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
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"
Bacterial armour plating has implications for antibiotics
Bacterial armour plating has implications for antibiotics
A collaborative study between Oxford, Glasgow and UKHSA discovers unexpected differences in the replication of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern
A collaborative study between Oxford, Glasgow and UKHSA discovers unexpected differences in the replication of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern
One cell, two genomes? Coordination between mitochondria and the nucleus in cancer
One cell, two genomes? Coordination between mitochondria and the nucleus in cancer
New therapeutic possibilities at the ‘heart’ of SARS-CoV-2 life cycle
New therapeutic possibilities at the ‘heart’ of SARS-CoV-2 life cycle
Structure of the folate transporter paves the way for improved anticancer drugs
Structure of the folate transporter paves the way for improved anticancer drugs
Reproducibility, transparency and access to biomedical research
Reproducibility, transparency and access to biomedical research
Compound screening for anti-viral activity
Compound screening for anti-viral activity
SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein glycosylation: a vaccine quality control method
SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein glycosylation: a vaccine quality control method
Breakthrough for Optogenetics
Breakthrough for Optogenetics
We widen the scope of biochemistry
Sharing biochemistry
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
Peter Beaconsfield Prizes for Two of Our Young Researchers
Prof Tony Watts swaps the lab bench for the back bench