Heriot-Watt University
United Kingdom

Research

From discovery to application, our pioneering research delivers results with far reaching global impact, helping transform societies and drive economies. 

Global research

World-leading research focuses on finding solutions to major global challenges through significant international collaborations and connectivity to business. Our multi-disciplinary, award-winning research shapes the future by building capacity and capability.

1st

Heriot-Watt University was ranked the 9th university in the UK and 1st in Scotland for research impact.

​REF 2014

The National Robotarium

A world-leading centre, creating innovative solutions to global challenges through pioneering research, delivering substantial benefits for society.

Net Zero

Leading expertise across the energy spectrum is already positioned to accelerate decarbonisation and the goal of a carbon neutral future.

The Lyell Centre

The Lyell Centre is an inspired fusion of Earth and marine geosciences and technology, created in partnership with the British Geological Survey.

Medical Technology

Driving the development of next generation medical devices and diagnostics to address unfulfilled clinical and industrial needs.

Our Economic Recovery Prospectus illustrates our dedication to supporting the global recovery efforts in relation to Covid-19.

Economic Recovery Prospectus

Frontier research

Our frontier research coupled with our interdisciplinary approach and close collaboration with research users has direct impact on real-world problems.

82%

82% of our research is world-leading or internationally excellent.

​REF 2014

Blue Economy

Sustaining marine resources We are research leaders across key Blue Economy sectors from aquaculture and marine biotechnology to tourism, energy and marine renewables.

Quantum

Emerging technologies today Our £35M Quantum Technology funding portfolio is one of the largest in Scotland with 400 outputs cited in the top 10% articles in the world.

Smart construction

Building for the future Our construction research has no boundaries, spanning core expertise and transferrable research from Infrastructure and Environment to Robotics.

Social inclusion

Changing policy, changing lives The Institute for Social Policy, Housing, Equalities Research plays a pivotal role in UK and international efforts to address extreme disadvantage.

Latest news

Read about our headline-making research and innovation.
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Ideas and solutions

Since 1821 we have been at the forefront of new ideas and solutions, creating radical innovations that make a difference in the real world.

Public engagement

Working with the public is vital to Heriot-Watt's mission to create and exchange knowledge for the benefit of society.

Research portal

Explore our research portal, searchable by experts, schools, institutes and research groups.

Events

Find out about upcoming research events

Research excellence

Framework outcomes

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