The process of life

How is life generated and maintained?

The process of life - image
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We are elucidating the complex processes that underpin the emergent behaviour of molecular networks and how these coalesce to generate the robust properties that define life through cells to populations.

We work across bacteria, fungi, plants, animals and humans, not only studying them alone but also how they interact to shape each other’s destinies and behaviour.

We study how life develops and functions throughout its course in health and disease, how it evolves across the generations and the effect of technological, behavioural, and clinical interventions designed to improve key outcomes such as wellbeing.

Expertise

We have a total of £48 million in grant income in this area. This success is mediated by world-class facilities and an interconnected network of interdisciplinary institutes and centres including:

The Bateson Centre

Centre for Stem Cell Biology

The Florey Institute

Imagine: Imaging Life

The Krebs Institute

Neuroscience Institute

Sheffield Institute for Nucleic Acids

Sheffield Robotics

Study opportunities

We run fascinating undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across our School of Biosciences.

School of Biosciences

News and features

Super-resolution light microscopy

Life Under the Microscope: Building a centre of excellence for biological imaging technology

Physicists and biologists in Imagine: Imaging Life, a research group at the University of Sheffield, use and develop the most cutting edge microscopes to get an in depth look at our cells, at bacteria, and other microscopic entities.
Professor Elizabeth Milne demonstrates EEG technology.

Understanding autism spectrum conditions in adulthood

Autism is typically thought of as a childhood condition. In reality, it is a lifelong developmental condition, but there is limited understanding of autism in adulthood. Professor Elizabeth Milne's work aims to address this imbalance.
New study discovers how cells vital for organ function arise during early human embryonic development

New study discovers how cells vital for organ function arise during early human embryonic development

A new study from scientists at the University of Sheffield has discovered how vital neurons and cells that control the function of crucial organs develop in the womb.
Periwinkles

Genetic ‘toolkit’ helps periwinkles gain advantage on the seashore

Periwinkles, struggling to survive the seashore battleground, have developed a genetic ‘toolkit’ to help them adapt to different environments, a new study shows.
Antimicrobial resistant pathogens crowdsource friendly bacteria to survive in immune cells and cause disease

Crowdsourcing friendly bacteria helps superbug cause infection

Antimicrobial resistant pathogens crowdsource friendly bacteria to survive in immune cells and cause disease, a new study by the University of Sheffield has revealed.
ASMR performer Whisper Red

Brain tingles: First study of its kind reveals physiological benefits of ASMR

Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) – the relaxing ‘brain tingles’ experienced by some people in response to specific triggers – may have benefits for both mental and physical health, according to new research.
Arctica cryo-electron microscope (CryoEM), centrepiece of Sheffield's new facility

The University of Sheffield unveils revolutionary multi-million pound electron microscopy facility

Centres of excellence

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

Centres of excellence