Chair’s Corner

Welcome to UNC Biochemistry and Biophysics! We are a vibrant community of researchers who investigate the molecular basis of life. Our faculty, staff, students, and postdocs come from a spectacular variety of different backgrounds, and we are linked by common goals to understand molecular mechanisms that are important for human health. Some of the best new treatments for devastating diseases – like cancer, heart, lung disease, and infections – come from basic science discoveries in the field of biochemistry and biophysics. We seek to continually create new knowledge and inspire tomorrow’s cures through world-class research supported by state-of-the-art resources.

We cultivate a long-established culture of generous collaboration among research teams. Our Department scientists are embedded in networks of researchers across the UNC School of Medicine, the UNC campus, the nation, and the world. Since our founding in 1935 we are proud to have contributed important scientific advances, and we routinely rank among the top departments in the field (5th in 2021). Our faculty have been recognized with major University awards, election to the National Academy of Sciences, and a Nobel Prize in Chemistry (Aziz Sancar, 2015).

We are deeply committed to providing excellent training to graduate students, postdocs, and other junior scientists, and we provide instruction in the professional schools and the College of Arts and Sciences. We offer a fully-supported PhD with two customizable tracks in either Biochemistry or Biophysics, and our goal is fostering the next generation of scientific leaders in a variety of careers.

We invite you to explore our website to learn more about our research, graduate program curriculum, events, and dynamic people who make us great!

Jean Cook, Ph.D.
Professor & Chair

Chair’s Corner Blog

Read the updates from our Chair of Biochemistry and Biophysics.