Research and Impact

Our research addresses global challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration across engineering disciplines. We develop innovative solutions with academic, industrial, and societal impact, supported by a vibrant research environment and a diverse research community. Explore our Research Nodes to discover the breadth of our research expertise and the people behind our work:

Research Vision and Strategy

Our vision is to achieve research excellence through interdisciplinary themes that address major global challenges. Our research activity aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the UK Industrial Strategy [link to the UK Industrial Strategy], and Durham University's commitment to quality-driven research excellence.

Our nine Research Nodes bring together researchers with complementary technical expertise and interests. They represent how we organise our research activities, encourage collaboration across disciplines, and develop innovative solutions to complex real-world challenges.

Our research contributes particularly to the following Sustainable Development Goals:

• SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy: Developing innovative solutions to address current and future energy challenges and opportunities from UK and global perspectives.
• SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: Advancing sustainable technologies, infrastructure, and engineering solutions to support society and the economy.
• SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities: Developing engineering approaches that contribute to sustainable, resilient, and connected communities.

Research Collaboration and Impact

Collaboration is central to our research success. We work with colleagues across Durham University through cross-faculty Research Institutes, as well as with academic and industrial partners nationally and internationally.

Our Industrial Partnership Committee supports engagement with industry by helping to develop and strengthen relationships with external partners, identify opportunities for collaborative research, and enhance the translation of our research into real-world impact.

Our research strategy aims to strengthen engagement with industry and diversify research funding sources, maximising the impact of our research beyond academia.

Research Strategy and Excellence

Our research strategy is supported by the following documents:

Download Engineering Research Strategy December 2024 here.

Explore our REF 2021 results here.