Researcher working in the Transform CE Print City Polymer Lab

Our research

We’re helping the world solve big challenges – from health and wellbeing to future technologies and sustainability.

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.

Our departments

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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