Research group

BiOmics

Bar coded DNA sample

Technological advances have allowed scientists to gather large amounts of data about a vast array of species, organisms and single cells. Our researchers are using mathematical modelling, machine learning and other algorithms to extract information and patterns from large data sets to further our understanding of disease.

About

Contemporary scientific research benefits from rapid technological developments that enable the characterisation and quantification of biological molecules at unprecedented scale. Scientists can generate vast data that provide insight into the complex interplay of molecules within organisms. Interrogation and interpretation of these data inform the structure, function and interaction of molecules over time. 

We use ‘Omic technologies comprehensively to evaluate DNA (genomics), RNA (transcriptomics) and proteins (proteomics). We study small molecules using metabolomics. Microorganisms are investigated in a targeted manner using microbiomics or more broadly to characterise mixed samples using metagenomics.

At the University of Southampton, we generate vast datasets using these approaches across a wide range of environments and species. We work closely with NHS partners to use these capabilities to understand human disease and inform its clinical management. We bring together medical and biological scientists with mathematicians, computer and data scientists to develop and apply methods that exploit these data to their fullest potential.

From analysing patient genomes, to carrying out metagenomic analysis of water samples to using mass spectrometry metabolic profiling techniques, our scientists are studying the unique processes that take place within cells that can lead to disease or poor health outcomes in humans and help track changes in the environment.   

We are using data to answer clinical questions in areas such as cancer, autoimmune and respiratory diseases with the help of clinical colleagues we are translating our findings into novel techniques for clinicians to treat their patients, make predictions about prognosis and drug responsiveness.

Our researchers collaborate with partners at:

People, projects and publications

People

Dr Arezoo Pooresmaeili MD, PhD

Associate Professor

Research interests

  • Cognitive Neuroscience, Sensory Perception, Higher Cognition, Attention, Reward Processing, Decision Making, Neuroimaging, Eye-tracking

Accepting applications from PhD students

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Dr Arjuna Ratnayaka

Associate Professor

Accepting applications from PhD students

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Professor Aymen Al-Shamkhani

Professor in Immunology

Research interests

  • Cancer Immunotherapy
  • Immunobiology of costimulatory receptors
  • Immunostimulatory antibodies

Accepting applications from PhD students

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Professor Bashir Lwaleed

Professor of Experimental Pathology
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Dr Becky Morris

Associate Professor

Accepting applications from PhD students

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Dr Ben Ainsworth

Associate Professor

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Professor Benjamin Macarthur

Personal Chair

Research interests

  • Mathematical modeling
  • Machine learning 
  • Networks

Accepting applications from PhD students

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Professor Bharath Ganapathisubramani

Professor of Experimental Fluid Mechani

Accepting applications from PhD students

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Dr Bill Brocklesby

Associate Professor

Research interests

  • Novel imaging & microscopy techniques in the visible and XUV spectral regions;
  • Coherent diffractive imaging of nanoscale systems using XUV radiation generated by high-power ultrashort pulse lasers;
  • Large-scale beam combination;
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We are at a very exciting time in Life Science Research. The potential for novel discovery using ‘omics technologies combined with the computer science methodologies is immense.
Professor of Genomics

Related research institutes, centres and groups

Related research institutes, centres and groups

Contact us

Contact us

Contact the Institute for Life Sciences team by emailing: