Our department is made up of around 850 talented researchers, students and support staff who share a common passion and purpose – to explore, explain and advance human life.
Our scientists are loosely grouped into five broad research areas: Cell Biology, Development and Genetics; Chromosomal and RNA Biology; Infection and Disease Processes; Microbiology and Systems Biology; and, Structural Biology and Molecular Biophysics. Research groups are organised across these Research Themes and many groups span more than one theme.
We are part of the Medical Sciences division at the University of Oxford, and are dedicated to teaching and biomedical research of the highest quality. Many of our researchers have achieved international recognition and our department has been home to four Nobel or Breakthrough Prize winners.
This depth of curiosity and commitment to excellence doesn’t just drive our current research – it benefits the next generation of thinkers through our teaching. We have approximately 450 students on a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, and many of our group leaders and postdoctoral researchers are involved in teaching. This allows our students to learn from world-class minds and engage directly with cutting-edge knowledge.
Equality is central to our community. We enjoy the vibrant mix of backgrounds, skills, nationalities and genders represented in the department – it helps us benefit from fresh perspectives and ideas. We’re particularly committed to removing any obstacles that might prevent women and those from minority groups from excelling in their academic careers – so we’re proud to have been given a Silver Award by the ECU’s Athena SWAN Charter, a programme that promotes equality and diversity in higher education.
The Department of Biochemistry equality and diversity statement
The Department of Biochemistry values the diversity of all of its staff and students and celebrates diversity in all its forms. We, and all of our constituent research, teaching and support teams, strive to create an inclusive culture where different perspectives and experiences are encouraged.
We believe that equality, diversity, and inclusion are essential components of our research, teaching, and outreach activities. We are committed to creating an environment where everyone, regardless of their background, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or other characteristics, feels valued, respected, and supported.
We strive to ensure that our policies and practices are fair and unbiased, and that all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. We actively seek to recruit and retain a diverse community of students, staff, and faculty who bring a wide range of perspectives and experiences to our department.
We are dedicated to promoting and celebrating diversity in all its forms, including race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, religion, age, and socio-economic background. We believe that diversity is a strength that enriches our research and teaching, and that everyone benefits from a culture of inclusion and respect.
We are committed to providing a supportive and inclusive environment for all members of our department, and to working towards a future where equality, diversity, and inclusion are truly valued and embraced.
The Department of Biochemistry is the proud holder of an Athena SWAN Silver Award in recognition of its efforts to introduce organisational and cultural practices that promote gender equality and create a better working environment for both men and women.
We strive to implement the lessons learned from our work on gender equality to include all forms of diversity.
