Research
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Life is extraordinary. So is the work we do here.
Finding solutions to the complex challenges facing society today requires multi-investigator and cross-disciplinary endeavors. School of MCB researchers are embedded within major interdisciplinary research institutes across campus, and they collaborate with peers throughout the world. Faculty and students are uncovering insights into neurological and metabolic disorders, such as epilepsy and diabetes. We are at the forefront of diagnosing and treating cancer and combating infectious diseases.
Undergraduate research opportunities
Many undergraduate students in the school carry out research in laboratories across campus and earn course credit.
Pursue a PhD
As a PhD student in Biochemistry, Cell & Developmental Biology, Microbiology, or Molecular & Integrative Physiology, you'll work with innovative faculty and students.
Research News
Read the latest research advances, publications, awards, and more from MCB faculty, staff, and students.
Explore research areas
Aging
Archaeal Biology
Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
Cancer
Cytoplasmic Structure and Dynamics
Developmental and Regenerative Biology
Endocrinology and Metabolism
Genome Architecture, Chromatin, and Gene Regulation
Immunology and Inflammation
Infectious Disease and Host-Pathogen Interactions
Mechanobiology
Membrane and Ion Channel Biology
Microbial Physiology
Microbiome and Microbial Communities
Molecular Evolution
Neuroscience and Neurologic Disorders
Pharmacology and Small-Molecule Discovery
Protein Biogenesis, Structure, and Function
Reproductive Biology
RNA Biology
Signal Transduction and Cell-to-Cell Communication
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Research institutes and initiatives
MCB scientists are leading research programs at the major interdisciplinary centers on campus, such as the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, Cancer Center at Illinois, and Microbial Systems Initiative.
They also work in facilities made for biologists advancing their fields, including the Roy J. Carver Biotechnology Center, which supports genomics, flow cytometry and translational medical research and Cryo-EM technology.