The Institute of Metabolic Science-Metabolic Research Laboratories (IMS-MRL) and its embedded Medical Research Council (MRC) Metabolic Diseases Unit investigate the mechanisms through which metabolic health is maintained and how this is disturbed in disease. We seek to use that knowledge to aid better treatment and prevention of obesity, Type 2 diabetes and related endocrine and metabolic diseases.
IMS-MRL research groups encompass skills in genetics, cell biology, cell signalling, neuroendocrinology, bioenergetics, human and animal physiology, experimental medicine and clinical trials.
Latest news
24 March 2025
Professor Stephen O’Rahilly was recently awarded the Berthold Medal at the 68th German Congress of Endocrinology held in Baden Baden last week. The award took place as part of the Berthold Lecture on 20th March, in which Stephen gave an insight into his scientific work with his lecture on “ Adventures in Endocrinology...
Dogs provide insight into obesity genetics
6 March 2025
A study published in Science highlights the value of pet dogs as a model for understanding obesity in both humans and animals. This work was led by IMS-MRL and University of Cambridge Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience (PDN) researcher Dr Eleanor Raffan , along with PhD students Dr Natalie Wallis and Dr...
19 February 2025
We are delighted to have been part of this groundbreaking Diabetes UK-funded study into safety & benefits of a reduced calorie diet in late pregnancy in women with gestational diabetes. The Dietary Intervention in Gestational Diabetes (DiGest) trial involved researchers from the Universities of Cambridge and Leicester...
