Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Biomedical sciences research
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 interconnected areas of expertise
Molecular mechanisms of diseases
We're exploring the molecules and molecular processes that cause diseases, and working to develop better treatments.
Neurobiology
We're looking at the architecture and function of the nervous system – and how it relates to development, normal health, and neurological disorders.
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.
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.
Interested in a PhD in Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences?
Explore our Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences postgraduate research degrees – including PhDs and MPhils.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
