Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Pharmacology

Working to understand disease mechanisms and develop new treatments. 

A close up shot of gloved hands preparing a grid of blue and red lab samples with a pipette.

In the Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Pharmacology at Indiana University School of Medicine, research focuses on understanding fundamental biological processes and how drugs influence them. Research efforts integrate structural and chemical biology approaches to advance early drug discovery, alongside biochemical and pharmacological studies that deepen our understanding of disease mechanisms and treatments.

 

John Turchi and a student from his lab review data on a computer monitor.

Education

The department is dedicated to excellence in education and student development for medical, health professions and graduate students. 


A student wearing a lab coat with her hair pulled back keys in instructions on a lab instrument.

Research

Investigators carry out well-funded, cutting-edge research to deepen our understanding of disease mechanisms and facilitate the development of new therapeutics.

Elizabeth Yeh holds a lab sample up to eye level. She's wearing a white lab coat with shelves of equipment and tools on the lab bench behind her.

Faculty

In addition to leading the research efforts within the department, faculty are dedicated to training future physicians and scientists.

A researcher prepares a sample under the hood in the lab. She is wearing a lab coat and gloves.

Graduate Degree Programs

The department trains graduate students and postdoctoral fellows to become future leaders in biomedical sciences. The department is well-equipped to provide abundant support for trainees and prepare students for accomplished careers in academia, industry and government.

Explore graduate degrees

News and Stories

A man in glasses poses for a photo

Biochemistry professor honored as 2026 ASBMB fellow

Ronald Wek, PhD, the Showalter Professor of Biochemistry at the Indiana University School of Medicine, has been named a 2026 fellow by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

March 03, 2026

John Turchi poses with his arms crossed, standing beneath a staircase

Leading drug discovery: New department chair building team of researchers to develop next-gen treatments for diseases

As chair of the new Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Pharmacology, John Turchi is building a team of researchers to accelerate scientific discovery and find cures for diseases.

February 16, 2026

Michael Weiss diabetes research

Team Builder: Weiss recruited biotherapeutics experts to advance drug discovery for precision health

Michael A. Weiss brought innovative approaches and technologies for drug discovery to the IU School of Medicine. His legacy as chair includes recruiting experts who will catalyze biomedical discoveries for years to come.

October 27, 2025

Events

Apr 13 4:00pm - 5:00pm

BMBP Seminar Series

GL-320: a First-in-Class USP10 Inhibitor Targeting DDR to Induce Immunogenic Cell Death and Overcome Resistance in NSCLC

Navnath Gavande, PhD
Wayne State University

VANNUYS MEDICAL SCIENCE BUILDING

Apr 20 4:00pm - 5:00pm

BMBP Seminar Series

Drug-Gene-Nutraceutical Interactions of Cannabidiol

Michael T Eadon, MD

Department of Medical And Molecular Genetics, IUSM

VANNUYS MEDICAL SCIENCE BUILDING

Apr 27 4:00pm - 5:00pm

BMBP Seminar Series

The central amygdala integrates exogenous and endogenous GLP-1 signals.

Andrew Hardaway, PhD
University of Alabama at Birmingham 

VANNUYS MEDICAL SCIENCE BUILDING