The Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences has significant international expertise in understanding and modelling the soil/microbe/plant interface, the population and physiological responses of animals and plants from habitats as diverse as the deep ocean and tropical forests, along with environmental effects on mammalian physiology, the immune functions of fish and fundamental relationships between diseases and their vectors.

A high proportion of research graduates find relevant employment immediately after graduating, often with research institutes, hospitals, government science or conservation agencies (CORDAH, RSPB, Flora and Fauna International, WWF), or in universities in the UK or overseas. The range of research jobs reflects directly the diversity of research within the institute. Other graduates enter the teaching profession, become computer programmers, author text books or take curatorial positions in museums.