning mechanisms of healthy resilience, and how this deteriorates during development of disease and ageing.
SHiMR unifies scientific excellence across four core research themes:
- Metabolic Health
- Neuroscience
- Cancer Research
- Microbiology
We pursue discovery science to identify new potential therapeutic targets to address the global disease burdens of obesity, diabetes, neurodegenerative disease, cancer, and the burgeoning threat of anti-microbial resistance. Cancer research and its clinical translation are enhanced through co-localisation with the John van Geest Cancer Research Centre.
We invest in the most advanced scientific methodologies to deliver on our research mission, and have specialist technological capacity in imaging, cellular energetics, spatial and multi-modal omics, computational biology and in vitro 3D– and in vivo preclinical modelling.
SHiMR forges regional, national and international partnerships, holds grants and PhD Programmes with leading academic institutions, disease-focused charities and pharmaceutical companies, and actively seeks to expand our research with a global perspective.
SHiMR Centre Research Director
Nik Morton
Professor Nik Morton became Director of SHiMR in 2023. He completed his PhD in molecular biology with human geneticist Valur Emilsson and industry-academic Mike Cawthorne. Later, at the University of Edinburgh, Nik won a series of fellowships from the Wellcome Trust (Intermediate, Career Development and Investigator) and UKRI, progressing his career to Professor at the University of Edinburgh in 2014. Nik is Honorary Meetings Secretary (Council of Trustees) for the Biochemical Society, and Chair for BBSRC Panel A from July 2026. Nik also sits on, and occasionally Chairs, Diabetes UK Panels (ECR, PhD, RD Lawrence, and Project Grants).
Research and facilities
Antimicrobial Resistance, Omics and Microbiota (AROM)
Antimicrobial Resistance, Omics and Microbiota (AROM) research group incorporate classical microbiology, molecular biology, systems biology and bioinformatics.
Metabolic Health
Our researchers are leading globally recognised research projects focussed on the key processes underpinning human diseases (including diabetes, obesity and cancers).
Neuroscience
Our Integrative Neurophysiology research team lead investigations into different areas of neuroscience, including neurodegeneration, neuropathy and pain, neuroendocrine regulation of energy balance and metabolism, and neurodevelopmental disease.
BBSRC Studentships
Learn more about our Postgraduate Research Programme and how to apply.
Listen, Engage and Analyse with the Public
We hold public meetings every three months, during which you can talk directly to our researchers, hear about the latest projects, and contribute your views. Whether you are passionate about science or care about making a difference, your voice can help guide our research.
The John Van Geest Cancer Research Centre
Find out about the John Van Geest Cancer Research Centre.
Our Imaging and Technology Facilities
Find out about the facilities and equipment we use within our Centre for Systems Health and integrated Metabolic Research.