The importance of understanding — and researching — basic biology was recently highlighted thanks to the work of researchers from Swansea University's School of Medicine.
Their research led to the discovery of the mechanism which detects and responds to the presence of bacteria within the womb. Understanding the normal working of the body is key to finding ways of fighting disease — Professor Martin Sheldon, who led the work, said research exploring the basic biology of the organ is a crucial first step on the road to developing new treatments.
And biology research doesn't just stop with investigating the body. Studying the molecular structure of foods has allowed scientists to study everything from the benefit of a five-a-day regime of fruit and veg to food allergies. Even sheep have helped scientists to unravel the mystery of whether an 'annual' biological clock exists.
Inspired by the vast range of biology research taking place across the UK, we've decided to focus the next in our series of research Q&As on opportunities in this area.
So, whatever stage of your research career you are at, whether you are considering a PhD or you'd like to stand out to potential employers, join our experts in a live Q&A, November 16 at 1pm.
Our panel:
Simon Cutler is senior innovation & skills programme manager at the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). Simon is responsible for the management of a variety of career and skills-related programmes that are funded and run by the BBSRC.
Graham Fraser is a research project support scientist at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge. Graham has spent the past five years working on Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
Terry Jones is the careers adviser for King's College Graduate School. He supports the college's Researcher Development Programme and provides career guidance to early career researchers.
Dr Vivien Rolfe is principal lecturer in Bioscience at De Montfort University, specialising in intestinal physiology and nutrition. Vivien's research experience includes the food manufacturing industry and hospital-based medical research.
Douglas Gray is a senior lecturer in anatomy and physiology at De Montfort University. Douglas has also re-opened some of his PhD research in receptor mediated toxicity of endocrine disruptors.
Dr Kimberly Watson is reader in Structural Biology in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Reading. Kim is also director of enterprise within the school and acts as industrial placement tutor, helping undergraduate students seeking relevant work experience.
Peter Urwin is a professor at the Centre for Plant Sciences at the University of Leeds.
Three representatives of King's College London will be joining the discussion:
Professor Frederic Geissmann is the head of the newly-established Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology of Inflammation at King's College London.
Paul Sharpe is the Dickinson professor of Craniofacial Biology at King's College London.
Kevin Woollard is a post-doctoral research fellow working on a British Heart Foundation-funded project on the role of monocyte subsets and the mechanisms of monocyte recruitment and migration of atherothrombosis.
We'll also be joined by two ambassadors from New Outlooks In Science and Engineering (NOISE). Mike Hughson is a biochemical engineer at University College London - he is currently researching vaccine manufacturing.
Adam Davies is currently studying for a PhD at Southampton University's Institute for Complex Systems Simulation - he is researching theoretical biology and exploring the development of technologies ranging from new types of medicine to faster and more powerful computers.
