The Babraham Institute’s research focuses on understanding fundamental biology and its role in healthy ageing and disease. Our research groups form three strategic research programmes; Epigenetics, Signalling and Immunology. You can discover more about all our research groups below. In addition, the Institute operates several scientific facilities. Each facility employs a specialist team with skills and expertise in key cutting-edge research techniques.
How mechanisms that modulate the function of epigenetic regulators are perturbed in disease and how they may be targeted for therapeutic effect. Epigenetics
The role of protein kinases in cellular responses to growth factors, nutrient availability or stress and damage. Signalling
Understanding the role of chromatin and nuclear organisation in controlling gene expression during the development of the immune system. Immunology
Understand the molecular basis of ageing by focusing on protein aggregation - a pathological adaptation to ageing. Signalling
The role of autophagy and other cellular ‘eating’ processes in normal biology and during ageing or disease. Signalling
The molecular mechanisms and physiological significance of signalling networks involving phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks). Signalling
The mechanisms by which cells learn to adapt and thrive in new environments. Epigenetics
Using mathematical modelling to rationalise complex biological dynamics into simple underlying mechanisms. Epigenetics
The epigenetics of the egg and sperm and their role in carrying information between generations. Epigenetics
How autophagy contributes to health and healthy ageing by eliminating damage and recycling cell components. Signalling
Understanding the changes that occur in T cells with age that contribute to the age-dependent decline in the germinal centre response. Immunology
The role of regulatory T cells in controlling and suppressing the immune system and the effect of age on these cells. Immunology
How signalling pathways change in ageing organs and how such changes affect organ function. Signalling
Investigating the mechanisms that direct ‘cell fate’ in human embryos and stem cells. Epigenetics
The study of bioactive lipids in circulating blood cells, particularly plateletsSignalling
How regulatory and dynamic processes control timing in development and homeostasis. Epigenetics and Signalling
The role of epigenetics in cell identity and factors involved in the process of epigenetic reprogramming. Epigenetics
The molecular mechanisms underlying diversification of antibody genes by B cells in the immune system. Immunology
How T cells sense and integrate information from both infection and the physiological environment to generate appropriate immune responses Immunology
The effect of factors like oxygen levels on gene expression and regulation in T cells of the immune system. Immunology
The epigenome in stem cells and development, and how epigenetics changes through the life course. Epigenetics
Investigating the plasticity of protein clearance pathways in young, aged, and diseased cells. Signalling
The functional organisation of the genome in three dimensions. Epigenetics
Understanding how the cells that make up our tissues and organs communicate. Signalling
The molecular mechanisms and physiological significance of signalling networks involving phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks). Signalling
Providing fundamental insights into the role of nuclear metabolism in ageing and metabolic syndrome. Signalling/Epigenetics
Gene expression and the roles of RNAs in the development and function of lymphocytes. Immunology
Understanding the molecular mechanisms that control the accurate and timely expression of genes during development. Epigenetics
Control of cell shape, movement, gene expression and other factors by Rac-GEF proteins. Signalling