# York Structural Biology Laboratory

**Source**: https://www.york.ac.uk/chemistry/research/ysbl/
**Parent**: https://www.york.ac.uk/about/departments/

An award-winning laboratory with a global reputation.

York’s biological chemistry research, including structural and chemical biology has its epicentre in the York Structural Biology Laboratory (YSBL).

Our work focuses on the fundamental chemical bases for biological and biochemical processes, the use of small molecules to probe cellular biology, software and methods development and on the exploitation of enzymes in biocatalysis. In 2019 we were awarded the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for our pioneering work in protein molecule research.

[Read about the history of YSBL](https://www.york.ac.uk/chemistry/research/ysbl/about/history/)

## Contact us

- [ysbl-admin@york.ac.uk](mailto:ysbl-admin@york.ac.uk)
- [+44 (0)1904 328264](tel:+441904 328264)
- York Structural Biology Laboratory,
  University of York,
  Heslington,
  York
  YO10 5DD.

> YSBL has a successful tradition of structural biology spanning over five decades. This tradition serves us well as we advance new frontiers in structural biology, such as cryogenic electron microscopy and emerging computational methods. Our research concerns both fundamental research into macromolecular structure and its application to real-world problems. Beyond our science, we are proud of our supportive and welcoming culture and host visitors from all over the world.

[Professor Jamie Blaza](https://www.york.ac.uk/chemistry/people/jblaza/), Head of York Structural Biology Laboratory

Established

Established in 1976 by Professors Guy and Eleanor Dodson

Award

Winners of the 2019 Queen's Anniversary Prize

People

70 staff and PhD students, including 13 academic staff and research fellows

## Research and innovation focus areas

The laboratory's research can be categorised broadly under three main headings:

### [Structural biology](https://www.york.ac.uk/chemistry/research/ysbl/structural-biology/)

### [Chemical biology and biological chemistry](https://www.york.ac.uk/chemistry/research/ysbl/chemical-biology-biological-chemistry/)

### [Methods in structural biology](https://www.york.ac.uk/chemistry/research/ysbl/methods-in-structural-biology/)

## Our industry partnerships

The laboratory engages in research collaboration and forms partnerships that enhance the quality of its research and lead to impact in industry and in medicine.

We develop widely used and highly cited computational methods used by structural biologists, both academic and industrial, worldwide.

Software written by YSBL colleagues has contributed to the discovery and development of frontline drugs. There are close links with Novozymes in research that has led to improved enzymes used in washing powders, the paper and pulp industry as well as in food manufacturing and biofuel production.

### Case Studies

- [Short and long-acting insulins](https://www.york.ac.uk/chemistry/research/ics/slai/)
- [Software for crystallography supporting new drug development](https://www.york.ac.uk/research/impact/crystallography-software/)

## Work with us

We have cutting-edge facilities and we'd like to hear from prospective researchers and industry partners.

### [People](https://www.york.ac.uk/chemistry/research/ysbl/people/)

### [Facilities: The Dodson building](https://www.york.ac.uk/chemistry/research/ysbl/facilities/eleanor-and-guy-dodson-building/)

### [PhD vacancies](https://www.york.ac.uk/chemistry/research/ysbl/phdvacancies/)

Our history

How the laboratory was founded, and continues to thrive today.

[Read more](https://features.york.ac.uk/ysbl-queens-anniversary-prize/index.html)

Awards

In 2019, we were awarded the Queen's Anniversary Prize.

[Find out more](https://www.york.ac.uk/news-and-events/news/2020/research/ysbl-queens-anniversary-prize-chemistry/)

Social media

Follow us on Twitter.

[Follow us](https://twitter.com/YSBL_York)

Events

Many of our lectures are open to the public.

[See our events](https://www.york.ac.uk/chemistry/research/ysbl/seminarsandevents/)

## Contact us

- [ysbl-admin@york.ac.uk](mailto:ysbl-admin@york.ac.uk)
- [+44 (0)1904 328264](tel:+441904 328264)
- York Structural Biology Laboratory,
  University of York,
  Heslington,
  York
  YO10 5DD.