Research

Research that transforms

Our research is built on big ideas, bold action, and a commitment to transformation. Powered by people and place, we tackle society’s biggest challenges and deliver solutions with tangible, real-world impact.

We connect students, academics, and industry leaders to foster inclusive innovation, collaborative discovery, and entrepreneurial thinking. Diverse perspectives shape who we are and what we do, driving breakthroughs that benefit individuals and communities. For over 70 years, we’ve been at the forefront of innovation in the UK’s second city—breaking new ground, embracing diversity, and championing creative problem-solving.

Aston Breakthroughs

Professor Roslyn Bill

Transforming medicine with membrane science.

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Professor Monder Ram OBE

Breaking down barriers: turbocharging the growth of ethnic minority businesses.

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Doctor Katy Pilcher

Empowering voices for radical cultural transformation.

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Professor Afzal Mohammed

New technologies for medicine manufacture: developing innovative processes from first principles.

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University Research Institutes

Our research institutes are dynamic, multidisciplinary teams dedicated to advancing key areas of research. With a focus on overarching themes, they conduct groundbreaking studies spanning diverse topics within their respective fields. Their mission is to address local, national, and global challenges, driving innovation and fostering transformative change.

The Sir Peter Rigby Digital Futures Institute (SPRDFI)

Developing digital tech solutions to challenges facing global society

Aston Institute for Forensic Linguistics (AIFL)

Improving the delivery of justice through the analysis of language, from police interviewing techniques to legal texts

Aston Institute for Membrane Excellence (AIME)

Cross-disciplinary research spanning biology, physics and chemistry, to develop novel biomimetic polymer membranes for applications such as water purification and drug development

Aston Institute of Photonic Technologies (AIPT)

Making significant achievements in all aspects of light-based Information and communication technology

Energy and Bioproducts Research Institute (EBRI)

Conducting world-class research into all aspects of bioenergy, as well as developing new bioproducts and services

Institute of Health and Neurodevelopment (IHN)

A child-focused research programme that delivers a new understanding of development, disorder and disease and the interventions that will make a difference

Research by College

College of Business and Social Sciences

Uniting the study of language, history, culture, politics, sociology, commerce and enterprise to deliver innovation and opportunity

College of Health and Life Sciences

Bridging the gap between laboratory and clinic to help scientists and practitioners make a real difference in their communities

College of Engineering and Physical Sciences

Nurturing technical skills in engineering and the application of science to address challenges that are critical for the future

Impact Case Studies

Our impact case studies showcase the breadth of research excellence at Aston. Our academics are dedicated to conducting pioneering research that has the power to reach far beyond academia and make positive changes in our society.

Read how our research is changing the world

Supporting our Researchers

RKE Support for Research

Find out more about the range of support offered by the Research and Knowledge Exchange Team, including funding opportunities and grant application support

Library Support for Research

The Library provides a range of resources and services to support research and services to support research at Aston

Research Integrity, Governance and Ethics

Find out more about Aston's Research Integrity, Governance and Ethics policies and procedures

West Midlands Innovation Accelerator

We are proud recipients of funding for three ground-breaking projects to be delivered as part of the West Midlands Innovation Accelerator. It aims to bolster the region’s innovation and R&D capability and capacity to spark commercial growth and investment.

First announced in the Government’s 2022 Levelling up White Paper, the West Midlands Innovation Accelerator commenced in May 2023, funded through a share of a £100m fund from Innovate UK. We are leading the Biochar Clean Tech Accelerator, which will build on our existing research facilities to unlock growth opportunities and target export contracts worth over £200 million of low carbon products produced by a regional industrial cluster. We also play a key role in two other projects; West Midlands Health Tech Innovation Accelerator, led by University of Birmingham and DIATOMIC, led by Connected Places Catapult. Together, we're driving innovation and propelling the West Midlands forward.