The major theme of research in physical chemistry is Dynamics, Photochemistry and Applied Spectroscopy ie the interactions of molecules with each other, with solid or liquid surfaces, or with light. These studies provide profound insights into the nature of chemistry at its most fundamental level. They are also of direct practical benefit in a diversity of fields, ranging from environmentally significant reactions in the atmosphere, surfaces that are important in the depths of interstellar dust clouds, through probes of combustion and technological plasmas, to the creation of new diamond surfaces and the development of sensitive analytical probes based on them.

see also: applied, chemistry, dynamics, photochemistry, spectroscopy

Further to the studies pursued under the auspices of CERT, research is carried out in the areas of macroeconomics, labour and industrial economics, and microeconomics.

see also: economics

The collaborative programmes that form part of the Edinburgh Research Partnership (ERP) in Engineering and Mathematics are managed through a series of Joint Research Institutes which cover Signal and Image Processing, Subsurface Science and Engineering, Energy, Integrated Systems (Precision Optical, Electronic and Miniature Systems), Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Mathematical Sciences. The Partnership involves 750 researchers in engineering and mathematics at Heriot-Watt and Edinburgh Universities. In addition to developing a shared research strategy and pooled resources, the ERP has established a joint postgraduate school providing high quality courses and training.

see also: actuarial, civil, edinburgh, electrical, electronic, engineering, environmental, erp, fibreoptic, laser, mathematics, mechanical, partnership, statistics

Research activities include the development of new energy sources and cycles, both conventional and renewable; and process intensification and miniaturisation. These are backed up by fundamental research in thermo-fluid dynamics and heat and mass transfer. There are two main themes: (i) low- and zero-carbon (LZC) technologies, and (ii) thermodynamics and heat transfer.

see also: dynamics, energy, engineering, fluid, heat, mechanical, renewable, transfer

The entrepreneurship group draws on expertise from management and economics with a focus on the creation and dissemination of entrepreneurial knowledge, entrepreneurship education, and rural enterprise.

see also: business, entrepreneur

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.

see also: consultancy, experts, media

Research studies in this area are wide-ranging and encompass food composition, stability of dairy products during storage, computer modelling of protein interactions, yeast metabolism, and cereal science. Research also focuses on diet and gene interactions and the impact of diet on epigenetic mechanisms.

see also: food, nutrition, science

Established in 2005 with funding from the retail entrepreneur George Davis, this research centre aims to become a major international hub for research in the retail clothing sector. It combines the academic study of dynamic retail practice with the delivery of research-informed programmes tailored to the needs of the next general of retail entrepreneurs. Specific research foci include fashion retailing, luxury brand management and the changing culture of consumption.

see also: business, centre, george, management, retail

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.

see also: development

The major research theme in inorganic chemistry at Heriot-Watt is Inorganic Synthesis and Computation. Within this theme specific research is carried out in Main Group Cluster Chemistry, Computational Transition-Metal Chemistry and Supramolecular Chemistry. Our studies involve both fundamental work - synthesis, spectroscopy (principally NMR), X-ray diffraction and computational chemistry - as well as applied studies.

see also: chemistry, computation, inorganic, synthesis