Lab microscope

Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Biomedical sciences research

Find out more about our research in molecular mechanisms of diseases, neurobiology, microbiology, drug delivery and pharmacy practice 

Our research in the area of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences focuses on growing our understanding of how the body functions in health, how it malfunctions in disease, and the genetic and molecular drivers of both physical and mental illnesses. We aim to find new, more effective treatments for patients.

We're studying the molecular, cellular, physiological and behavioural process occurring in the body at times of health and disease. We're identifying and characterising the biomarkers of disease, and with our partners in industry, helping develop new drugs from initial discovery to clinical application.

Our work has the potential to make hugely positive impacts on society. Much of our work focuses on diseases for which there is no current cure, or only a limited range of treatments – such as Alzheimer's, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, cystic fibrosis and cancer.

We're researching new ways to tackle the growing problem of antibiotic resistance to help prolong the lifespan and quality of life for people with chronic illnesses, and to more effectively treat millions of people around the world who have infectious diseases.  

Our research is a core component of the University of Portsmouth’s Health and Wellbeing research theme, which seeks to improve society through enhancing health and wellbeing, advancing the knowledge economy, making the National Health Service (NHS) a more efficient and cost-effective organisation, and stimulating innovation to grow the UK economy.

Explore our 5 interconnected areas of expertise

Clinical Microbiology

We're researching how microbes can cause infectious diseases and benefit human health, and tackling antibiotic resistance by identifying new molecules in pathogenic microbes.

Microbiome rendering
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Molecular mechanisms of diseases

We're exploring the molecules and molecular processes that cause diseases, and working to develop better treatments.

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Neurobiology

We're looking at the architecture and function of the nervous system – and how it relates to development, normal health, and neurological disorders.

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Pharmacy Practice

We're working to improve the practices, selection, use and disposal of pharmaceuticals to protect the environment, and we're promoting the vital role pharmacists can play in delivering better care to patients.

Close up of nursing student handling pharmaceuticals
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Our research groups

Find out more about our research – and learn more about our recent projects, the academic and industrial partners with whom we collaborate, and the major funders who fund our work.

Gastrointestinal Pharmacology Group

We examine the role of enteric glia in the aetiology and pathology of a broad range of conditions. Find out more about our research.

3D illustration of probiotics in gut to help system
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Pharmacy practice research group

We're focusing on two main areas of research – undergraduate education and pharmacy practice, including the evaluation of simulated clinical experiences, alternative methods of teaching, and the role of mentors and peer-assisted learning.

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Advanced Materials for Diagnosis and Therapy (AMDT) Research Group

We're researching the design, synthesis and biomedical applications of biomaterials, biosensors, drugs and drug delivery systems, and the science that underpins these technologies.

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Cellular Neurophysiology Group

Our research focuses on glial cells and how they provide neurones with a stable environment in which to function and have critical roles in all brain diseases.

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Cellular Signalling Group

The cellular signalling group conducts cell and molecular biology research into growth factors and growth factor receptors, and what roles they play in health and in disease.

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Ion Channel Research Group

Our interest lies in studying the biophysics and regulation of membrane potassium channel proteins and their roles in the cellular physiology of human health and disease.

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Respiratory Immunopharmacology Group

The respiratory immunopharmacology research group is focused on studies investigating mechanisms of inflammation, tissue damage and repair in respiratory diseases, including cystic fibrosis (CF), non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFBE), asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

A patient with a respiratory condition being monitored by a medical professional
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Interested in a PhD in Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences?

Browse our postgraduate research degrees – including PhDs and MPhils – at our Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences postgraduate research degrees page.