Research Centres
The University is home to 18 world-changing Research Centres each contributing to our reputation as a research-intensive institution that delivers both research excellence and impact.
Our centres are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of knowledge and innovation in specialised fields, led by experienced academics, early career researchers and postgraduate researchers.
Sustainability and the environment
From molecular structures to distant galaxies, the Research Centres in our College of Science and Engineering explore the physical world around us.
Centre for Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics and Modelling
Sustainable research in AI, data analytics and modelling, focusing on data-driven AI systems that are resilient, robust, trustworthy and adaptable to changing operational conditions.
Director
- Professor Alexander Gorban
Centre for Exoplanet Research
The Centre uses data from ground- and space-based telescopes to identify new exoplanets and to investigate their atmospheres, and also uses large numerical simulations to understand the myriad of processes that shape planetary systems.
Director
Centre for Palaeobiology and Biosphere Evolution
Researching the processes and patterns of the evolution of life, and the interactions between the biosphere and other elements of the Earth system.
Director
Centre for Sustainable Materials Processing
Dedicated to materials chemistry research and enterprise, offering the opportunity to translate and scale-up academic research and pilot processes through interaction with industrial partners.
Director
Centre for Sustainable Resource Extraction
Researching ways to ensure a sustainable and secure supply of Earth resources to society, whilst minimising the environmental footprint and maximising socio-economic benefit.
Director
Human health
The Research Centres in our College of Life Sciences explore the factors that affect human health, for good or bad.
Leicester Cancer Research Centre
Researching key areas including treatment of haematological malignancies, precision therapeutics for mesothelioma, pre-clinical models for drug discovery, cancer prevention and the liquid biopsy for cancer detection.
Director
Leicester Diabetes Centre
Based at Leicester General Hospital and working closely with local NHS bodies, the Centre has established an international reputation in the field of diabetes and cardiovascular research.
Directors
Centre for Environmental Health and Sustainability
The Centre's established expertise in air pollution and environmental noise is complemented by new research into the health effects of low-level environmental contaminants.
Director
Leicester Centre for Microbial Sciences and Infectious Diseases
Home to a highly active interdisciplinary research team, the Centre is playing a fundamental role in understanding disease and the new era of antimicrobial treatment.
Director
Centre for Phage Research
Pioneering the use of specific cocktails of bacteriophage for the treatment of antibiotic resistant infection, while also researching the fundamental biology of phages and their role in shaping bacterial population structure.
Director
- Professor Martha Clokie
Social justice, heritage and culture
In the College of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities our Research Centres examine the past and the present to point the way to a better future.
Centre for Endangered Archaeology and Heritage
Archaeologists, researchers, heritage experts and volunteers - working with national heritage organisations and officials to document and protect archaeology under threat.
Director
Centre website under development
Centre for European Law and Internationalisation
Researching all aspects of European law in the widest sense and in trends of internationalisation, including research into global trade and human rights.
Director
Centre for Hate Studies
The Centre works with organisations all over the world to improve responses to hate and extremism through evidence-based training, research and evaluation, and to shape policy and practice.
Director
Centre for Material Worlds Past and Present
From the craft of Islamic potters to new materialism, and from early metallurgy to innovations in academic collaboration, the Centre seeks to integrate scientific, literary, and cutting-edge philosophical approaches to the past, rather than seeing these as competing traditions of thought.
Director
Centre for Medieval Research
Research interests in the Centre range from late antique archaeology to the visual culture of the 16th century, and often draw on Leicester’s own rich medieval history.
Director
Centre for Museums and Galleries
Research that stimulates new thinking and creative practice enabling cultural organisations to become more ambitious and impactful in nurturing more equitable and inclusive societies.
Directors
Centre for Urban History
Researching the urban history of Europe and Asia since 1700, with special interests in Britain, China, India and Ireland, and contributing to policy and practice in areas such as conservation and heritage.
Director
Centre for Victorian Studies
Established in 1966, the Centre researches topics as diverse as the 19th century afterlives of Romantic poets, the discourse of the sublime in poetry, art and criticism, and Victorian death culture.