POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH AT THE SCHOOL OF SCIENCE, ENGINEERING, AND ENVIRONMENT, UNIVERSITY OF SALFORD
BECOME UNSTOPPABLE
At the School of Science, Engineering and Environment (SEE), University of Salford more than 280 postgraduate researchers (PGRs) and 200 academics conduct research that was rated in the Research Excellent Framework (REF) 2021 as “world-leading or internationally excellent” (78%) and as producing “outstanding innovative impact” (88%).
PGRs work with supervisors in groundbreaking research at world-leading research facilities, collaborate on grants, and are involved in research bid applications. They have access to comprehensive training provisions, receive generous funding to attend national and international conferences, and chair sessions at our International PGR Conference (IPGRC). Each PGR is also member of one out of ten subject-specific PGR research groups that are aligned with our research centres. These peer PGR groups support research development and integrate PGRs in the wider research community with the organising of events, trips, writing retreats and talks.
We offer full and part-time PhD programmes as well as split-site and distance learning ones. Our innovative MPhil programme is designed to transition students from the guided module-structures towards independent learning and researching while our MSc by Research students are supported in acquiring the skills needed for a successful transition into a workplace of their choosing. The University also has a Widening Participation scholarship, and multiple PGR projects (funded and self-funded) are regularly advertised and updated on FindAPhD.com
BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH AND INNOVATION CENTRE
Among our research centres is the Biomedical Research and Innovation Centre [BRIC] that brings together a collaborative community of scientists who address critical challenges faced by society. This research spans fundamental and applied aspects of bioscience research across a number of broad themes such as Microbial Communities, Cardio-Respiratory Physiology and Pathology, Cancer Diagnosis and Prevention, Ageing and Dementia, Nanomedicine and Cancer Nanotechnology, Infectious Diseases. Researchers deliver world-class, interdisciplinary research which benefits people’s lives. BRIC also works closely with commercial, academic, and healthcare partners across local, national, and international regions, including Europe, Asia, Africa and other parts of the world.
For further details on the BRIC and its director Dr Sarah Withers, learn more at: salford.ac.uk/research/our-expertise/ research-and-knowledge-exchange-centres/ biomedical-research-and-innovation-centre
INFORMATICS RESEARCH CENTRE
Research at the Informatics Research Centre evolves around data and information in all their types and usages, researchers at this centre cover all phases and processes from data pre-processing to engineering and visualisation. In doing so, the centre is developing novel methods and systems for the analysis and recognition of various data sets, learning behaviours and causal models. The results are techniques and systems that have a range of potential applications, from digitisation of historical documents, medical diagnosis, text mining to retrieval and data visualisation. Forensic computing, digital investigation and cyber security are additional areas of expertise of researchers at the centre who investigate theoretical aspects and ways to apply research.
For more information on the Informatics Research Centre and its director Dr Juian M. Bass, visit: salford.ac.uk/research/our-expertise/ research-and-knowledge-exchangecentres/informatics-research-centre
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND INNOVATION CENTRE
The Environmental Research and Innovation Centre (ERIC) is focused on advancing understanding of key environmental challenges of major economic and societal importance in the 21st century. The Cockroft building, our laboratory building provides the facilities to support postgraduate students to produce innovative research into timely topics such as: infectious and zoonotic diseases, fisheries management, green infrastructure, pollution and biodiversity and conservation. We work across the globe with strong links with the Amazon in Brazil, Chernobyl in Ukraine, and various sub-Saharan African countries. Projects address, for example, antibiotic resistance, using Virtual Reality to explore ecology in Chernobyl or revolutionising our understanding of primate evolution.
Researchers in ERIC also work closely with colleagues in the Biomedical Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC). Both address topics related to human health and biotechnology.
For further details on ERIC and its director Professor Mike Wood visit the website at: salford.ac.uk/research/our-expertise/ research-and-knowledge-exchangecentres/environmental-researchinnovation-centre
CENTRE FOR FUTURE ENGINEERING
The Centre for Future Engineering has a long-standing recognition for working across the fields of mechanical, aeronautical and civil engineering, robotics and automation and advanced materials, collaborating closely with industry partners and fostering interdisciplinary approaches to address real-world engineering challenges. As early as in 1987 it had been appointed the home of the National Advanced Robotics Research Centre. Research topics investigated by PGRs have included autonomous vehicle development, sustainable construction methods, innovative materials, and advancements in renewable energy technologies, digital innovation, and environmental engineering. Today, the centre still pursues these research topics but added others through the North of England Robotics Innovation Centre (NERIC). NERIC translates cutting-edge research in engineering into cost-effective solutions for industry. It is a research facility that focusses on the rapidly growing robotics and automation sectors. Robots provide aid for work that is dangerous, repetitive, dirty, and difficult and researchers at NERIC explore and drive this future of robotics with industry with the goal to investigate how robots can drive productivity.
NERIC’s key areas include robotics for intelligent infrastructure, digital automation, and supply chain improvement. Working across a range of sectors, the research team addresses robotics and automation, the requirements of net zero, healthcare technologies, vehicle automation and the development of smart cities.
Please click on the link for more information: neric.salford.ac.uk and for members of the Team: neric.salford.ac.uk/meet-the-team
BUILT AND HUMAN ENVIRONMENTS RESEARCH CENTRE
The research centre Built and Human Environments encompasses a broad range of research facilities and researchers. Among them are teams at IGNITION Living Lab and THINKlab
At the IGNITION Nature Based Solutions (NBS) Living Lab research tackles the climate emergency using Green Infrastructure (GI) experimentation technologies. The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, appraised the lab as “…epitomising the kind of vision and innovation that Greater Manchester does best. This place was the home of the first industrial revolution and right now we are at the forefront of a new industrial revolution in sustainable technologies here in the North West.” Living Lab is an exciting development at the University campus demonstrating cutting edge green infrastructure technologies that continue to provide data for further research on hydrology, biodiversity, heat transmission through the structures, as well as how people interact with those installed green infrastructures. Use this link for
THINKlab is a facility where research is produced that contributes to managing the effects of global warming, developing cities and economies sustainably, and determining how to best care for an ageing population. Because these areas are predominantly advantaged through innovative approaches through developments driven by governments, industry, and researchers, the THINKlab team collaborates with a range of academic and commercial partners. Individual project teams investigate questions on how Resilient Cities and Smart Cities are effectively developed with the help of the labs unique services and creative facilities. The overarching goal of the THINKlab is to provide an atmosphere of collaboration and co-creation pursuant of the goal of advancing digital innovation to solve global challenges.
To learn more about the THINKlab and its director Professor Terrence Fernando and the technical director Dulcidio Coelho visit: salford.ac.uk/our-facilities/thinklab
ACOUSTIC RESEARCH
In addition to our research centres, the two stand-alone research powerhouses at SEE are the Acoustic Research and Energy House Labs. Acoustic Research facilities are world-class and designed to meet the highest technical specifications and the requirements of measurement standards. Each space is supported by one of the largest acoustics research groups in the world and the hands-on expertise of specialist technical staff.
The facilities support a broad range of UKAS accredited acoustic tests in addition to bespoke testing and consultancy in areas such as audio, human perception, and vibration.
One of the most important uses of our laboratories is training the next generation of acoustic experts, with graduates who carried out experiments in the facilities now working for Google, European Environment Agency and Ove Arup.
For additional information on The Acoustic Research Centre and its director Professor Trevor Cox, see the centre’s website at: hub.salford.ac.uk/sirc-acoustics/
ENERGY HOUSE LABS
Research at the Energy House Labs focusses on energy efficiency and smart building. The labs replicate environmental conditions and analyse how environmental effects act on housing stock and consumers. The team of researchers includes several PGRs who all work with international industry partners to jointly respond to significant sustainability challenges. The Energy House Labs support businesses in understanding if their products and services meet the goals to lower consumers’ carbon footprints and to reducing energy bills.
One of the labs – Energy House 2.0 – consists of two environmental chambers, large enough to accommodate a detached house each. Research conducted at Energy House 2.0 plays therefore a key role in accelerating the progress towards low carbon and net zero housing design.
To learn more about the Energy House Labs, its managing directors Professor Will Swan and Professor Richard Fitton, MRICS, follow this link: salford.ac.uk/ our-facilities/energy-house-labs
CASE STUDY:
Improving plant operations through innovative software products
CASE STUDY:
Tackling antimicrobial resistant (AMR) infections in Uganda
CASE STUDY:
Enhancing community preparedness for disasters in Sri Lanka
CASE STUDY:
Reducing noise and improving the sound of the built environment
CASE STUDY:
Radioactivity, environment and society - changing practice and perception
