About the Centre for Research in Biosciences (CRIB)

The Centre for Research in Biosciences (CRIB) brings together world class multidisciplinary, collaborative research with focus on the following themes: biomedicine, bio-sensing and analytical, agri-food, plant science and environmental science. Each of the directions includes a number of research themes.

CRIB address both, fundamental and applied aspects of research. Close links with national and international academic partners, health organisations and industry ensure that our research has real social and economic impact.

The aim of the Centre for Research in Biosciences is to lead world class research in the areas of strategic importance, underpinned by partnerships and innovative approaches, which positively impacts on a wider community and enhances students’ experience. For full details, view our strategy (PDF).

Focus on research partnerships

The Centre has a strong focus on partnership. This includes well established links with regional, national and international universities, research institutes, healthcare organisations, knowledge transfer networks, industry and commercial organisations across Europe, Malaysia, China, USA and other parts of the world.

CRIB is actively involved in the major regional initiative Bristol Health Partners, EU Marie Curie International Staff Exchange scheme, leads the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) - supported UK/China partnership on novel technologies for food quality and safety, and a range of other projects and initiatives supported by UK Research Council, charities, industry, British Council and other funding bodies.

Centre structure

The centre comprises of 129 members and has the following structure:

Director: Professor Aniko Varadi

Management group: Consists of nine members (PDF) who represent the key CRIB research directions. The management group meets every two months and addresses strategic research and administrative aspects of CRIB activities.

Advisory group: Consists of 19 advisory members (PDF), external and internal advisors with international reputation representing industry, academia, healthcare organisations and government organisations. The Advisory Group meets annually to advise on CRIB research directions, strategy, external funding, knowledge exchange, partnership opportunities and enhancing the impact of CRIB research.

The Centre runs fortnightly seminars with internal and external speakers which are open to the staff and students, and which offer the opportunity to learn about new research activities and initiatives.

The annual CRIB review meetings provide an opportunity for extensive discussion of CRIB activities, achievement, challenges and future directions.

The Centre supports and promotes best practice in recruitment, retention and promotion of staff via the Athena SWAN initiative. Athena SWAN addresses gender inequalities in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine in higher education. The University and the School of Applied Sciences, which the Centre is associated with, have achieved Athena SWAN Bronze (2013) and Silver Awards (2020).

Centre facilities

An extensive range of equipment (PDF) can be found in the Bioscience Laboratories.