Research
We bridge the gap between chemistry as a fundamental science, and chemical engineering, which can provide the means by which chemistry can be deployed into technological solutions. Our academics work in close partnership to provide a unique environment for research, making fundamental discoveries and translating these into solutions to real world problems.
Our research is focused on two broad themes: Healthcare and Sustainability - our work in both of these themes is linked to University virtual research centres including the Sustainable Energy Research Centre, the EU-funded Bryden Centre for Renewable Energy Research and is a major partner in the Materials for Healthcare Technologies (MATCH) centre. Our research themes align directly with many of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly “Good Health and Well-Being”, “Clean Water and Sanitation” and “Affordable and Clean Energy”.
As well as facilitating world class research, our approach informs our teaching, equipping our students with the skills that allow them to engage with real world challenges of societal importance, including "Grand Challenges" around clean growth, future mobility and an ageing society.
Our ambition is to combine our existing research strengths in the School and, by working with our academic and industrial partners, address major challenges in healthcare and sustainability.
Research Themes
WE ARE RANKED NUMBER 1 IN THE UK FOR RESEARCH INTENSITY IN CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(Complete University Guide 2021)
OUR RESEARCH ENVIRONMENT
Research Seminars
Our annual research seminar series hosts a diverse range of research academics from institutions across the globe, providing the opportunity for discussion, collaboration, and idea sharing in relation to cutting-edge research within the chemical sciences, and within themes which align closely with School priority areas.
View our scheduled seminars
Conferences
We host and participate in major national and international conferences in a range of areas which align with our key research themes and beyond. The last five years have our staff delivering over 250 invited talks at academic institutions and within industry, with over 100 additional plenary and keynote lectures being delivered across the globe. More recently, the School has played host to conferences including the 2021 UK Catalysis Conference and the 27th Annual Conference of the Chinese Society of Chemical Science and Technology in the UK.
Research Centres
The School is home to a number of research centres, each of which drive leadership in the areas of healthcare and/or sustainability. These include The Bryden Centre, The Sustainable Energy Research Centre, CASE, and QUILL, whilst also acting as a major partner in centres including MATCH.
Learn about our research centres
Societal Impact
The School is passionate about engaging with and encouraging the next generation of scientists, via the promotion of its research interests in key areas. Staff in the School play an active role in interacting with the wider community to promote chemistry and chemical engineering, and more broadly, scientific research, organising and participating in programmes such as Chemistry at Work, Soapbox Science, and many others.
Our outreach activitiesLatest Publications
A novel integrated system for heavy metals removal and biodiesel production via green microalgae: A techno-economic feasibility assessment
- Seham M. Hamed
- Hassan I. El Shimi
- Jesper R. van Dijk
- Ahmed Ibrahim Osman Ahmed
- Shereen Magdy Korany
- Hamada AbdElgawad
Application of carbon nanotube prepared from waste plastic to phase change materials: The potential for battery thermal management
- Yuanyuan Wang
- Josh Bailey
- Yuan Zhu
- Yingrui Zhang
- Sandra K.S. Boetcher
- Yongliang Li
- Chunfei Wu
Direct air capture of CO2 by KOH-activated bamboo biochar
December 2022Research on reservoir drill-in and completion fluid with unique direct backflow property for gravel-packed openhole construction
- Fangfang Jie
- Lin Xu
- Jie Xu
- Meilan Huang
- Mingbiao Xu
- Qinghong Lei