Biochemistry & Immunology - Research

The School currently holds significant research grants for national and international funding agencies. In addition, the School is equipped to a very high standard and has in-house core facilities for flow cytometry, cell imaging, molecular graphics and protein X-ray crystallography. We are well equipped with sophisticated spectroscopy instruments including double beam and stopped-flow spectrophotometers, as well as stopped-flow fluorimetry and stopped-flow CD. In partnership with the School of Chemistry we operate a 600MHz nmr spectrometer with a cryoprobe attachment to allow structural protein nmr studies. We have recently installed a new bio/chemical hazards suite.



The School of Biochemistry and Immunology (SBI) is located in the new Biomedical Sciences Institute on Pearse Street adjacent to the main Trinity campus. . The School collaborates internationally on a large scale and has links to the Irish and International Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical sectors. Information on specific research projects, studentships and current vacancies can be found on the School's website.



Current graduate degrees offered are PhD in Biochemistry (research), PhD in Immunology (research), and an MSc in Immunology. Regarding the research PhDs, suitably qualified and interested graduates are required to first contact prospective supervisors directly at the school to consider possible project options. Students on the Ph.D. register must complete a progress report consisting of a written report and research presentation, normally after 18 months. Postgraduate students will also be encouraged to give oral research presentations throughout the course of their studies. It is expected that a graduate should gain their Ph.D. within 4 years."

Research Applications

No closing dates apply for application for higher degrees by research but there are only two registration periods (September and March). Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible prior to their chosen registration period as supervisory capacity may be limited.



In exceptional circumstances it may be possible to register retrospectively. Applicants wishing to be considered for retrospective admission should contact the Graduate Studies Office by emailing research.admissions@tcd.ie

Next Intake: March 2024 / September 2024

School Description:


The School of Biochemistry and Immunology has as its focus research into protein structure and function, effects of genetic polymorphism on metabolism, neuroscience, cancer biology, bioenergetics, molecular enzymology, cell and molecular biology, cellular and molecular immunology, innate immunity and inflammation, immunomodulation, infection and immunity, molecular parasitology and immunometabolism. The School currently holds significant research grants for national and international funding agencies. In addition, the School is equipped to a very high standard and has in-house core facilities for flow cytometry, cell imaging, molecular graphics and protein X-ray crystallography. We are well equipped with sophisticated spectroscopy instruments including double beam and stopped-flow spectrophotometers, as well as stopped-flow fluorimetry and stopped-flow CD. In partnership with the School of Chemistry we operate a 600MHz nmr spectrometer with a cryoprobe attachment to allow structural protein nmr studies. We have recently installed a new bio/chemical hazards suite.


The School of Biochemistry and Immunology (SBI) is located in the new Biomedical Sciences Institute on Pearse Street adjacent to the main Trinity campus. . The School collaborates internationally on a large scale and has links to the Irish and International Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical sectors. Information on specific research projects, studentships and current vacancies can be found on the School's website


Current graduate degrees offered are PhD in Biochemistry (research), PhD in Immunology (research), and an MSc in Immunology. Regarding the research PhDs, suitably qualified and interested graduates are required to first contact prospective supervisors directly at the school to consider possible project options. Students on the Ph.D. register must complete a progress report consisting of a written report and research presentation, normally after 18 months. Postgraduate students will also be encouraged to give oral research presentations throughout the course of their studies. It is expected that a graduate should gain their Ph.D. within 4 years."