The research in my laboratory focuses on the hierarchical assembly and structure of extracellular matrix proteins. Many molecules extracellular matrix undergo complicated polymerisation to form fibrillar assemblies. The analysis of the structure and function of these assemblies is often complicated by their complexity. However, the novel application of structural biology and biophysical techniques is beginning to reveal exciting insights into their molecular assembly and function. We are using a range of techniques including small angle X-ray scattering and TEM with single particle analysis to tease out the structural details of elastic fibre proteins, fibrillin and tropoelastin, and the microfibrillar collagen VI. Using a hierarchical approach, from analysis of individual domains to multi-protein assemblies, we have provided new insights into the architecture of these macromolecular assemblies.