A wide range of advanced biological research activities are performed in the Department of Biosciences: from curiosity-driven “basic science” disciplines to investigations into the molecular basis of life. The scientific interests of the Department are directed towards understanding the organization and evolution of biodiversity, from the structure and function of biomolecules, to the cellular, organismal, population and ecosystem levels in a wide variety of organisms from bacteria, fungi and plants to “higher” animals.

The Department follows a strict plan to promote high quality scientific research through the recruitment of the best young and established researchers in their specific fields, the multidisciplinary integration of the capacities it hosts, the provision of cutting edge technical facilities and through the development of collaborations with the best scientific institutions in Italy and overseas as well as with the private and business sectors. The products of the Department’s research are often featured in the most prestigious scientific journals and conferences and the high quality of the research performed is underlined by the fact that our researchers regularly obtain funding from public bodies and charitable foundations as well as national and international funding agencies.

The Department is the principal or associate coordinator of 11 first (Laurea) and specialist (Laurea Magistrale) degree courses, 4 in english, and its staff contribute to the teaching of numerous other courses within and beyond the University. The Department of Biosciences is responsible for the Phd School in Molecular and Cellular Biology. Teaching staff provide high quality, up-to-date instruction that responds to the needs of society and modern times - as would be expected of an institution whose lecturers are also researchers of note.

The permanent staff of the DBS consists of  19 full professors, 32 associate professors and 28 assistant professors. A significant body of research assistants and other collaborators, many from overseas, also contribute to research activities. Numerous technical and administrative staff also contribute to scientific activities, organize general services and manage the numerous grants that sustain research in the department.