Research and expertise

Find out about our internationally renowned research and expertise at the University of Plymouth

Plant factory seed propagation and growth under a blue light

Research and expertise

Find out about our internationally renowned research and expertise at the University of Plymouth

We shape extraordinary futures by developing a research culture that generates knowledge and innovation in Plymouth, our region and around the world.

We are a university defined by educational excellence and research activity focused on globally recognised specialisms.

The scope of research at the University of Plymouth spans all 17 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Research centres of excellence

Our centres represent the pinnacles of research excellence at the University, spanning science and engineering, health, the arts and humanities, and business.

Centre for Coastal Communities (CfCC)

Centre for Therapeutic Ultrasound (CENTUS)

Centre for Health Technology (CHT)

Centre of Research excellence in Intelligent and Sustainable Productive Systems (CRISPS)

Brain Research & Imaging Centre (BRIC)

Glioma stem cells with bright colouration

Brain Tumour Research Centre (BTRC)

Health carer holding hands of an elderly patient

Community and Primary Care Research Centre (CPCRC)

Computer music equipment using slime mould

Interdisciplinary Centre for Computer Music Research (ICCMR)

University of Plymouth vessels on test patrol in Plymouth sound with network overlay

Centre for Marine Autonomy, Maritime Cyber Security and Technology (CMAST)

Centre of Environmental Hepatology (CEH)

Contributing to the UK's security and net zero goals

Research for future oceans

Driving safe and sustainable exploitation of the growing global ocean economy

The University of Plymouth has been working in the development and application of marine autonomous systems for over 30 years.

Extensive marine and maritime expertise, world-class facilities, strong industry partnerships and coastal deployment capabilities provide an unrivalled ecosystem to transform ocean observation at a significantly lower cost and environmental impact. We configure autonomous systems for a range of applications, from environmental monitoring to defence and commercial operations.

Discover our marine autonomy research

Energy security

Harnessing the oceans' energy: wind, wave and tidal

Representatives of the Royal Navy and University of Plymouth meet beside Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV) Cetus at the launch of the National Centre for Coastal Autonomy

National security

Delivering on the UK’s defence and security priorities

Food security

Sustainably feeding a global population

Watch:

Thought leadership from our experts

Our experts share their views on the importance of our research in tackling some of the most critical sustainability challenges of our time., including:

Watch the playlist on YouTube

Strategic Research Institutes

Marine Institute

Advancing sustainable use of the marine environment through our systems-thinking approach to research, education and innovation.

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Sustainable Earth Institute

Solving complex global sustainability challenges through a holistic, solutions-oriented approach to research, education, innovation and knowledge exchange.