Medicine, science and technology
Medicine and biosciences
We engage in profound scientific discovery including tackling some of the world's most pressing health concerns: cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and respiratory disease.
Our key interests are around:
- Precision medicine
- Structural and chemical biology
- Antimicrobial resistance
Find out more about medicine and biosciences
Environmental sustainability
We perform cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research to ease the complex interactions between human activity and our physical environment, providing solutions that enable businesses to operate more sustainably.
Our key interests are around:
- Climate change - carbon emissions, carbon sinks, human behaviour
- Resource efficiency - water, fossil fuels and mineral extraction, agriculture
- Renewable energy - ocean, wind, solar
- Built environment - urban planning, infrastructure, smart buildings
Find out more about environmental sustainability
Materials
Industries such as construction, manufacturing, energy, communications and food production have a real need for advanced materials that are cost-effective, lightweight, reliable and sustainable.
Our research is driving innovation in:
- Sustainable materials - reusing waste materials, biodegradable plastics, materials for energy generation and storage - electronics, sensors and photonics
- Advanced materials - nanotechnology, mechanics of materials, material testing, aerodynamics
Space research and Earth observation
Our expertise in space technology enables us to study our own planet as well as the universe around us. Climate change, food security, pollution monitoring, disaster prevention, land planning and civil engineering are just some of the global challenges that benefit from Earth observation.
We have an impressive history of discovery in space science: every year since 1967 has seen a Leicester-built instrument operating in space. The Department of Physics and Astronomy has held significant roles in many space missions for space agencies including NASA, ESA, UKSA, ISRO (India) and JAXA (Japan), covering astronomical, planetary and Earth Observation Science missions.
Find out more about Earth observation
Transport
Current transport is unsustainable in terms of energy use, efficiency and cost-effectiveness, so we're working on solutions that accelerate new vehicle technology. These innovations can help your business run more efficiently, saving money and helping the environment.
Our research is based on:
- Advanced automotive engineering - nanotechnology, mechanics of materials, material testing, aerodynamics
- Intelligent mobility - traffic management, control systems
- Green transport - renewable energy, sustainable materials, combustion