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Research

Future Makers

Our award-winning research is building the future.

Our Future Makers

Our multi-disciplinary, award-winning research shapes the future by building capacity and capability.

Solving wicked problems

Professor Susan Krumdieck's research into the complex supply and demand dynamics of energy transition is at the forefront of the race to net zero.

Transforming Construction

The sustainability of construction and demolition has long been a research focus for engineer, and pioneer in sustainable construction, Professor Gabriela Medero.

Trusting robots

Engineering systems are increasingly being used autonomously, making decisions and taking actions without human intervention.

Autonomous robots

Autonomous and resident robots have the potential to revolutionise how we work in the most extreme environments and contribute positively to our net-zero goals.

Find out how our research is delivering real results with far-reaching impact.

Our impact

Global research

World-leading research focuses on finding solutions to major global challenges through significant international collaborations and connectivity to business.

86.8%

86.8% of our research is ranked world-leading and internationally excellent.

Research Excellence Framework 2021

The National Robotarium

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

Net Zero

Leading experts across our research specialisms are already positioned to accelerate decarbonisation and energy transition to reach Net Zero.

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.

Microfluidics Arrest TB - pink fluid in container

Medical Technology

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

Our leading research is finding solutions to the challenges of living sustainably and achieving net zero, and is a pillar of our sustainability strategy.

Sustainability

Frontier research

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

88.6%

88.6% of our research outputs are ranked world-leading and internationally excellent.

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Blue Economy

Our research expertise spans marine sciences and blue economy sectors from aquaculture and marine biotech to tourism and marine renewables.

Blue lights joined at angles to create a network against a dark background

Mathematical sciences

Future-shaping and world-leading research that generates ideas, develops models and applies expertise for the benefit of science and society.

Quantum

Our Quantum Technology funding portfolio is one of the largest in Scotland with outputs cited in the top 10% in the world.

Smart construction

Our construction research spans core expertise and transferrable research from infrastructure and environment to robotics and circular manufacturing.

Social inclusion

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.

More news

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.

Economic Recovery

Find out how we are supporting global recovery efforts in our Economic Recovery Prospectus.

Research excellence

Find out about the Research Excellence Framework and the REF21 results published on 12 May 2022.

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