Research

The breadth and international quality of our science and engineering research expertise enables us to directly address critical challenges facing humankind and advance understanding.

With collaborations taking place across the Institution and beyond, and connections to some of the biggest global businesses, we're able to drive forward innovations that will benefit future generations, and the planet.

Our featured areas of research are known as our "beacons of excellence", and you can discover more about them below.

Science and engineering research beacons

• 

  Advanced materials

  We’re developing advanced materials for the most extreme environments, and the most familiar.

  Discover more about advanced materials

• 

  Energy

  Our researchers are pioneering the energy systems of the future so that we can continue to heat our homes, light our buildings and travel.

  Discover more about energy

• 

  Industrial biotechnology

  We’re finding sustainable alternatives to the finite resources used to manufacture goods we use every day.

  Discover more about industrial biotechnology

Explore how our research is looking to build a fairer, healthier and greener world in the wake of COVID-19.

More about our research

Much of our research is concentrated around key Institutes and Centres, many of which include industry partners.

We offer personal and professional development for early career research staff, postdoctoral researchers and postgraduate researchers.

Join a collaborative and inventive research community, looking to solve some of the world's greatest challenges with dedicated projects across a wide range of specialisms.