Microbiology and Biotechnology Research Group
Microbiology
We have a multi-disciplinary approach to answering fundamental questions relating to the characterisation, evaluation and testing of microorganisms and viruses. This could be for example, investigating the activity of new antimicrobials or defining the structure of bacterial proteins. Structural biology is an important tool we use to investigate the 3-D structures of biomolecules and explain biological interactions. The figure below shows some of the key steps for an X-ray crystallographic study used to solve the protein structure of a bacterial cell wall “re- structuring” enzyme from Bacillus anthracis. (a) X-ray diffraction pattern (b) and (c) structure of the “re- structuring” enzyme known as an autolysin.
Biotechnology
We have a wide range of expertise focussed on using living systems and organisms to develop products. Our research utilises many techniques, from protein biochemistry and structural techniques to cell culture and bio-conjugation. We are developing new methods to design bio-therapeutics and we are assessing and developing novel delivery strategies.
The group has developed strong collaborations across the College of Health and Science, the Lincoln Institute for Health, the Lincoln Institute for Agri-Food Technology and the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanties.
Research Activity
| Name | Position |
|---|---|
| Dr Edward Taylor |
Associate Professor and research group leader/point of contact |
| Dr Matthew Bates | Senior Lecturer in Microbiology |
| Dr Colin Butter (affiliated) |
Associate Professor in Bioveterinary Science/Programme Leader |
| Dr Simon Clegg |
Lecturer in Animal Health and Disease |
| Dr Ron Dixon | Associate Professor |
| Dr Beatrix Fahnert | Deputy Head of the School of Life Sciences |
| Dr Enrico Ferrari | Senior Lecturer/Programme Leader |
| Dr James Flint | Senior Lecturer/Programme Leader |
| Professor Mathew Goddard (affiliated) | Professor |
| Dr Clare Miller | Senior Lecturer/Programme Leader |
| Dr Mark Odell |
Senior Lecturer in Biochemistry/Programme Leader |
| Dr Ross Williams | Senior Lecturer |
Animal Behaviour and Welfare Research Group
The group comprises a unique team of internationally-renowned researchers working at the forefront of, and interface between, animal behaviour, cognition, health, and welfare.
Cancer and Ageing Research Group
Group research follows a multi-disciplinary and highly collaborative approach to increase understanding of disease characteristically associated with ageing at the molecular level, to improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Diabetes, Metabolism and Inflammation Research Group
The group’s vision is to create a strong, dynamic, and engaged research culture to carry out research that has the potential for real world impact at a local, national, and international level.
Evolution and Ecology Research Group
The group aims to understand the evolution and ecology of populations, species and communities across all levels of biological organisation, from genes through to ecosystems.