Research areas
We enable high-impact interdisciplinary materials research and innovation, designed to tackle the most pressing societal and environmental challenges.
Spanning materials characterisation, bionanotechnology, electronic and photonic materials, soft matter, functional surfaces, and multiscale materials, our work aligns with the six Opportunity Themes outlined in the .
Energy solutions
Our community is developing materials for clean energy technologies to mitigate negative environmental impact, protect natural resources and combat climate change.
Research examples
- High-efficiency solar cells, thermoelectric materials and low power electronics
- Next-generation batteries, energy and information storage systems and photovoltaics
- Materials for carbon capture, low-carbon fuels and renewable energy technologies
Future healthcare
To be effective, medical devices and treatments rely on materials that intelligently interact with the human body’s complex biological systems.
Our community is engineering a broad range of innovations in this area.
Research examples
- Biohybrid tissues for biological tissue replacement, biomimetic material, and organ-on-chip platforms
- Smart implants, targeted drug delivery systems and medical implants
- Biocompatible sensors for monitoring and therapy, for example those designed to reduce anti-microbial resistance
Structural innovations
Our community is designing durable, sustainable materials for buildings, transport and offshore structures to optimise performance, longevity and safety, and reduce environmental impact.
Research examples
- Low-carbon concrete and cement alternatives
- Novel metallic alloy microstructures
- Corrosion-resistant coatings for marine and transport structures
- Lightweight composites for aerospace and automotive applications
Advanced surface technologies
A material’s ability to withstand the demands of its functional application and external environment often relies on the properties of its surface.
Our community is working to develop resilient and durable materials, reducing wear, friction and corrosion through tribology, surface engineering, and corrosion and flow assurance.
Research examples
- Advanced surface solutions for use in harsh environments
- Sustainable surface coatings and lubricants with enhanced energy efficiency and durability
- Novel approaches to mitigate corrosion, for example, minimising CO2 corrosion in carbon capture and storage systems
- Functional surfaces for medical devices, industrial machinery and the energy, automotive, aerospace and space industries
Next-generation electronics, telecommunications and sensors
Our community is designing new materials for a range of technologies to improve functionality, enhance efficiency and support the nation to adapt to the evolving needs of the modern world.
Research examples
- New semiconductors, quantum materials and devices for low-loss electronics
- Flexible and biocompatible electronics
- Materials for neuromorphic and quantum computing
- High-performance sensors and photonic systems
- Novel liquid crystal systems for higher resolution display and non-display applications
Consumer products, packaging and specialist polymers
Our community is developing more sustainable materials for a range of consumer products and their packaging, helping to reduce waste and support a circular economy, while improving durability and performance.
Research examples
- Biodegradable and plant-based plastics
- Closed-loop solutions for traditional plastics to support reuse and reduce waste
- Polymers for food, healthcare and electronics