Pharmacology: University of Cambridge

The Department of Pharmacology was created in the mid-1960s and is now one of the largest pharmacology departments in the UK; it has more than 20 staff actively engaged in research and included in the RAE. Their research embraces most levels of pharmacological analysis from molecular to clinical, and there are strong interactions between the different groups. They occupy purpose-built accommodation in central Cambridge, close to other life science departments, excellent library facilities, and the attractive city centre.

Key research areas

• Molecular and cellular mechanisms of nociception (Prof P McNaughton)
• Drug action on membrane permeability and regulation of ion channels (Dr Stephen Hladky)
• Secretory mechanisms (Dr Michael Edwardson)
• Receptor cycling (Dr Michael Edwardson, Dr Ruth Murrell-Lagnado)
• Cardiovascular pharmacology (Dr Robin Hiley)
• Affective disorders (Dr Zoltan Sarnyai)
• Angiogenesis (Dr Tai-Ping Fan)
• Neurodegeneration (Dr Jennifer Morton)
• Imaging of biomolecules by atomic force microscopy (Dr Robert Henderson, Dr Michael Edwardson)
• Ion channel structure and function (Dr Ruth Murrell-Lagnado)
• Receptor/intracellular messenger transduction mechanisms (Prof Dermot Cooper, Prof Robin Irvine, Prof Colin Taylor, Dr S Chawla)
• Anti cancer drug resistance (Dr Margery Barrand, Dr Rik van Veen)
• Control of sleep and appetite (Dr Denis Burdakov)

Research collaborations

They have strong links with:

• several neighbouring departments (including Biochemistry and Physiology, Development and Neuroscience)
• pharmaceutical companies, including Cambridge Biotechnology, a recent spin-out from the Department
• other universities

Further information:

• see the Department's online Graduate Student Prospectus: www.phar.cam.ac.uk/PhD/phd_index.html
• see Graduate School website: www.bio.cam.ac.uk/gradschool