Research

We undertake world leading research in topics such as artificial intelligence and data science, networks, cyber security, nanotechnology, and satellite engineering.

Research excellence

We are ranked 7th in the country for our research outputs in computer science and informatics and 15th in the UK for ‘*research power’ in engineering, according to the latest UK Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021).

88% of our computer science and informatics research has been judged as world-leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*) overall.

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 spotlights

Find out more about our capabilities in autonomous vehicles, 5G technologies, blockchain, virtual reality, gaming and smart health.

Groups and centres

Advanced Technology Institute

An interdisciplinary research institute investigating materials and devices for future electronics and photonics.

Centre for Vision, Speech and Signal Processing

One of the most highly renowned centres in Europe working on all aspects of image, video and audio processing research.

Distributed and Networked Systems Group

Many of the successes of today’s digital world are underpinned by distributed and networked systems. The interests of this group span both technical and socio-technical challenges arising in these settings.

Institute for Communication Systems

One of the UK’s largest and most renowned academic research centres focused on 5G and future communication systems.

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Nature Inspired Computing and Engineering

A research group developing algorithms inspired by natural intelligence found in biological, physical and social systems to solve real-world problems.

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Surrey Centre for Cyber Security

A UK government-recognised Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Research which applies formal modelling to creating methods and techniques to mitigate cyber security threats.

Surrey Space Centre

Pioneers of cost-effective satellite engineering techniques to develop small satellites and associated scientific experiments/payloads.

Artificial intelligence

We collaborate with numerous groups, centres and departments across the University in artificial intelligence and machine learning, with the aim of advancing AI algorithms to address real-world applications to benefit society.

Find out more

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Study with us

If you're interested in doing a PhD then take a look at our offering from space engineering to robotics.