Pioneering research

Research and radical innovation are fundamental to addressing the challenges of living sustainably. Our world-leading research focuses on finding solutions to major global challenges, through significant international collaborations and connections with industry.

We are creating a new Global Research Institute to focus on the Net Zero challenge, connecting researchers across all our campuses and from multiple disciplines.  Founded on our leading expertise in energy, engineering, and construction, we're building a new future through decarbonisation, energy transition and radical innovation. Read more about our global Net Zero research.

Some research is 'blue sky' or fundamental and some is applied, and research impact is the difference it makes in the real-world. Watch how our research is making an impact to all of our lives.

Research itself can be energy and resource intensive. We are working to reduce the environmental impact of our research by improving the sustainability of our laboratories. Heriot-Watt have joined the LEAF (Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework) programme to promote and support actions to reduce carbon emissions and resource usage. We will be rolling out recommendations and access to resources provided as part of the programme, starting with a pilot project within the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences.