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

Professor Joanna Sofaer

Professor of Archaeology

Research interests

  • The role of cultural and community assets in health and wellbeing
  • The relationship between heritage and wellbeing
  • The social value of archaeology 

Accepting applications from PhD students

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Professor Joanne Turney

Professor of Fashion and Textiles

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Professor Joerg Wiedenmann

Professor of Biological Oceanography

Research interests

  • Coral Reef Biology and Ecology
  • Coral Bleaching
  • Nutrient biology of coral reefs

Accepting applications from PhD students

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Dr Joern Werner

Reader in Structural Biology
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Professor John Holloway PhD, FHEA

Associate V-P Interdisciplinary Research

Research interests

  • Human genetics
  • Epigenetics
  • Respiratory Disease

Accepting applications from PhD students

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Professor John Mcbeth MA, PhD

Professor

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Professor Jon Dawson

Prof Fellow of Regenerative Medicine
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Professor Jonathan Essex

Professor

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Dr Jonathan Swann

Professor of Biomolecular Medicine

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Dr Jonathan West

Associate Professor

Research interests

  • Time-Resolved Structural Biology The emergence of serial crystallography brings many exciting possibilities for structural biology but also brings the challenge of preparing many thousands of sub-micron crystals. To address this, we are working with Ivo Tews and Allen Orville to develop high throughput droplet microfluidic systems. Here volumetric confinement of the phase diagram defines growth limits for producing monodisperse protein crystals. Beyond this, the microfluidic processors can be interfaced with the beam line to enable dynamic structural biology.

Accepting applications from PhD students

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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: