About our research

Our interdisciplinary research activity takes place across subjects, departments and the wider University. Everything we do supports our four faculty research themes:

  • Health, sport and active ageing

  • Clean energy and environmental sustainability 

  • Advanced materials and manufacturing 

  • AI, digital and cyber-physical systems

We’re making a difference in the world – from supporting the development of new applications and technologies to advising governments, industry and other organisations.

  • Two students observing another student who is doing the environment chamber V02 max text

    Health, sport and active ageing

    Enhancing human health and pushing the performance limits of elite sports.

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  • Wind turbines on a hill overlooking the sea

    Clean energy and environmental sustainability

    Developing cutting-edge research so we can look forward to a greener future.

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  • A researcher working with equipment in a laboratory

    Advanced materials and manufacturing

    Developing new materials and innovative processes for sustainable manufacturing.

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  • Computer Games Technology undergraduate students working in the computer games lab

    AI, digital and cyber-physical systems

    Building a connected, smart and sustainable future through new technologies.

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Research Excellence Framework highlights

Engineering

100% of our research impact in Engineering is world-leading or internationally excellent, and 75% is at the highest 4* level.

Environmental Sciences

100% of our research impact in Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences is world-leading or internationally excellent, and 75% is at the highest 4* level.

Sport

In Sport, we're sixth in the UK for the power of research. 95% of our outputs are world-leading or internationally excellent.

Discover more about our research

  • Researcher tightening bolts inside a test chamber

    Research missions

    Discover our five research missions — helping us to better understand the world around us and share new insights with policymakers, businesses and wider society.

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  • Two student in a lab, one is using a computer and the other is using specialist lab equipment

    Science and Engineering doctoral studies

    Find out what our faculty has to offer you as a doctoral researcher.

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