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

Jul 20 4:00pm - 5:00pm

BMBP & Cancer Center Candidate Seminar
Please join the Tom & Julie Wood Center for Lunch Cancer Research and 

Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Pharmacology for this special seminar with the Endowed Chair and Director of Translational Research candidate 

JOSEPH E. WALTHER HALL

Jul 22 9:00am - 10:00am

BIOM Thesis Defense Seminar: Maryalice Hartley

Endoplasmic Reticulum Calcium in Lipid Regulation and Insulin Secretion”

R4

Jul 29 12:00pm - 1:00pm

ACBP Faculty Candidate Seminar

Please join the Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology & Physiology for a faculty candidate seminar

VANNUYS MEDICAL SCIENCE BUILDING