Engineering & Design REF 2021 impact case studies
From aircraft wings to concrete bridges, our research is having global impact. Read the stories behind our Research Excellence Framework submission.
Faculty of Engineering & Design Research
We conduct high-quality research to advance engineering and solve the environmental, social and industrial challenges our world faces.
Research Excellence Framework 2021
The Faculty of Engineering & Design is submitting nine impact case studies to the REF.
Research activity, centres and facilities
Read the latest published papers from our academics and researchers. Find out more about how we group our core research and the facilities we use to bolster our excellent research reputation.
Faculty of Engineering & Design research centres and institutes
Our centres and institutes carry out research based around three large-scale themes: digital, health and sustainability.
David Bullett Nanofabrication Facility
We provide access and training on specialist equipment for micro-scale and nano-scale fabrication for University of Bath researchers and external organisations.
Building Research Park
Our open-to-the-elements facility offers a platform for research into innovative building materials and constructive systems.
New VSimulators 'skyscraper simulator' facility opened at the University of Bath
A moving chamber equipped with virtual reality projection will aid study of people’s reactions to different buildings, including swaying skyscrapers and bridges
Find engineering people, papers and projects on our research portal
Explore research from our academics and researchers in architecture, engineering and design on our Pure research portal.
Research impact
The research we carry out has results with long-lasting benefits for industry, society and the environment. Read about the impact our researchers are having.
Improving composite wing part manufacture
Our modelling and testing methodologies have improved the manufacturing process of commercial aircraft wings, resulting in better quality parts.
Visualising the last mile of electricity networks
Our methodologies can predict energy usage profiles and peak demand by monitoring only ~ 0.01% of the substations in an electricity distribution network.
Saving structures across the globe
We’ve developed assessment and strengthening techniques for ageing concrete bridges and structures. Our guidance is used by consulting engineers worldwide.
Protecting critical infrastructure from extreme space weather and radio jamming
Through space-based communication research we’ve influenced public policy and security. Our algorithms help keep GPS systems functioning and accurate.
Printing a design revolution with additive manufacture
Using metal powder laser melting, our research on industrial 3D printing has helped to improve processes and develop new products with our industrial partners.
Commercialising adsorbent fibre technology for transport systems
The success of our spin-out company has seen our research on structured adsorbents applied across the rail sector to improve rolling stock efficiency.
PhD researchers
Read about the difference our students' research is making.
'I’ve always been interested in how the physics of the ocean impacts what lives there.'
PhD student, Russell Arnott is researching phytoplankton in turbulent environments. He tells us about his work and the importance of understanding our oceans.
Reducing the risks of spinal injuries in rugby
Bruno is using mathematical modelling to improve our understanding of spinal injuries from impact in rugby union.
A flourishing new business: extracting essential oils from discarded flowers
With a PhD in Chemical Engineering and startup business funding, Parimala Shivaprasad is tackling the problem of India's floral waste.
Assessing and reducing water-related diseases in South Africa
PhD student Olivia Cooke's research project aims to develop strategies to reduce the risk of disease from contaminated water.
Making amputees 'feel' again
For her postgraduate research degree, Leen Jabban, is researching sensory feedback for hand and arm prosthetics using non-invasive techniques.
Join our team
Whether you are starting your research career or looking for a change, we may have the right opportunity for you.
Apply to be an independent engineering research fellow
We'll help you prepare your application for external funding opportunities and host your fellowship at Bath.
Starting a career in academia and automotive research
Nic Zhang studied an MSc and PhD at Bath before working as a System Engineer at Jaguar Land Rover. Now he's returned to begin an academic career.
Faculty of Engineering & Design postgraduate research degrees
Join our collaborative and supportive research community, and start your journey to becoming an expert in your field.