Biochemistry

The Biochemistry research discipline integrates a broad range of molecular and chemical approaches to investigate the fundamental processes of life. Research groups study the structure, function, and regulation of nucleic acids and proteins — including DNA repair, RNA modifications, epigenetic programming, protein folding, post-translational modifications, and protein quality control — alongside the molecular mechanisms of innate immunity, organelle biogenesis, and intracellular signalling. A strong focus on plant biochemistry unites several groups exploring how plants regulate metabolism, capture and optimize light energy through photosynthesis, and interact with microbes through receptor-based signalling pathways. Further research addresses the maintenance and inheritance of mitochondrial DNA, the chemical labelling and manipulation of biomolecules in living cells, and the role of glycan–protein interactions in immune responses. Together, the discipline offers an integrative environment where chemistry, cell biology, and molecular biology converge to address questions of fundamental biological importance — with broad relevance to human health, plant science, and biotechnology.