Membrane processes associated with ion transport and cell signaling have a critical role in the complex physiology of the mammalian cell. A variety of projects linked to hormone function and dysfunction are in progress and these include changes in membrane transport associated with Type II diabetes, hormonal regulation of embryonic pre-implantation physiology, molecular mechanisms of the reproductive hormone prolactin. The reproductive biology and endocrinology of marsupials is another area of research which makes use of Australia’s unique fauna.

Biophysicists are especially interested in the physics and physical chemistry of biological processes. As more is being discovered about the molecular basis of biological processes and more quantitative measurement techniques are being devised, the role of the biophysicist is becoming increasingly more important. Biophysics is a major emerging area of scientific research at University of Queensland.