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.

Our specialist research areas

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  Artificial intelligence

  Our digital and AI footprint cuts across sectors from advanced materials discovery, through nuclear decommission and into health and security. With partners including the NHS, government, and global businesses, we’re translating research into new products and services that will improve the way we live and work, and help to create a fairer and safer future.

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  Health

  Our research enables health improvements at the individual level of the patient, as well as through society as a whole. By linking the development and manufacture of new medicines, diagnostic tools, analytical platforms and delivery devices with an understanding of the appropriate interventions for specific medical and clinical situations we can drive better healthcare outcomes for all.

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  Materials

  We are home to a world-leading research and innovation community based around materials. We’re transforming existing materials, as well as introducing new ones, in a bid to meet emerging global needs. Our research spans a diverse range of applications, from helping to store sustainable energy more efficiently to recreating tissue and bone to provide a better quality of life into older age.

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  Net-zero

  Achieving net-zero emissions remains one of the greatest global challenges of the 21st century and our investment in this area has been substantial. Our research crosses many themes, from international leading work on fusion, fission and radiation waste management, to pioneering work in developing renewable energy technologies and infrastructures including solar, hydrogen and the exploration of new biotech solutions.

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  Quantum

  Our pedigree of quantum research stems back the discovery of the atom. Today our quantum 2.0 activities are being coordinated within a dedicated Centre, focusing on the development of new technologies, exploiting quantum effects with revolutionary capability in computing, imaging, sensing and timing. Our quantum research is supported by over £70M in funding and equipment.

Science and engineering research beacons

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  Advanced materials

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

  Discover more about advanced materials

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  Biotechnology

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

  Discover more about biotechnology

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  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

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.