Research in University of Essex School of Life Sciences covers a wide spectrum of biology from genes to ecosystems, and this broad-based structure. The university's academic staff have expertise in biophysics, biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, molecular medicine, environmental microbiology, photosynthesis, plant productivity, ecology, marine and environmental science.

As a research student at Essex, students will work at the heart of internationally acknowledged and well-connected research community. The university offers world-class supervision and training opportunities, and encourage students to engage with other researchers, professionals, practitioners and research users, where possible for example using the generous funding from Proficio to attend conferences and training courses.