An electric car refuels at a charging point

Research area

Engineering

Our research focuses on solutions to real-life problems across a range of industries. From sustainable energy to resilient infrastructure, we're addressing some of the biggest challenges facing modern society.

Research institutes, centres and groups

Acoustics Group

Our group’s research topics range from the protection of marine mammals to the medical use of ultrasonics and the environmental effects of aircraft noise.
Active Living

The Active Living research group aims to promote lifelong active living through comprehensive health, rehabilitation, and technological strategies.
Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics Group

Our group undertakes research on fundamental fluid dynamics, applied aerodynamics, flow control, flight dynamics and aeroacoustics.
Antibody Drug Development

Our interdisciplinary research generates antibody-based therapeutics for cancer and autoimmunity.
Astronautics Group

Our published research activities have made a substantial contribution to advancing the field; and hardware developed by members has successfully flown on various space missions, including on the International Space Station.
Bioengineering Science Research Group

We apply engineering principles to the fields of biology and healthcare.
Bioinformatics and Genomics

We explore new technologies and treatments to promote the repair and regeneration of bones and cartilage.
Biomedical Imaging Unit

We provide research and diagnostic services in high quality, high-resolution light and electron microscopy, specialising in 3D imaging.
Bone and Joint Research Group

We explore new technologies and treatments to promote the repair and regeneration of bones and cartilage.
Centre for Defence and Security Research

Our multi-disciplinary research responds to the breadth of defence and security requirements, delivering leading edge capability to both government and to our industrial partners.
Centre for Experimental Fluid Mechanics

The Centre for Experimental Fluid Mechanics is a multidisciplinary hub combining state-of-the-art wind tunnels, water tunnels and specialist fluid mechanics laboratories with world-leading measurement capabilities.
Computational Engineering and Design Group

We're a centre for multidisciplinary engineering simulation and design, and combine a range of analytical, computational and experimental techniques.
Dynamics Group

The group's research covers a range of topics including fundamental theoretical studies, the development of numerical tools and experimental measurement techniques.
Energy and Climate Change Group

The research group seeks engineering solutions for reliable, affordable and sustainable energy stemming from renewable resources.
Energy Technology Group

The Energy Technology Group researches is the focal point for energy research in Engineering and the Environment. Our aim is to address major scientific and technological challenges faced in energy efficiency and technology.
Engineering Materials and Surface Engineering Group

Our research activities are often multidisciplinary involving collaborations with other research groups, Universities and industry partners.
Environmental Hydraulics

Our group is internationally known for its research on various aspects of Hydraulic Engineering and Environmental Fluids Mechanics, such as: low-head hydropower, wave energy, sediment transport, development of numerical and mathematical models, among others.
EPSRC and MOD Centre for Doctoral Training in Complex Integrated Systems for Defence and Security

We train future research and innovation leaders across the multi-disciplinary themes of digital, physical and biological systems engineering.
Functional Flexible Glass Group

We regard glass as an engineered component. We develop techniques and structures that enable micrometre‑level precision in both planar and microstructured glass forms, produced at metre‑scale lengths.
Future Towns Innovation Hub

The Future Towns Innovation Hub is a collaborative space designed to foster happy, healthy and prosperous places.
Global Health Community of Practice

The Global Health Community of Practice is an open forum to support all members working across Global Health in either Research, Education or Knowledge Exchange, and innovation.
In situ and Remote Intelligent Sensing (IRIS)

The In situ and Remote Intelligent Sensing centre is working towards a new generation of intelligent sensing systems that will give us new insights into today's environmental and human challenges.
Infrastructure Group

The Infrastructure Research Group has expertise across structural and geotechnical engineering. We address research challenges found onshore and offshore, supporting sustainability and resilience.
Institute for Life Sciences

We bring together interdisciplinary researchers with expertise across the themes of health and medicine, living systems, disruptive life technologies, and insights through data
Institute of Developmental Sciences

Researching collaboratively to advance health across the life course through research and innovation in the developmental sciences
Intelligent and Resilient Ocean Engineering (IROE)

Our role is to deliver the next generation of engineered ocean systems, develop an enduring network between researchers and end users, support clean growth and the blue economy.
International Centre for Ecohydraulics Research

We are a world-leading team of researchers that adopt novel and innovative approaches to solve problems created when humans exploit aquatic ecosystems.
Maritime Engineering research group

We seek to unify aspects of naval architecture, marine engineering, ocean engineering, offshore engineering and the emerging subject of maritime engineering sciences.
Mechatronics

Our research examines the combination of mechanical and electrical engineering and computer science.
National Biofilms Innovation Centre (NBIC)

NBIC is the central hub where academia, industry, government and public policy come together to tackle the grand challenges biofilms present, impacting $4 trillion in global economic activity.
national Centre for Advanced Tribology at Southampton (nCATS)

We specialise in tribology which is the science of friction, wear and lubrication of surfaces that come in to contact in motion.
National Infrastructure Laboratory

We work with Industry and Academia to tackle global challenges relating to infrastructure.
Ocean Perception Group

We develop autonomous robotic, sensing and intelligence capabilities that address bottlenecks in the flow of information between data collection and human insight.
Signal Processing Audio and Hearing Group

Our aims are to understand and develop technological innovation in complex signaling and human acoustics.
Southampton Advanced Manufacturing and Design Hub

Inspiring the next generation of engineers, designers and business leaders to support the sustainable growth and regeneration of UK manufacturing.
Southampton Imaging and Radiology Research Group (SIRRG)

Our mission is to elevate the academic development, visibility, and robustness of imaging research within Southampton.
Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute

We work with partner organisations to tackle global marine and maritime challenges, from developing green technologies to influencing government policy.
Tony Davies High Voltage Laboratory

We are a world-leading research centre for dielectric materials, insulation systems, high voltage phenomena and renewables integration that innovates the way forward towards a sustainable electric grid.
Transportation Research Group

Our research focuses on the interactions between behaviour, infrastructure and operations and how they translate into transport policy and practice.
Vibration and Simulation Laboratory (VibSim)

VibSim is the University of Southampton's dedicated Vibration and Simulation Laboratory. The laboratory combines facilities for vibration testing, environmental simulation and human response research with specialist expertise, providing a resource for industry and research.
Water and Environmental Engineering Group

We are a multidisciplinary team of academics, research staff and postgraduates who try to improve the world we live in through engineering solutions.

Anna Barney

Associate Vice-President (Education)

Susan Gourvenec

Professor of Offshore Geotechnical Engineering

William Powrie

Professor of Geotechnical Engineering

Christina Vanderwel

Engineering facilities

A student tests a concrete structure in the testing and structures research lab

National Infrastructure Laboratory

This facility contains 5 engineering laboratories. It carries out research into improving and developing infrastructure.

A rogue wave moves along the towing tank, with the carriage sitting above it

Boldrewood towing tank

This facility supports a wide range of research and commercial activities across the maritime, aerospace, energy and transportation sectors.

Custom 450/225 kVp Hutch

3D X-ray imaging facility

We carry out advanced three-dimensional imaging and computed tomography.

The large structures testing laboratory

Large structures testing laboratory

This facility tests structures, components and materials at a range of scales across a wide range of application areas.

A student uses a piece of equipment in the testing and structures research lab

Testing and structures research laboratory

This regional and national centre for experimental mechanics research contains equipment capable of testing materials and structures across a range of scales.