About us

Our scientists study the most fundamental components of human life: cells, proteins & DNA.

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Photograph of students using microscope

The School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences (BABS) is one of the largest and most prestigious schools of scientific research and teaching in Australia. We encompass the disciplines of genomics and bioinformatics, microbiology and microbiomes, and molecular and cell biology, with specialist areas in gene regulation, systems biology, neurogenomics, microbes in health and disease, microbes in the environment, metabolism and metabolic disorders and synthetic biology.

Welcome to the School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences

In the School of BABS, we teach undergraduates, mentor postgraduate research students and conduct research in the disciplines of biotechnology, biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, microbiology, environmental microbiology, medical microbiology and immunology. We empower our students, giving them the tools and experience to embark on a career that is richer, more fulfilling and constantly fascinating.

- Professor Marcel Dinger
Head of School

Our centres

BABS hosts the Ramaciotti Centre for Genomics and the NSW Systems Biology Initiative. We're proud to be one of the largest and most prestigious schools of scientific research in Australia and aim to achieve a balance of pure basic, strategic, applied and experimental development research. We also have a solid track record in linking fundamental research to tangible, commercially orientated outcomes.

Study at BABS

The school offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs and caters for a variety of career paths. The exceptional standard of education within our degree programs is provided by dedicated and experienced staff and access to the latest scientific equipment and technologies. The school boasts state-of-the-art undergraduate PC1 and PC2 teaching labs, with BABS teaching staff regularly recognised by university and external teaching awards. UNSW has around 3500 postgraduate research candidates annually, with BABS offering Graduate Diploma, Master of Science (MSc) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) research-based degrees.

Research

Research in BABS ranges from human bacterial pathogens, hepatitis viruses, tissue engineering, cancer, cell biology, genetics and bioinformatics to functional genomics and extremophiles. Our staff have an international reputation for research and have established collaborative links with industry and other research institutions in Australia and overseas. Researchers in the school are aligned into three discipline areas:

Genomics & bioinformatics

Genomics and bioinformatics is an invaluable hybrid of science concerning the structure and function of genomes, and the use of computational technology to capture and interpret biological data.

Microbiology & microbiomes

Microbes are invisible companions that intertwine our biology and support our biological and geological systems.

Molecular & cell biology

Since traditional biology focuses on living organisms as a whole, molecular and cell biology explores the components and interactions that make up a cell.

Meet our people

Our academic, professional and technical staff.

Contact us