Section of Chronobiology
Discover the Section of Chronobiology, which is devoted to the study of all aspects of biological timing (ultradian, circadian and seasonal rhythms) in a range of models, particularly humans.
Current research
Chronobiology has been a research strength at the University of Surrey since 1978, and experts from the Section are in frequent demand for media and consultancy work.
Our current research, which has recently been published in journals such as Current Biology, eLife, Nature Communications, Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences, covers the following areas:
- Central and peripheral clock mechanisms in humans and animal models.
- Molecular mechanisms underlying synchronisation of rhythms by light, melatonin, and food.
- Optimisation of treatment of circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders in shift workers, blind people and the elderly.
- Interaction between circadian rhythms, sleep, metabolism and cardiovascular function in general populations, shift workers and disease (Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disorders and liver disease, HIV infection).
- Chrononutrition, and circadian rhythms and sleep as a global health issue.
Supporters and partners
Our research is supported by:
- Academy of Medical Sciences
- BBRSC
- EU
- MRC
- NIH
- Industrial partners.
We have wide international links with a range of organisations, including:
- Northwestern University
- University of Aberdeen
- University of Bath
- University of Bristol
- University of Edinburgh
- University of Groningen
- University of Padova
- University of São Paulo
- University of Witwatersrand.
Meet the team
Section lead
Professor Debra Skene
Professor of Neuroendocrinology; Section Lead Chronobiology
Section members
Professor Jonathan Johnston
Professor of Chronobiology and Integrative Physiology
Dr Benita Middleton
Senior Research Fellow
Katie O'Brien
Postgraduate Research Student
Dr Daan Van Der Veen
Senior Lecturer in Sleep and Chronobiology
Professor Malcolm von Schantz
Professor of Chronobiology