Research
Our mission is to sustainably improve the health and wellbeing of humans and animals, and their environments through new knowledge and its application to the design, development and delivery of responsible innovation and impact.
About our research
Our University Research and Innovation strategy and our Faculty Research and Innovation Strategy 2022-25 (PDF) are underpinned by an understanding of the importance of collaboration and co-creation — with colleagues and with those individuals, groups and organisations beyond our Faculty and University who have an interest in our work, and with those who have an interest in their work. We use these interactions to shape what research we do, as well as how it is conducted, disseminated and used; through such knowledge exchange and stakeholder involvement we will foster innovation for the widest possible benefit. Indeed, it is the varied disciplinary knowledge, personal and professional networks, and life experiences and skills of our research and innovation community that will enable us to achieve our mission.
Research themes
Our expertise includes the following areas of research.
Open Research
We are committed to fostering an open research culture. In these case studies, researchers from our Faculty explain how they have used open and transparent practices to carry out and communicate their research, and explore the benefits and challenges of being open.
Find out more about Open Research at Surrey, and download the Open Research Handbook (PDF).
Open research principles for vet students
Dr Simon Archer, Lecturer in Veterinary Clinical Research, describes how open research principles related to research pre-registration have been included in the learning and teaching of clinical research methods at undergraduate level.
Training scientists to use genomics programs
Dr Arnoud van Vliet, Senior Lecturer in Veterinary Microbiology, has been addressing some of the issues scientists encounter when completing genomics data analyses.
Maximising the impact of patient-doctor video observation data
Dr Katriina Whitaker, Reader in Cancer Care, and her team of researchers have been embracing the principles of open research, with a focus on the creation, storage and dissemination of research, as well as its preservation for further impact.
Impact in conversation
Our researchers share their latest discoveries and how they’re having a positive impact on society.
Diabetes affects over 450 million people worldwide. 30 million have Type 1 diabetes and are wholly dependent on insulin replacement therapy. 25% of patients with Type 2 diabetes also require insulin treatment for part of their lives. Discover how our ground-breaking research led to improving patients’ wellbeing with the development of a long-lasting insulin analogue.
Our bodies operate on a 24-hour cycle and we receive cues about when to wake up and when to go to sleep by the light around us. But what about individuals who have visual impairments? Discover how our research is helping improve sleep for people with disturbed sleep patterns.
Estimates predict that by 2050, the world's population will receive 4.5 trillion doses of medicines a year. But there’s a chronic shortage of individuals worldwide and in the UK, who can administer medication. Discover how our research has extended prescribing rights to more healthcare professionals, improving patient waiting times and access to medicines.
Iodine is a key component needed to produce thyroid hormone, which is crucial for our growth, metabolism and brain development. Find out how our research is raising awareness of the importance of iodine during pregnancy and prompting companies to include iodine in milk alternative drinks.
Bowel cancer (also known as colon, rectal or colorectal cancer) is one of the commonest type of cancers diagnosed in the UK. Find out how our research has helped develop a screening test for bowel cancer, which is now in use throughout England and has been widely adopted across Europe.
Prostate cancer is one of the commonest cancers in men, with 48,000 people diagnosed every year. Find out how our research is helping improve quality of life for men with prostate cancer, reducing their symptoms and promoting better self-management.
Vitamin D is essential for us to be in good health and mobility. It’s also important to prevent lots of upper respiratory tract infections and other illnesses and conditions. Discover how we’re improving public health by working with industry and the UK Government to highlight the importance of vitamin D.
Our 'One Health, One Medicine' approach
We understand that human health is closely linked to animals, plants and our shared environment. To improve our health and that of animals, we’ve implemented a ‘One Health, One Medicine’ approach, bringing together expertise from a broad range of multidisciplinary areas.
Research by school
Our schools all work together to provide interdisciplinary research, innovation and teaching in human and animal health. We generate new knowledge through our research and apply it to the design, development and delivery of societal benefit.
