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Welcome to the MRC Toxicology Unit

The Medical Research Council (MRC) Toxicology Unit is a leading International Research Institute within the School of Biological Sciences, University of Cambridge. The Unit delivers mechanistic toxicology research, pursuing hypothesis-driven toxicological questions with a particular focus on the study of the causal links between exposure to endogenous and exogenous toxicants, molecular initiating events and adverse outcome pathways. The Unit's overall aims are to carry out pioneering research which leads to improved health and to train and mentor the next generation of toxicologists.

 

Professor Anne Willis is Director of the MRC Toxicology Unit.  Anne was appointed as a member of the European Molecular Biology Organisation in 2015, and in 2017 awarded an OBE for services to biomedical sciences and supporting the careers of women scientists.

 

     Professor Anne Willis OBE

News

Sweeteners shown to slow growth of important gut bacteria in lab tests

17 July 2026

MRC Toxicology Unit researchers have shown how commonly-used sweeteners slow the growth of certain gut bacteria. One sweetener in particular – isosteviol – when combined with the anti-depressant duloxetine significantly impaired two important gut bacteria linked to regulating blood sugar and gut health and may affect the...

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Prof Kiran Patil recognised as Highly Commended at the Cambridge Independent Science and Technology Awards 2026

13 May 2026

Prof Kiran Patil, Group Leader at the Unit and Co-Founder of Cambiotics, has been recognised as a Highly Commended finalist in the Researcher of the Year category at the 2026 Cambridge Independent Science and Technology Awards.

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MRC Toxicology Unit scientists showcase research at British Toxicology Society Congress 2026

5 May 2026

Researchers from the MRC Toxicology Unit attended last week’s British Toxicology Society (BTS) Congress in Solihull, a key annual event that brings together experts from across toxicology and safety science, spanning academia, industry, and regulatory sectors. The meeting provided an excellent platform for early career...

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Current vacancies

Explore all opportunities currently open across the Unit on our recruitment page.