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:

Research highlights

People, projects and publications

People

Dr Reuben Pengelly PhD, SFHEA

Principal Teaching Fellow

Research interests

  • Student attitudes towards academic integrity
  • Splicing regulation of metal binding proteins

Accepting applications from PhD students

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Dr Richard Cook

Associate Professor

Research interests

  • Mechanical and tribological testing of hydrogels for orthopaedic and tissue engineering
  • The tribology of tooth brushing.
  • Efficacy testing of products for dental hypersensitivity management.
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Dr Richard Meek

Senior Research Fellow

Research interests

  • Eukaryotic Glycobiology
  • Carbohydrate-active Enzymes
  • Post-translational Modifications

Accepting applications from PhD students

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Emeritus Professor Richard Oreffo DPhil DSc (Oxon) FMedSci FHEA FRSB FIOR

Research interests

  • Skeletal Regenerative MedicineSkeletal Stem Cells
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Professor Rob Ewing BSc(Hons), DPhil

Professor of Bioinformatics

Accepting applications from PhD students

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Professor Robert Read

Chair of Infectious Diseases
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Dr Robin Rumney

Lecturer
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Dr Rodolphe Herve

Senior Research Fellow
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Professor Rohan Lewis PhD, FTPS

Prof of Placental&Integrative Physiology

Accepting applications from PhD students

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Sarah Ennis
Professor of Genomics
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.

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: