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University of Essex homepage Departments Life Sciences Research Genomics and Computational Biology Group
Research Group

Genomics and Computational Biology Group

A person, mostly out of shot so just their hands and a white lab coat are visible, holding an orange box containing a collection of small tubes with lids.

Genomics research takes advantage of fast moving developments in technology, in particular DNA sequencing, and makes heavy use of computing to develop our understanding of how the DNA blueprint is used to build the whole organism.

The Genomics and Computational Biology Group has particular strengths in epigenetics and chromatin structure. We benefit from the School's strong interdisciplinary outlook and work closely with our colleagues in the other three groups in the school, and in other departments in the university. We have particularly close ties with the School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering and the Institute for Social and Economic Research.

We have newly refurbished laboratories and facilities including a DNA sequencer, pipetting robot, mass spectrometer and high-performance computing.

Funding

Our research funding comes from a wide variety of sources including the Wellcome Trust, BBSRC and MRC. We are a partner in the ERSC/BBSRC funded Social-Biological Centre for Doctoral Training (with UCL and Manchester), and a participant in the EDUSHARE consortium for capacity building in biomedical education in Vietnam with collaborators from Estonia, Germany, Sweden and Vietnam.

Working with Business

The group has particular strength in computational biology, with extensive experience in the analysis of large genomics data sets, modelling of transcription factor binding, epigenetics and molecular phylogeny. Several members of the group are active developers of specialised open source software. We offer many ways for you to access our expertise, including consultancy, collaborative and commissioned research and Knowledge Transfer Partnerships.

Research degrees in Life Sciences

We have a vibrant postgraduate community, and are always keen to recruit new postgraduate research students (both PhD and Master of Science by Dissertation). Throughout the year we may have funded opportunities, such as PhD projects funded by a research council.

Please feel free to contact individual group members if you are interested in postgraduate research. Many of our academics maintain lists of project titles that they are happy to supervise on, and may be able to help you narrow down your choice in what to research.

Current projects

Development of an in-vitro model for Parkinson's disease

This interdisciplinary research project aims to aid research into Parkinson’s disease without relying on living creatures, by developing a new in-vitro platform to investigate Parkinson’s disease and potentially other neurodegenerative disorders.

Our academic members

Dr Patrick Varga Weisz

Dr Patrick Varga Weisz

Group convener

School of Life Sciences, University of Essex

Dr Timothy Barrow
Dr Timothy Barrow

Group member

School of Life Sciences, University of Essex

Dr Joaquin De Navascues
Dr Joaquin De Navascues

Group member

School of Life Sciences, University of Essex

Dr Efstathios (Stathis) Giotis
Dr Efstathios (Stathis) Giotis

Group member

School of Life Sciences, University of Essex

Professor Meena Kumari
Professor Meena Kumari

Group member

Institute for Social and Economic Research (ISER), University of Essex

Dr Antonio Marco
Dr Antonio Marco

Group member

School of Life Sciences, University of Essex

Dr Metodi Metodiev
Dr Metodi Metodiev

Group member

School of Life Sciences, University of Essex

Professor Leonard Schalkwyk
Professor Leonard Schalkwyk

Group member

School of Life Sciences, University of Essex

Dr Benjamin Skinner
Dr Benjamin Skinner

Group member

School of Life Sciences, University of Essex

Dr Vlad Teif
Dr Vlad Teif

Group member

School of Life Sciences, University of Essex

Research Group: Ecology and Environmental Microbiology
Our research focuses on biodiversity (including microbial), climate and environmental change, biogeochemical cycling, and environmental biotechnology.
Research Group: Plant Productivity
Our research identifies key genes and processes that determine productivity in plants in constantly changing environmental conditions.
Research Group: Protein Structure and Mechanisms of Disease
Our research group seeks to establish the link between structure and the physiological function of proteins.
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Our research

Our research covers the whole spectrum of biology – from the cell right through to communities and ecosystems. Our dedicated research groups bring together experts for collaboration research projects that deliver real-world impact.

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Liz Lee Reynolds Research Manager
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