Research impact
The School of Biology pursues research at all levels, from the single molecule to global environmental dynamics. The end-users of this research are also diverse, ranging from school children and the public through commercial spheres to governments and international NGOs.
In the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014 results, the impact of research undertaken in biological sciences in St Andrews was rated top in Scotland and second across the UK.
Translational impact must be built on the foundation of excellent science and credibility of the academics. The School's policy is that the pursuit and delivery of non-academic impact is recognised specifically as a key component of the academic career alongside research, teaching and service.
Research impact
The V5 tag, which was developed in St Andrews, is used widely to tag proteins to enable their identification and purification.
The Ryan Laboratory developed 2A protein co-expression technology for biomedicine and biotechnology.
Research into the effects of naval sonar on marine mammals has had international impacts on the environment, public policy, and commerce.
Research into the accurate measurement of marine mammal populations and distributions resulted in important changes in marine policy.
Research on the distribution, abundance and sensitivity to disturbance of marine predators has been translated into environmental and economic benefits.
The Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU) in St Andrews designs, builds and supplies instrumentation and software essential for marine mammal tracking.