Research group

BiOmics

Bar coded DNA sample

Technological advances have allowed scientists to gather large amounts of data about a vast array of species, organisms and single cells. Our researchers are using mathematical modelling, machine learning and other algorithms to extract information and patterns from large data sets to further our understanding of disease.

About

Contemporary scientific research benefits from rapid technological developments that enable the characterisation and quantification of biological molecules at unprecedented scale. Scientists can generate vast data that provide insight into the complex interplay of molecules within organisms. Interrogation and interpretation of these data inform the structure, function and interaction of molecules over time. 

We use ‘Omic technologies comprehensively to evaluate DNA (genomics), RNA (transcriptomics) and proteins (proteomics). We study small molecules using metabolomics. Microorganisms are investigated in a targeted manner using microbiomics or more broadly to characterise mixed samples using metagenomics.

At the University of Southampton, we generate vast datasets using these approaches across a wide range of environments and species. We work closely with NHS partners to use these capabilities to understand human disease and inform its clinical management. We bring together medical and biological scientists with mathematicians, computer and data scientists to develop and apply methods that exploit these data to their fullest potential.

From analysing patient genomes, to carrying out metagenomic analysis of water samples to using mass spectrometry metabolic profiling techniques, our scientists are studying the unique processes that take place within cells that can lead to disease or poor health outcomes in humans and help track changes in the environment.   

We are using data to answer clinical questions in areas such as cancer, autoimmune and respiratory diseases with the help of clinical colleagues we are translating our findings into novel techniques for clinicians to treat their patients, make predictions about prognosis and drug responsiveness.

Our researchers collaborate with partners at:

People, projects and publications

People

Dr Herman Wijnen Drs, PhD, FHEA

Associate Professor

Research interests

  • Control of Daily Rhythms by Circadian Clocks and the Environment
  • Genetics, Behaviour and Neuroscience of the fruit fly Drosophila
  • Chronophysiology of Invertebrates in Association with Global Environmental Change and Food Security

Accepting applications from PhD students

Connect with Herman

Professor Hywel Morgan MBE

Professor of Bioelectronics

Research interests

  • Microfluidics
  • Bio-sensors
  • Lab-on-a-chip technologies

Accepting applications from PhD students

Connect with Hywel

Professor Ian Clarke

Research interests

  • Transposon mutagenesis of Chlamydia species
  • Cell culture systems and replicons for human noroviruses
Connect with Ian

Professor Ian Galea MD FRCP PhD

Prof (Clinical & Experimental Neurology)

Research interests

  • Brain haemorrhage: pathophysiology
  • Blood-brain barrier and immune-brain signalling
  • Neuroimmunology

Accepting applications from PhD students

Connect with Ian

Professor Ian Sinclair

Professor of Engineering Materials
Connect with Ian

Professor Ian Williams

Professor in Applied Environmental Scien

Research interests

  • Waste and Resource Management
  • Carbon management
  • Air Pollution

Accepting applications from PhD students

Connect with Ian

Dr Indu Bodala PhD

Lecturer in Computer Science

Research interests

  • Human-Robot Interaction (HRI)
  • Social Robots
  • Affective Computing

Accepting applications from PhD students

Connect with Indu

Dr Ingi Iusmen

Associate Professor

Research interests

  • children's rights
  • child migration
  • public policy

Accepting applications from PhD students

Connect with Ingi

Professor Ingrid Muller BSc, MSc, PhD, CPsychol, FHEA

Professor

Research interests

  • Self-management of long-term conditions
  • Behavioural health interventions
  • Digital health

Accepting applications from PhD students

Connect with Ingrid

Dr Ioannis Zeimpekis

Associate Professor

Accepting applications from PhD students

Connect with Ioannis
We are at a very exciting time in Life Science Research. The potential for novel discovery using ‘omics technologies combined with the computer science methodologies is immense.
Professor of Genomics

Related research institutes, centres and groups

Related research institutes, centres and groups

Contact us

Contact us

Contact the Institute for Life Sciences team by emailing: