Innovative Bioscience

Babraham's scientists aim to understand how normal cellular processes operate and change during development and with age, and when they can go wrong in disease. These are amongst the most difficult scientific questions to answer. Our scientists share the common scientific strategy of defining underlying mechanisms of cell signalling and gene regulation within a functional context. We focus on important processes in early development and key functions in the brain, heart and immune systems. This synergy ensures that our world class scientists can make the most of their research, exploiting the new opportunities for discovery provided by the science of genomics. The Institute's research effort underpins the overall healthcare responsibility of the BBSRC, our main sponsor, and aims to provide novel targets for the development of therapies and diagnostics of potential social and economic benefit.

Two themes are central to our research remit: cell signalling – how cells respond to cues from their external environment; and epigenetics – how the genome is regulated without change to the DNA sequence of genes. Defining how cell signalling events from conception through to adulthood can lead to long-term, epigenetic changes is a great challenge in 21st century biology.

There are approximately 450 members of the Institute, including around 30 research Group Leaders, 70 graduate (PhD) students, 90 postdoctoral research scientists, support staff, administration staff and working visitors, coming from all over the world. This diverse, international mix produces a stimulating research environment. The work of the Institute is recognised as internationally competitive and, in some areas, world-leading.

The Laboratories of Developmental Genetics & Imprinting and Chromatin & Gene Expression
Research into the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms involved in gene regulation during development and the phenotypic action of these genes in specific systems.

The Laboratory of Lymphocyte Signalling & Development
Research into the molecular and biochemical mechanisms involved in signalling and development in the immune system.

The Laboratories of Cognitive & Behavioural Neuroscience
Research into understanding the brain's control of cognitive and reproductive functions at a behavioural and systems level.

The Laboratory of Molecular Signalling and The Inositide Laboratory
Research into the molecular and biochemical mechanisms behind major signalling pathways including fertilisation, cell proliferation, inflammation, nerve and cardiac contraction.

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