What we do
The Department of Biochemistry is dedicated to understanding biological processes at the molecular level. We research how these processes drive cellular and organismal organisation and behaviour.
The department fosters both basic science and its application to medicine. Our researchers apply their expertise to biological systems ranging from microbes, through animal cells, tissues, and whole organisms.
We work across disciplinary boundaries in an environment that actively facilitates collaborative science. Our department provide shared access to state-of-the art infrastructure and cutting-edge technologies to facilitate our world-class research. The department also develops new technologies necessary to achieve our research goals.
Latest discoveries
Novel method to detect fake vaccines using mass spectrometry
Novel method to detect fake vaccines using mass spectrometry
How do naturally occurring antibodies recognise the malaria vaccine candidate PfRH5?
How do naturally occurring antibodies recognise the malaria vaccine candidate PfRH5?
Novel techniques to screen for contaminants in medicinal syrups which have recently led to the death of hundreds of children
Novel techniques to screen for contaminants in medicinal syrups which have recently led to the death of hundreds of children
Immune cells hunt down cancer around the body – discovery could lead to personalised treatments for advanced breast cancer
Immune cells hunt down cancer around the body – discovery could lead to personalised treatments for advanced breast cancer
Research in mice identifies surprising consequences of a disturbed gut microbiome
Research in mice identifies surprising consequences of a disturbed gut microbiome
Visualising how a malaria parasite invades human red blood cells
Visualising how a malaria parasite invades human red blood cells
COVID Moonshot initiative identifies novel antiviral compound
COVID Moonshot initiative identifies novel antiviral compound
Armed to the hilt: Study solves mystery behind bacteria’s extensive weaponry
Armed to the hilt: Study solves mystery behind bacteria’s extensive weaponry
Proteomic profiling of centrosomes across multiple mammalian cell and tissue types by an affinity capture method
Proteomic profiling of centrosomes across multiple mammalian cell and tissue types by an affinity capture method
Scientists Discover Enzyme That Turns Air Into Electricity, Providing A New Clean Source Of Energy
Scientists Discover Enzyme That Turns Air Into Electricity, Providing A New Clean Source Of Energy
Research reveals the first molecular understanding of BIRC6 – an essential regulator of cell death
Research reveals the first molecular understanding of BIRC6 – an essential regulator of cell death
New Publication: "GPR97 triggers inflammatory processes in human neutrophils via a macromolecular complex upstream of PAR2 activation"
New Publication: "GPR97 triggers inflammatory processes in human neutrophils via a macromolecular complex upstream of PAR2 activation"
We widen the scope of biochemistry
Sharing biochemistry
Elspeth Garman talks about the life of Sir John Kendrew
Elspeth Garman talks about the life of Sir John Kendrew
International Women’s Day: Biochemistry celebrates “Women in Science” at the History of Science Museum
International Women’s Day: Biochemistry celebrates “Women in Science” at the History of Science Museum
Oxford Brookes Science Bazaar 2023
Oxford Brookes Science Bazaar 2023
Oxford Science Festival Biochemistry Stalls at the Westgate Centre and Oxford Town Hall
Oxford Science Festival Biochemistry Stalls at the Westgate Centre and Oxford Town Hall
Visit to Biochemistry Department of U-Talent high school students from the Netherlands
Visit to Biochemistry Department of U-Talent high school students from the Netherlands
Biochemistry Department at 'IF', the 2018 Oxford Science Festival, 12-14th October 2018
Biochemistry Department at 'IF', the 2018 Oxford Science Festival, 12-14th October 2018
"The Bacterial World" at the Oxford Natural History Museum
"The Bacterial World" at the Oxford Natural History Museum
Professor Matt Higgins and Group at Royal Society Summer Exhibition
Professor Matt Higgins and Group at Royal Society Summer Exhibition
Public Outreach at the Department: students enjoy work placements in the Seiradake lab
Public Outreach at the Department: students enjoy work placements in the Seiradake lab
UNESCO/ L'Oreal Rising Talent Award won by graduate student alumna
UNESCO/ L'Oreal Rising Talent Award won by graduate student alumna
A taste of biochemistry for school students
A taste of biochemistry for school students
Peter Beaconsfield Prizes for Two of Our Young Researchers