The Institute for Biomedical and Biosciences Research

Overview

The Institute for Biomedical and Biosciences Research (IBBR) is an internationally recognised research group with a track record in drug discovery, including beta3-adrenoceptor agonists for obesity, orexin and MCH-antagonists, and the insulin sensitiser drug rosiglitazone.

Our focus is encompassed by 3 research themes, which highlight our combined basic research, drug discovery and clinical expertise. The aim of our pre-clinical research is to inform drug development and enhance underlying biological understanding. As part of The University of Buckingham Medical School and our long-standing academic, clinical and pharmaceutical collaborations we are translating our key research themes into clinical studies and ultimately therapeutics.

History

Professor Mike Cawthorne

The Institute for Biomedical and Biosciences Research (IBBR), formerly the Buckingham Institute for Translational Medicine (BITM), is based within the Clore Laboratory. The Clore Lab was founded in 1986 by Professor Anne Beloff-Chain, wife of Nobel Laureate Sir Ernst Chain, with funds from the Clore Foundation. Initially multi-disciplined biology research including obesity/diabetes, plant cell culture and biology. In 1991, Professor Mike Cawthorne ran the research group on a part-time basis, and from 1994, He led BITM until his death in 2015. Mike orientated the Lab interests towards diabetes and obesity research with funds from industry and private Foundations. He was awarded the 2001 Society for Medicines Research award for drug discovery in recognition of his work on the discovery of rosiglitazone.

Our Master’s by research Programmes overview

Our research programme brings together expertise from across many subject areas in the biomedical sciences to provide you with training in several key areas of current research interest. The MSc by Research in Biomedical Science programme focuses on experimental science and a research-informed dissertation. It will provide you with practical laboratory-based experience with access to specialist techniques in state-of-the-art facilities.

We also offer a three-year PhD Biomedical Science programme. Students will be placed in one of our research labs to undertake a three-year tailored research project. During this period, they will receive formal training in research-related skills. At the end of your research project, students are expected to write a thesis on their studies and to defend this in a viva examination.