The Department of Biology at the University of York opened in 1965 and moved to its current site near Wentworth College in 1968.

Molecular and cellular medicine has research strengths in chronic diseases and healthy aging with focuses on epithelial cancers, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders among others.

[3] In 2018 the unit published the evidence that cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes can active carcinogens locally in the bladder urothelium.

[4] Established in 1999, the Centre of Novel Agricultural Products (CNAP) conducts research focused on 'realising the potential of plant, microbial, and algal-based renewable resources through gene discovery'.

[9] The centre is also home to experimental research into crystallography developing and refining computer models that are now used world wide.

[11] Research by the team has included developing strategies to combat the effects of climate change as well as improving palm oil practices, helping to reduce rainforest deforestation.