Research

Science and engineering powers society and empowers individuals; most advances in human understanding of the world around us have been driven by the curiosity of science and the effectiveness of engineering.

Research in the College of Science and Engineering ranges from the core disciplines of chemistry, computing science, engineering, geographical and earth science, mathematics and statistics, psychology, and physics and astronomy, to interdisciplinary areas such as materials, nanotechnology, and systems biology.

We are also involved in multidisciplinary research on the societal issues of energy and sustainability, transportation, health and ageing. 

Our expertise includes work in novel sound, touch and rhythm interfaces for mobile computing, supramolecular chemistry, gravitational waves, technologies for Lab-on-a-Chip and ultrafast electronics, modelling of arterial blood flow, radioactivity, air and water pollution, rehabilitation following spinal injury, and face, voice and gesture recognition.

With annual research funding around £35 million, the College is home to 273 academic researchers, 67 research fellows, 124 Research Associates, 79 research assistants, and more than 600 PhD students working on a wide range of research projects.  The College includes four of the UK’s top ten research units in the RAE 2008 - Computing Science, Electrical Engineering, Physics, and Psychology.

Strategic direction is provided by the Dean of Research, Professor Muffy Calder.