- Faculty of Biological Sciences
- Research and innovation
- Our research
- Cancer
Cancer
£18 million
awarded
in current grant funding
22
different research groups
addressing critical disease-related areas
Over 50
academic papers published
since August 2024

Our purpose
When cells interact with each other and their environment in an abnormal way, it can lead to health conditions, such as cancer, autoimmune and cardiovascular disease. By understanding how these interactions work, we can identify targets for new or repurposed drugs, helping to prevent and treat disease, as well as transform patient care.
Our research
A common feature of diseases is abnormal cellular behaviour, which is orchestrated by inter- and intra-cellular signalling pathways - how groups of molecules work together to control cell function.
In the School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, we work to understand how abnormal cell signalling underlies the progression of cancer, cardiovascular disease and autoimmune conditions using a variety of experimental models.
Some groups aim at 'seeing' the proteins and RNA molecules that mediate signalling in isolation to identify drugs that bind to them and turn them on and off using our world-class facilities. Others investigate normal and mutant proteins in their normal environment inside cells to understand how they lead to the abnormal behaviours.
We are also home to researchers who analyse tissues from patients to translate the fundamental knowledge into action, whether that’s by aiding diagnosis and staging of diseases or by pioneering science that underpins better treatments.
Examples of our research
Personalising treatment for patients with cancer
How cell signalling plays a role in drug resistance
Nanobody technology offers promise for stopping cancer spread
Interdisciplinary research networks
We collaborate with researchers and industry across biology, chemistry and medicine, using our expertise to drive forward innovative solutions for cancer and other diseases at pace and scale.
Facilities
Our world-class facilities enable us to uncover new knowledge in cancer and cell signalling by seeing and examining cellular processes and analysing protein structure and function in exquisite detail.
Training the next generation of scientists
We share our knowledge and understanding to inspire future generations through our undergraduate and postgraduate degree portfolios. Click on the below links to discover our BSc and MSc courses.