Research centres and strategic partnerships
The School of Engineering and Physical Sciences is home to a number of research centres and doctoral training initiatives that reflect our commitment to collaborative, challenge-led research.
Our researchers and students play a leading role in shaping technological and scientific innovation, both within Heriot-Watt and across national and international partnerships.
Centres for Doctoral Training
In the school we host and participate in several EPSRC and UKRI funded Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs), offering structured PhD programmes that combine advanced research with professional development and industry engagement.
- EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Use-Inspired Photonic Sensing and Metrology (CDT Applied Photonics)
- UKRI AI Centre for Doctoral Training in Dependable and Deployable AI for Robotics (CDT-D2AIR)
- EPSRC CDT in Algebra, Geometry and Quantum Fields. (AGQ CDT)
- EPSRC and MoD Centre for Doctoral Training in Sensing, Processing, and AI for Defence and Security (SPADS CDT)
University-wide and thematic research initiatives
We are proud to contribute to major cross-disciplinary initiatives across Heriot-Watt and beyond:
- HW Global Research Institute in Health and Care Technologies
- HW Global Research Institute in Net Zero and Beyond (iNetZ+)
- National Robotarium
- EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Laser-based Production Processes: A national centre focused on advancing laser-based manufacturing technologies.
- Heriot-Watt Energy Academy: A pan-university virtual hub that connects and promotes all energy-related research across disciplines.
National research partnerships
Our school is a key member of several leading Scottish research alliances, fostering collaboration across institutions and disciplines:
- Scottish Universities Physics Alliance (SUPA)
- ScotCHEM – The national research alliance for chemical sciences in Scotland
- Edinburgh Research Partnership in Engineering and Mathematics (ERPE)
- Edinburgh Collaborative of Subsurface Science and Engineering (ECOSSE)
Through these centres and partnerships, we provide an exceptional training and research environment for our postgraduate students while addressing major global challenges through interdisciplinary science and engineering.
Related content
Sensing, Processing, and AI for Defence and Security CDT
The SPADS doctoral programme will train the next generation of highly professional defence scientists, including engineers, computer scientists, and mathematicians.
Optical Molecular Sensing and Imaging IRC
Funded prize PhD studentships available in Multiplexed, Touch and Tell, Optical Molecular Sensing and Imaging Interdisciplinary Research Collaboration.