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About us

Welcome to CHLS

The Centre for Health and Life Sciences (CHLS) undertakes interdisciplinary scientific research through the application of  biological associated sciences to understand life from the molecular level through to the whole body. We aim to provide significant industrial and public sector led advances in technology and practice.

Discover more about CHLS

The Centre has considerable expertise in cell biology, pharmacology, biochemistry, cardiac & metabolic physiology and biotechnology.

The applied nature of the research undertaken by researchers in the Centre involves engagement with partners in the field of biosciences, biotechnology and healthcare, to identify ‘real life’ problems to provide a solution-based approach. The Centre has considerable strengths in Enterprise and Innovation (led by Professor Sebastien Farnaud) including numerous Knowledge Transfer Partnerships funded through Innovate UK, and two research spin-out companies (InoCardia Ltd and OVO Biomanufacturing).

The cutting-edge research undertaken by staff in the Centre influences both practice and policy to improve lives, health and wellbeing within academia, industry and society today. We collaborate with a range of partners on a portfolio of research projects which are funded from a variety of sources, including Research Councils,  Horizon Europe, Innovate UK, NHS trusts, industry and charities including the Wellcome Trust. Our research partners range from local and international global companies, research institutes and universities in the UK and overseas.

Royal Society of Biology Accredited Doctoral Training logo

The Centre for Health and Life Sciences has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology for its doctoral training. Accredited programmes contain a solid academic foundation in biological knowledge and key skills, and prepare graduates to address the needs of employers.

The doctoral training accreditation criteria require evidence that graduates from accredited programmes meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including subject knowledge, technical ability and transferable skills. 


Our team

We have a large and growing team of interdisciplinary researchers who are internationally recognised as leaders in the field of biosciences:

Professor Derek Renshaw

Centre Director

Karen Edwards

Operations Manager

Professor Sebastien Farnaud

Theme Lead: Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnology

Professor Djordje Jakovljevic

Theme Lead: Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine

Professor Christopher Reynolds

Theme Lead: Discovery Biology and Therapeutics

Professor Mark Wheatley

Theme Lead: Pharmacology and Molecular Biosciences

Research at CHLS

Find out more about our research

View our research themes
 Queen’s Award for Enterprise Logo
University of the year shortlisted
QS Five Star Rating 2023