Research & Business

Heriot-Watt University is a research-led university specialising in science and engineering, business and management, languages and design. Our research covers the full spectrum from fundamental and theoretical studies, through research of immediate relevance to industry and commerce, to practice-based studies. High quality research can be found in each of our seven main Schools, which are configured to provide the maximum of opportunities for multi- and inter-disciplinary programmes.

Partnerships and pooling have been crucial to developments in research at Heriot-Watt and a range of new multi-disciplinary partnerships will help to bring critical mass to engineering and mathematics, physics and chemistry, with Heriot-Watt taking key roles. Our partnership activitiy includes: The Edinburgh Research Partnership (ERP), The Scottish Universities Physics Alliance (SUPA), and ScotCHEM.

The Research Development team at Technology & Research Services (TRS) offer support functions for all forms of research activity - funding, contracts etc - as well as supporting the Deputy Principal (Research) and the work of the Research Co-ordination Board (of which the Director of TRS is a member).

Technology Research Services (TRS) can offer businesses from both the public and private sectors a wide range of facilities and services, ranging from consultancy to cutting edge technical facilities all set within relaxed, rural surroundings.

Heriot-Watt Research Park was created by the University to enable companies to establish their own research and development groups within the Edinburgh Campus. The objective is to provide the best possible location for established and new companies to undertake the development of new products, processes and services, through immediate access to all of the University's staff and facilities. The emphasis at the Park is on research, development, design, engineering, training, and prototyping activities leading to manufacture.

Heriot-Watt University is recognised internationally as a centre for high calibre research in science, engineering and business. Major research initiatives are concentrated in niche areas including nano-science and technology, microsystems, biomimetics, virtual reality and engineering design, proteomics and nutrition, photonics and new optics-based technologies, business logistics, technical textiles and advanced robotics. Use this tool to search for specific experts or for an overview of the range of research undertaken by the University.

Research degrees are either at Masters level (MPhil) or at Doctorate level (PhD, EngD or DBA). All research degrees involve independent study under the direction of a supervisor. Students are expected to attend short courses of study in order to acquire study and other transferable skills. Requirements vary between Schools and applicants are advised to obtain further details from the relevant School or Institute. Although taught courses are associated with specific Schools, research may be undertaken collaboratively and Heriot-Watt welcomes interdisciplinary research. Use our A-Z list to find research areas of interest to you.

Technology & Research Services (TRS) is the research development and commercialisation department for Heriot-Watt University. TRS develops collaborative links between industry and academia, through collaborative research, technology licensing, the delivery of training and consultancy services. It provides research support and commercialisation services to Heriot-Watt University staff and students.