Faculty of Science and Health

Research

student writing on whiteboard

Research that makes a difference

The University of Essex consistently ranks in the UK’s research elite. The international quality of our research was recognised by the Research Excellence Framework 2021, with three of our departments in the top 25 for research power in their fields (Times Higher Education research power measure, REF 2021).

With six departments and a further seven research centres and institutes covering a broad range of science and health, research in our Faculty has strong interdisciplinary links within the University and beyond. Our work covers some of the key cutting-edge areas of 21st century research such as data science, artificial intelligence, mental health, and agricultural innovation.

Our departments host a range of research groups and areas of focus, in which our academics work together on their specialist interests. Postgraduate research students are encouraged to join a group related to their area of interest, so they can benefit from the support of multiple experts beyond their supervisor.

Selected projects

Projects in our Faculty have been funded by a range of prestigious bodies including; the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), the Leverhulme Trust, and the European Regional Development Fund.

Our Impact

Through our Knowledge Transfer Partnerships with local businesses, and our work with charities and local and national government, we have demonstrated impact at multiple levels. We have helped protect important marine ecosystems, improved the lives of veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and developed new technology that helps life sciences researchers see the microscopic world.

A microscopic view of the coronavirus cell.
Our latest COVID-19 research

Find out about the very latest research on coronavirus from the University of Essex. From the use of artificial intelligence in detecting the virus to understanding the impact of the pandemic on families. Across the University researchers from all Departments are responding and contributing to a truly interdisciplinary and robust research response.

Discover our latest research

Research Centres