Chemistry and chemical engineering research

Our research is strongly interdisciplinary and ranges from fundamental science to commercialisation of technological innovations. We have successful research collaborations across the School, the University and with other academic institutions and industry in the UK and worldwide.

Research excellence

In the latest UK Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), we ranked 15th in the UK for ‘*research power’ in engineering.

Overall, Surrey has risen 12 places in the rankings since 2014 to 33rd in the UK for our research quality.

* Research power is the overall quality of submissions, calculated by grade point average and multiplied by the full-time equivalent number of staff submitted.

Research themes

Energy and materials

Researching synthesis, optimisation and application of advanced functional materials for energy conversion and storage.

Formulation and healthcare engineering

Developing science-based modelling and experimental approaches for designing and innovating formulations, processes and products for a healthy nation.

Woman stretching arms with health stats on screen

Health and food

Providing novel modelling, analysis and engineering approaches for samples and systems relevant to healthcare and food.

Image representing a digitally connected globe

Information and process systems engineering

Using cutting-edge approaches to understand and manage complex processes and systems to address grand challenges in energy, water, environment, health and food.

Sustainable energy and materials

Driving research and innovation in developing materials and clean technologies to address and mitigate the energy and environmental challenges.

Sustainable water and wastewater processing

Addressing the global water-energy nexus challenges such as developing innovative methods to provide clean water to address the rising global pressure for fresh water supply.

Research groups

Multi-Frequency Reactor and Amplifier Sets

Sonochemistry Ultrasonics Research Group

Working with the propagation of ultrasound waves through a liquid medium that can lead to the creation of acoustic cavitation bubbles.

Collaboration

The central role of chemistry and chemical engineering in the scientific and engineering disciplines is reflected in strong links and joint courses with other groups and departments at the University of Surrey.

Two students using titration equipment in a lab

Department of Biochemical Sciences

Studying biological processes in animals and man at the behavioural, physiological, biochemical and molecular levels.

Department of Microbial Sciences

To develop novel treatments for important human diseases and to establish beneficial applications of microbes for biotechnology.

Student writing on a piece of paper next to a microscope

Department of Nutritional Sciences

Understanding human metabolic demands for nutrients and to optimise their provision as safe and appropriate food.

School of Mechanical Engineering Sciences

Offering industry-standard facilities including a state-of-the-art Design Centre and environmental wind tunnel.

School of Mathematics and Physics

Working in five key areas: Astrophysics, nuclear physics, photonics and quantum sciences, radiation and medical physics, and soft matter.

The Queen's Anniversary Prize

We were joint winners of the Queen's Anniversary Prize in 2011 for wide-ranging and global work improving access to safe drinking water and sanitation.