Our mission

The Nucleic Acids Institute is dedicated to uncovering the chemical and biological underpinnings of nucleic acid function, and to developing innovative nucleic acid-based therapies and applications.

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We aim to create a supportive and collaborative environment for researchers at all career stages exploring the diverse roles of nucleic acids in biology through our strategic objectives.

Support interdisciplinary research and collaboration to maximise grant capture

Our cross-faculty organisation fosters innovative, multidisciplinary projects that enhance our ability to secure grants. By bringing together a wide range of researchers with diverse expertise, we create a strong foundation for groundbreaking scientific endeavours. The Nucleic Acids Institute exemplifies this approach, connecting research across clinical medicine, discovery science, therapeutic development, and manufacturing. Our robust network empowers researchers to form new and creative partnerships.

Build strong industrial collaborations to support impact

We cultivate robust industrial partnerships and collaborations with key industry stakeholders aligned with our research priorities and strategic objectives. Our members have engaged in a wide array of collaborative ventures across our research spectrum, enhancing our funding opportunities and maximising the impact of our research outcomes. We maintain close relationships with the University’s knowledge transfer teams and external organisations such as UK-CPI, and are committed to supporting a diverse range of training and development initiatives in conjunction with our industry partners.

Sustain a strong community, culture and training for Early Career Researchers

Supporting Early Career Researchers (ECRs) is a core mission of our centre. Our regular seminars offer ECRs a prominent platform to showcase their work alongside visiting experts. We empower ECRs to actively participate in the centre's decision-making, organisation, and management through our dedicated ECR representative team.

We maintain strong ties with the Julia Garnham Centre, facilitating training for undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as connecting them to NHS training opportunities. Our members host PhD students from various UKRI-funded Doctoral Training Partnerships.

Centres of excellence

The University's cross-faculty research centres harness our interdisciplinary expertise to solve the world's most pressing challenges.