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 Veronica Zamora-Gutierrez

Lecturer in Ecology

Research interests

  • Biodiversity
  • Global Change and Conservation
  • Ecosystem Services

Accepting applications from PhD students

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Professor Vincent O'connor

Professor of Neurochemistry

Research interests

  • Molecular mechanism of synaptic function and dysfunction
  • Synaptic degeneration
  • Genetic models of synaptic and neuronal dysfunction

Accepting applications from PhD students

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Professor Vladimir Jiranek

Professor

Research interests

  • Microbiology of beverage fermentations 
  • Cell-cell interations and filamentous/invasive growth in yeast
  • How has yeast evolved to survive in nature and interact with insects 

Accepting applications from PhD students

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Dr William King

Lecturer in Plant-Microbe Interactions

Research interests

  • Root microbiome
  • Microbial interactions
  • Microbiome manipulation

Accepting applications from PhD students

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Dr Xiaohao Cai

Lecturer in Computer Science

Research interests

  • Image/signal/data processing
  • Computer vision
  • Machine learning

Accepting applications from PhD students

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Professor Xize Niu

Professor of Biosensing&Microengineering

Accepting applications from PhD students

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Dr Xu Fang

Lecturer

Accepting applications from PhD students

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Professor Xunli Zhang PhD, DIC, FRSC, CChem, CEng

Professor of Bioengineering

Research interests

  • Microfluidics and Lab-on-a-Chip Technologies
  • Biomedical and Chemical Engineering
  • Nanomaterials

Accepting applications from PhD students

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Dr Yanghee Kim

Sr Research Fellow (Anni Fellowship) Med

Accepting applications from PhD students

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Professor Yasmeen Hamza

Lecturer in Audiology
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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: