Randall Centre for Cell & Molecular Biophysics

Description

There are five research groups in the Randall:

• Cell Motility & Cytoskeleton

• Muscle Signalling

• Cell Imaging

• Structural Biology

• Allergy & Asthma

There are close collaborations between laboratories in these groups and interactions with the Divisions of Asthma, Allergy & Lung Biology, Cancer Studies, and Cardiovascular Medicine, and the Departments of Mathematics and Physics. Several Principal Investigators (PIs) hold joint positions with these divisions and departments.

Recently, we have made several new appointments of young PIs to strengthen our research in cell motility, structural biology, cell imaging and muscle signalling. Qualification for principal investigator status within the division requires a sustained track record of high quality publications, significant peer-reviewed grant income and a proven commitment to the supervision and training of postgraduate students.

For further information about the research laboratories within the Division, please refer to their individual websites.

Course study environment

Students work alongside staff researchers, are supervised by two members of academic staff and overseen by a divisional research co-ordinator. Students' progress is monitored closely and reported on every six months. For more details on study environment see also facilities' description in the School entry.

Postgraduate trainingAll students are regularly notified about skills development opportunities through a monthly Postgraduate Research Newsletter. Participation in the annual Postgraduate Research Symposium is compulsory for all students and provides an opportunity to improve science communication and presentation skills. All postgraduate students in the Randall present their research in seminars to the whole division as well as to their research groups. Opportunities are available for postgraduate students to present their work at national and international scientific meetings. Our postgraduate students also assist with teaching of undergraduates as demonstrators in practical classes or leading tutorials.