Life sciences

Solutions-focused research in clinical medicine, marine biology, public health, neuroscience, psychology, agriculture and food sciences.
Brain illustration showing neuron connections
Life sciences: science that deals with living organisms and life processes including biology, medicine and ecology.
We take a systems-thinking approach to solutions-focused research. Facilitating and leading collaborations to co-create sustainable solutions that equally support better economic and societal outcomes alongside local to global priorities, our work is enabled by the unique population and geographical characteristics of the South West region of the UK.
Our research covers a wide spectrum of life sciences, ranging from clinical medicine to marine biology, public health to neuroscience, psychology to agriculture and food sciences. Our scientists are working to combat antimicrobial resistance, identified by the World Health Organization as one of the most significant global health threats; tackle the global issue of food security, health inequality and sustainable use of the blue economy.
We feature on South West Life Sciences – bringing together a critical mass of life sciences research, education and industry across the South West.

Combating antimicrobial resistance
Home to the international Antibiotic Discovery Accelerator Network, we are working to combat ‘one of the most significant global health threats’ (World Health Organization). Our researchers, led by Professor Mat Upton and the Antibiotic Resistant Pathogens Research Group, have developed a programme of drug discovery to help meet the need for new antibiotics. Amprologix – a University spin-out company was established to bring new antibiotics to market.
Professor Mat Upton is also working with leading marine researchers at the University to explore the deep sea and develop potential new antimicrobials produced in the microbiome of sponges living deep beneath the ocean.

A step-change in human neuroscience
Our Brain Research and Imaging Centre (BRIC) is the most advanced multi-modal brain research facility in the South West. It’s seven state-of-the-art laboratories, include one of the most advanced and comprehensive ultrasound stimulation labs in the world.
Researchers are developing cutting-edge Transcranial Ultrasound Stimulation (TUS) capability by combining neuroimaging, neurostimulation, computational modelling and engineering – a promising tool for treating psychiatric, psychological and neurological disorders such as depression, addiction, chronic pain and Parkinson’s.

Delivering food security sustainably from land to sea
Our Centre of Research excellence in Intelligent and Sustainable Productive Systems (CRISPS) brings together a critical mass of researchers working in aquaculture, agriculture, agri-tech, soil health, controlled environment agriculture and sustainable food in order to tackle the global issue of food security.
As part of CRISPS, we aim to develop partnerships with farmers, landowners and agricultural businesses across the South West, supported by our cutting-edge facilities and a booming regional agri-tech sector, to create a ‘living laboratory’ to address key sustainability challenges.

Exploring environmental effects on liver disease
Utilising state-of-the-art University laboratory facilities and world-class clinical research strengths of both the University and University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, providing a full range and secondary, tertiary and community Hepatology services to the South West region, including assessment for liver transplantation, TIPS and liver cancer therapy.

Tackling health inequalities in coastal communities
Our Centre for Coastal Communities has one of the few critical masses of academic researchers in any UK university, who have a proven track record on coastal communities and strong collaborative links with public, private and third sectors.
Researchers have designed a toolkit to support physical and mental activity for older adults, removing age, economic and functional barriers to accessing technologies.
 
 

Research Centres

Coastal Communities coastal definition, the Hoe, seafront, waves, Plymouth sound

Centre for Coastal Communities

Centre of Research excellence in Intelligent and Sustainable Productive Systems (CRISPS) logo (hero size)

Centre of Research excellence in Intelligent and Sustainable Productive Systems (CRISPS)

BRIC building exterior

Brain Research & Imaging Centre (BRIC)

Interdisciplinary Strategic Institutes

Our diverse research spans three Strategic Institutes. Collaborative endeavour in rich, natural environments drives solutions to global challenges.

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PIHR abstract medical pharmacy healthcare innovative concept background
Aerial view from high altitude of little planet earth with small village houses and distant green cultivated agricultural fields with growing crops on bright summer evening

Education and teaching

We are the largest provider of healthcare courses in the region, its Peninsula Medical School was ranked within the top 10 in the UK for 2024 by the Planetary Health Report Card Initiative, while the Peninsula Dental School was the first in the UK to achieve RCS Surgical Education Centre accreditation.
Brain Research and Imaging Centre and landmark training facility, InterCity Place, underpins University of Plymouth’s position at the forefront of
healthcare education and research in the South West.

Related courses

Undergraduate courses

Postgraduate taught programmes