PhD in Microbes and Pathogen Biology

These include overlapping themes in Biochemistry, Food Safety and Nutrition, Microbiology, Parasitology and Plant/Soil Science, with a broad research ethos that encompasses research in molecular biosciences from molecules to ecosystems.

Biochemistry explores basic facets of cell signalling, molecular interactions, and enzymology in healthy and diseased organisms.

Food Safety concentrates on the detection of toxins, drug residues, endocrine disruptors and pathogenic micro-organisms in foods with a view to the improvement of food safety and integrity using diverse systems biology approaches

Nutrition research aims to improve life quality through the reduction of oxidative stress.

Microbiology explores fundamental microbial processes related to the functions of micro-organisms in the environment and their use in biotechnology.

Parasitology aims to improve parasite control and agricultural sustainability through the exploration of drug resistance, the development of drug target discovery and validation methods, and the development of vaccines to control parasite infections.

Plant & Soil Science focuses on improved quality (more nutrients, fewer toxicants) and efficiency of growing (reducing fertilizer inputs, novel field management) of grains/vegetables/fruits, by integrating soil chemistry and microbiology with plant physiology.

Research strengths

• Bio-imaging
• Bio-screening for beneficial natural compounds
• Emerging microbiological and chemical threats to food and water
• Human dietary intervention studies, especially related to satiety and obesity
• Identification of cellular and systemic receptors and targets for novel therapeutic drug design related to diabetes, obesity, Alzheimer's disease and cardiovascular disease
• Microbial biochemistry, genomics, stress metabolism and bioremediation
• Molecular biology, cell biology, cell signalling and regulation
• New sensor-based methods and sample preparation techniques to deliver rapid and effective monitoring of harmful food and environmental contaminants
• Parasite biology, gene silencing, physiology and therapeutics
• Protein biochemistry, structure, expression, and engineering
• Relationship between heat-processed diets and vascular health

Special features

The diverse array of research interests - ranging from biochemistry, food safety, microbiology and parasite control to plant and soil sciences - are linked by common approaches within the molecular biosciences that are aimed at exploiting the ongoing genomic, transcriptomic/proteomic revolution.

Additional linkages are common: The molecular microbiology and parasitology components are heavily involved with industry and stakeholders to develop new biotechnologies and/or new therapies for disease control. Via the Institute for Global Food Security, the food safety and nutritional research elements have links throughout the agri-food industry which aim to exploit cutting-edge technologies to drive a competitive and sustainable agricultural sector. The interdisciplinary ASSET Centre (Assured Safe and Traceable Food) aims to secure food chain safety through state-of-the-art food forensics. Additionally, the group has a wide range of strong international links across Europe, Asia, North and South America.

Queen’s University Belfast is ranked in the Top 200 Universities in the World (QS World University Rankings 2019)

140 in the world for graduate prospects (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020)

Founded in 1845 as Queen's College Belfast, one of three Queen's Colleges in Ireland, it became an independent university in 1908 and is the ninth oldest university in the UK. Today, Queen’s is a member of the Russell Group, combining excellence in research and education with a student-centred ethos.

Queen’s is ranked 8th in the UK for Research Intensity (REF 2014/ Times Higher Education) with over 75% of its research assessed as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ in REF 2014.

We’re A Global University

Students enjoy being educated by world-leading academics working at the forefront of their disciplines and a significant investment in the student experience has resulted in high levels of student satisfaction and employability rates.

Global Research Institutes

Building on its disciplinary excellence, the University has created four flagship Global Research Institutes which bring leading academics together to tackle some of the greatest global challenges of our time in the areas of: Global Peace, Security and Justice; Cyber Security; Health Sciences; and Food Safety.

The Faculty Of Medicine, Health & Life Sciences

The Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences at Queen’s deliver high quality, leading-edge education, through world-class staff, focused on the needs of society. We provide an educational experience that is research-led and enriches our students intellectually, socially and culturally.

Our hope is that students from around the world will join with us to both learn and also bring new ideas and approaches to help drive forward our ambitions to enhance and advance life. Queen's is at the heart of Belfast's culture, as well as its art and social scenes. We're proud to be part of a bustling, cosmopolitan city boasting a vibrant social life and rich cultural heritage.

Addressing Global Challenges

Through our education and research, we strive to address some of the world’s greatest challenges, our academic staff undertake world-leading research through our Schools and Global research institutes in Health Sciences and Global Food Security. This has resulted in new treatments for patients and greater levels of protection for the food we eat.

Faculty Schools

The School of Biological Sciences The School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences The School of Nursing and Midwifery The School of Pharmacy