Skip to main content

Focusing on a range of problems at the interface of chemistry, biology and medicine, our research is both of fundamental interest and importance.

We explore the molecules that drive life, working at the interface of chemistry, biology and medicine to tackle challenges in human health.
Our research focuses on understanding and manipulating biological molecules, including proteins, nucleic acids and other complex biomolecular systems. By combining fundamental chemical discovery with real-world applications, we uncover how biological processes work and how we can influence them to improve health and wellbeing.
Bringing together expertise from across the chemical, biological and medical sciences, we reveal the molecular mechanisms that underpin health and disease. Through this work, we generate new knowledge that supports better therapies, innovative technologies and a deeper understanding of living systems.

Research

Our research spans the study of biomolecular structure, function and interactions, helping us understand how biological systems operate at the molecular level and how they can be engineered or controlled.
Key areas of expertise include:
  • probing biomolecular reactions and interactions
  • developing new chemical and biophysical approaches to study living systems
  • investigating the molecular basis of disease
  • advancing drug discovery and biotechnology
  • translating fundamental research into healthcare applications
We use advanced analytical, spectroscopic and computational techniques to explore the structure and dynamics of biomolecules. These powerful tools enable us to understand how molecular changes influence biological function and contribute to disease.
By integrating chemistry with biology and medicine, we drive discoveries that support improved health, sustainable bio-based technologies and future scientific innovation.

Meet the team

Group Leader

Academic staff

Picture of Louis Luk

Dr Louis Luk

Senior Lecturer in Biological Chemistry

Telephone
+44 29225 10161
Email
LukLY@cardiff.ac.uk
Picture of James Platts

Professor James Platts

Professor of Computational and Physical Chemistry

Telephone
+44 29208 74950
Email
Platts@cardiff.ac.uk
Picture of Guto Rhys

Dr Guto Rhys

Lecturer in Biological Chemistry

Telephone
+44 29208 76002
Email
RhysG3@cardiff.ac.uk
Picture of Michaela Serpi

Dr Michaela Serpi

Lecturer in Medicinal Chemistry

Telephone
+44 29208 75571
Email
SerpiM5@cardiff.ac.uk

Next steps

academic-school

Research that matters

Our research makes a difference to people’s lives as we work across disciplines to tackle major challenges facing society, the economy and our environment.

microchip

Postgraduate research

Our research degrees give the opportunity to investigate a specific topic in depth among field-leading researchers.

icon-chat

Our research impact

Our research case studies highlight some of the areas where we deliver positive research impact.