Our researchers are tackling the most pressing challenges facing society today, including climate change, global health and renewable energy.
We transfer this knowledge to the wider community through professional development courses, research collaborations, consultancy, technology licensing and company formation.
More than 150 international businesses have chosen Southampton as a key partner for their research and development. We work with hi-tech companies of all sizes – local, regional and global. See more on our work with business.
Find out more about some of the pioneering work being conducted at Southampton:
Engineering and the environment: Our research has already had significant impact on society, industry, Government, and public service. We're changing the way people live their lives. Find out more.
Renewable energy research: Researchers at Southampton are developing a device known as 'Anaconda' which may hold the key to producing affordable electricity from tidal energy. Read more about our energy and climate change research.
The World Wide Web: The University’s Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) laid the foundations for the internet and global telecommunications, as part of its research into fibre optics. One of our professors is Sir Tim Berners-Lee, who invented the World Wide Web.
Wind tunnels and Formula One: Adrian Newey, Formula One’s most successful car designer, began his career as a student in the wind tunnels at Southampton. Engineers from the world-renowned Wolfson Unit for Marine Technology and Industrial Aerodynamics (WUMTIA) at Southampton frequently undertake consultancy work for Formula One teams.
The University of Southampton Auditory Implant Service was established in 1990 to help severely to profoundly deaf adults and children. Surgeons at the Centre have implanted over 580 devices since the programme began. More on the The University of Southampton Auditory Implant Service
Developmental health: Southampton is a world leader in the investigation of links between a mother’s diet and lifestyle and the health of her children into adulthood. Our researchers have published groundbreaking studies into foetal health and later development. Read more on our developmental health research.
Respiratory health: We are internationally recognised for our research into lung diseases. Southampton asthma researchers have identified the gene that may predispose people to asthma. Read more on our respiratory health research.
Cancer Sciences Division: Based in the Faculty of Medicine, the Cancer Sciences Unit supports research programmes into basic immunology and tumour biology at the highest international level. Research firsts include the development of anti-cancer DNA vaccines that are being tested in clinical trials. The division is one of the 14 National Translational Cancer Research Network centres in the UK and is a Cancer Research UK clinical centre.
Parkes Institute: A unique centre for the study of Jewish–non-Jewish relations across the ages. Includes the Parkes Library, which consists of over 20,000 printed items and one of the largest collections of Jewish archives in Europe. Visit the Parkes Institute website.
