Institute of Mechanical, Process and Energy Engineering (IMPEE)
Engineering innovation for a sustainable future The Institute of Mechanical, Process and Energy Engineering (IMPEE) is a dynamic and multidisciplinary research institute at the forefront of engineering innovation.
Our mission is to deliver research excellence across our core themes while fostering meaningful collaboration with industry, academia, and society.
Driving research with real-world impact IMPEE is proud of its strong and active partnerships with industry. We work closely with companies across multiple sectors to identify research priorities, co-develop innovative solutions, and translate discoveries into commercial and societal benefit.
Our research The Institute of Mechanical, Process and Energy Engineering (IMPEE) offers a vibrant and collaborative environment for research, with a community of over 25 academic staff and around 75 postgraduate researchers and research associates.
Our researchers are actively involved in a number of nationally and internationally recognised research initiatives, including:
- Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Continuous Manufacturing and Crystallisation
- Centre for Innovation in Carbon Capture and Storage (CICCS) -Heriot-Watt Innovative Manufacturing Research Centre -James Watt Institute for High Value Manufacturing
- Edinburgh Research Partnership in Engineering and Mathematics – a strategic alliance with the University of Edinburgh
IMPEE also plays a key role in Heriot-Watt’s leadership in energy research. Through the Energy Academy, a virtual hub that brings together all energy-related research across the University, we contribute to shaping the future of sustainable energy. We are also founding members of the Scottish Institute of Solar Energy Research (SISER), a national alliance supporting solar energy research across Scottish universities.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Biomedical Engineering
Our Biomedical Engineering research theme is strongly interdisciplinary, with active collaborations involving physicists, medical researchers, and clinicians from institutions such as:
- The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh
- NHS Scotland
- Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh
- Western General Hospital
Recent funded projects have explored innovations such as mechanical palpation for cancer diagnosis, the structural and mechanical properties of bone, and bioprinting techniques for the creation of biological tissues.
Through these collaborations and research strengths, IMPEE continues to deliver impactful solutions to some of the most pressing challenges in healthcare, sustainability, and advanced manufacturing.
Research themes
We focus on addressing global challenges through applied, impactful research in the following areas
Biomedical Engineering
Advancing healthcare technologies through the development of medical devices, diagnostics, and engineered solutions that improve patient outcomes.
Digital Engineering
Harnessing data, modelling, and simulation to transform product development, process design, and system performance across industries.
Energy Harvesting and Conversion
Innovating sustainable solutions for energy generation, storage, and utilisation—supporting the global transition to low-carbon energy systems.
Multi-Phase Flow
Conducting world-leading research into the behaviour of complex fluid systems, with applications in energy, manufacturing, and process industries.
More information about our Institute
Our research facilities
Our work is supported by extensive laboratory and workshop facilities, and shaped by a culture of innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and industrial engagement.
Research opportunities
Our Institute offers a wide range of research opportunities for UK, EU, and international students. Our research spans core themes including Biomedical Engineering, Digital Engineering, Energy Harvesting and Conversion, and Multiphase Flow.