Research priorities

As engineers, we aim to make the world a better place. Our excellent fundamental research, fostered by a diverse environment, drives discoveries and innovations.

Our strategic priorities

Driven by a commitment to research excellence, our seven core themes bring together interdisciplinary expertise to tackle global challenges. From fundamental discovery to real-world application and impact, our engineering research is shaping a safer, more sustainable, and technologically advanced future.

“Our Faculty is built on research excellence. By aligning our research capabilities with current industry and societal needs, we ensure that our academic excellence directly translates into practical, high-impact solutions.”

Professor Lizzy Cross, Faculty Director of Research and Innovation

Vibration and acoustic testing facilities at the Laboratory for Verification and Validation
Aerospace 
Wind turbine
Energy and sustainability 
A researcher looking down a microscope
Engineering for health 
A researcher at our Buxton research facilities
Infrastructure and resilience 
A researcher sitting at a computer programming a robot face
Machine intelligence 
Technician loading a new polymer composite sample into a mechanical testing rig
Manufacturing and materials 
A close up of equipment in the National Epitaxy Facility
The University of Sheffield is one of the UK's leading universities for semiconductor research and hosts the National Epitaxy Facility where the new MBE system will be based.
Semiconductors and communications 

Revolving research spotlight

Fusion at Sheffield

Our current spotlight is Fusion, where our teams are developing the advanced materials and engineering systems needed to transform this scientific concept into a viable power source.

A graphic depicting atoms
Research spotlight: Fusion