Biology research

At the Department of Biology, our research tackles some of the world’s most pressing challenges across three connected themes: improving Human Health and controlling Disease Vectors; protecting Ecosystems and Biodiversity; and developing Sustainable Ways to produce Food and Energy for the future.

Within each theme, we have developed work streams that span local, regional, national, and global scales, ensuring our impact reaches from communities close to home to challenges worldwide.

Human Health & Disease Vectors

• Cancer biology and neuro-oncology
• Reproductive health, pregnancy outcomes, and placental biology
• Rare genetic and skin diseases; personalised medicine
• Mosquito biology, insecticide resistance, and vector-borne diseases (malaria, dengue, etc.)
• Neglected tropical diseases (e.g., trypanosomes, filarial diseases)
• Venom research and development of novel therapeutics

Ecosystem Health & Biodiversity Conservation

• Conservation genetics and taxonomy of plants and bryophytes
• Landscape connectivity and ancient grasslands
• Sustainable forest and agricultural ecosystem management
• Arthropod ecology and multi-taxon biodiversity studies
• Mycorrhizal fungi and microbial ecology in disturbed and restored habitats
• Climate change impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity

Sustainable Production of Food & Energy

• Crop science, plant physiology, and tropical plant ecology
• Greenhouse innovation and optimisation
• Pollinators and agriculture

Project and service examples

PhD and MRes (Masters by Research

We offer both PhD and MRes (Masters by Research) opportunities across these research themes. Please direct initial enquiries about proposed projects to the lead supervisor or to research contacts for Biology.

Dr Claire Harper

Projects offered for entry 2026

Commonwealth Scholarships

Edge Hill University are delighted to have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Commonwealth Scholarship Committee whereby the university contributes 20% of the overseas tuition fee as well as paying any tuition fees above the CSC’s fee cap.

The majority of the CSC’s awards are funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships provide talented and motivated individuals with the opportunity to enhance knowledge and skills in their given sector, in order to contribute to sustainable development in their home countries. These awards are offered under six development themes:

• Science and technology for development
• Promoting innovation and entrepreneurship
• Strengthening resilience and response to crises
• Improving population heath, health systems and capacity
• Strengthening global peace, security and governance
• Access, inclusion and opportunity.