Our schools and research

Our leading expertise in decarbonisation, energy and the circular economy is already accelerating the race to net zero. Now we embark on a transformative journey as we direct our world-leading research through the prism of iNetZ+, our global research institute focused on achieving net zero and beyond.

Through our global research institute, we’re pioneering groundbreaking solutions that will redefine environmental stewardship and propel us toward a zero emissions future; achieving net-zero carbon emissions and innovating for the future beyond.

Our commitment extends beyond research to policy advocacy, influencing sustainable transition at local, national and international levels. Through applied research and collaboration with business and industry, we intend to make a profound impact on the global shift towards a zero emissions future.

As global leaders in robotics and engineering, Heriot-Watt University is the ideal location for the National Robotarium, the UK’s centre for robotics and artificial intelligence.

Its bespoke £22.4m facility spans 40,000sq ft and is home to three distinct areas of research and development; Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS), Human-Robot Interaction (HRI), and Precision Laser Applications (PLA), providing a range of labs, offices and flexible spaces for science, engineering and industry to work collaboratively under one roof.

One of six Data-Driven Innovation hubs, funded in partnership with The University of Edinburgh as part of the £1.5bn Edinburgh and South-East Scotland City Region Deal, this national, and international facility, has unrivalled technology, labs, and equipment central to the development and testing of robotics and AI solutions.

With its dedicated team of robotics engineers and researchers, they create innovative solutions to global challenges, working directly with industry to test and develop robotics, AI and automated technologies, rapidly moving pioneering science from lab to market.

Through its connection with Edinburgh Centre for Robotics, The National Robotarium fosters the teaching and development of the next generation of roboticists, producing highly-skilled graduates who are trained to conduct world-leading research with a market focus, and development engagement and learning programmes to equip the current and future workforce with robotics, data, computer science and other STEM skills.

 

The Lyell Centre for Earth and Marine Sciences and Technology, one of four global research institutes at Heriot-Watt University, brings together expertise in Earth and marine sciences with cutting-edge technologies to address global challenges confronting the planet, nature and people. As a leading centre in these fields, we strengthen Scotland’s research base and contribute to its innovation strategy through socially and industrially relevant research.

Our science spans both fundamental and applied research, using innovative technologies to address global challenges. From the deep sub-surface of the Earth to the surface of our oceans and the catchments of rainforests, from polar regions to the tropics, we are committed to finding sustainable solutions to the grand challenges facing human society and our planet.

By collaborating with business and industry, we develop and implement evidence-based solutions across the Earth's surface, sub-surface, oceans, and atmosphere. Through this research and innovation, we foster transformative ideas and science that transcends traditional boundaries.

Funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), Scottish Funding Council and Heriot-Watt, the Lyell Centre builds on interdisciplinary expertise to encourage an outstanding science culture. Advanced facilities include biogeochemistry, geoenergy, microbiology and marine ecology laboratories, deep sea research, state of the art aquaria and marine operations workshops.

Research themes, directed by global science challenges, include climate, water, life in surface and subsurface environments; energy from the Earth; risk, hazards and uncertainties. These challenges are adapted as the societal, economic and research landscape evolves and new challenges arise.

We maintain a vibrant research culture with a dedicated community of academic experts and a vibrant early career researcher and PhD student community researching across a wide range of disciplines. We contribute to undergraduate teaching and lead masters programmes in Global Environmental Sustainability and Policy and Energy Transition.

The establishment of the Global Research Institute in Health and Care Technologies aims to expedite the advancement of research, facilitating the swift integration of new technologies. Collaborating with industry, stakeholders, fellow academics and charities, we are dedicated to addressing significant global health challenges. Our goal is to deliver innovative, sustainable and user-inspired solutions through a co-creative approach.

Operating across campuses in Scotland, Dubai, and Malaysia, we partner with the health and care industry worldwide. Utilising our world-class facilities, we focus on developing new diagnostic tools and treatments, leveraging our expertise in research and engineering in collaboration with existing global research institutes.

Our initiative extends beyond research, as we actively bridge the gap from bench to bedside through the creation of spin-out companies. Additionally, we play a crucial role in influencing national policy decisions, supporting the growth of the next generation workforce, and fostering a collegiate, collaborative, and supportive academic community.

Our mission is to develop innovative solutions to the most pressing health challenges of our time, including cancer, chronic diseases, mental health, and global health threats, with a particular focus on improving patient care and health outcomes across the globe. Through a multidisciplinary and collaborative approach, we combine the expertise of engineers, healthcare professionals, and researchers to push the boundaries of what's possible in health and care innovation