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Our research and enterprise ecosystem

At Heriot-Watt University, our mission transcends the boundaries between research and enterprise. We've created an environment where academia, industry and partners collaborate to shape a future that's sustainable, inclusive and forward-thinking.

We introduce you to GRID - Global Research Innovation Discovery – our ecosystem that unites global challenges, impactful Research, enterprising Innovation and universal Discovery. This framework not only positions us at the forefront of tackling the world's complex problems but ensures we're leading with meaningful solutions.

Our heritage of over 200 years of research and industry engagement combined with our global footprint, offers both scale and agility. This is embodied in the GRID ecosystem, which enables us to shape global change effectively, in partnership.

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Global

Addressing universal challenges

At the heart of our mission is a commitment to addressing global challenges. These are universal challenges, needing solutions that work at global and local levels.

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Research 3

Research

At the frontiers of knowledge

Our cutting-edge research is at the forefront of innovation, driving breakthroughs that impact lives and transform industries, while influencing policy for a better world.

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Innovation

Innovation

From fresh ideas to impact

Through our focus on enterprise and venture creation, we excel in turning academic innovation into impactful real-world solutions.

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Discovery

Discovery

Connect with opportunities that will shape the future.

Embark on a journey of discovery. Collaborate on cutting-edge research, transform innovative ideas into real-world solutions, or advance skills through future-focused education, we’re here to be part of your story.

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86.8% of our research is ranked world-leading and internationally excellent.Research Excellence Framework 2021

Our global research institutes

Heriot-Watt is home to four global research institutes, powerful convening platforms designed to foster targeted, multi-party research collaborations across diverse disciplines. Each Institute brings together leading experts, partners, and stakeholders from academia, industry, and government, creating dynamic ecosystems focused on solving pressing global challenges and advancing our ambitious global missions.

Net Zero

iNetZ+ Net Zero and Beyond

Pioneering groundbreaking solutions that will redefine environmental stewardship and propel us toward a carbon-neutral future.

NR3

The National Robotarium

A world-leading centre for Robotics and Artificial Intelligence, creating innovative solutions to global challenges.

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The Lyell Centre

An inspired fusion of earth and marine science, the Lyell Centre's work spans both fundamental and applied research, using innovative technology to address global challenges

HCT5

Health and Care Technologies

Turning cutting-edge research into impactful and practical solutions to make a positive impact on peoples’ lives, the NHS and health and care globally.

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At Heriot-Watt University, we bring people, ideas, and resources together through multi-disciplinary research and transformative partnerships, creating powerful convening platforms to tackle global challenges. Our global research institutes serve as engines of impactful collaboration, while emerging innovation clusters—spanning quantum, photonics, and other frontier fields—ensure we drive sustainable, inclusive growth for generations to come.

Professor Richard A. Williams, Principal and Vice-Chancellor

Why Heriot-Watt?

Since 1821 we have been at the forefront of new ideas and solutions, creating radical innovations that make a difference in the real world. Heriot-Watt has an established reputation as a dynamic facilitator of successful strategic alliances. The University aims to solve problems of real significance to society by excelling in research and enterprise.