Research

Research that transforms

Powered by people and place

Our research is built on big ideas, bold action, and a commitment to transformation. Powered by people and place, we tackle society’s biggest challenges and deliver solutions with tangible, real-world impact.

We connect students, academics, and industry leaders to foster inclusive innovation, collaborative discovery, and entrepreneurial thinking. Diverse perspectives shape who we are and what we do, driving breakthroughs that benefit individuals and communities. For over 70 years, we’ve been at the forefront of innovation in the UK’s second city - breaking new ground, embracing diversity, and championing creative problem-solving.

Explore how our work is transforming lives through Digital Futures, Cleantech, Inclusive Growth and HealthTech.

Explore our Breakthroughs

Our research themes

Digital Futures

Harnessing AI, data and emerging technologies to shape a smarter, more connected world.

Cleantech

Accelerating low-carbon innovation for a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Inclusive Growth

Creating fairer economies and communities through research that drives opportunity for all.

HealthTech

Advancing healthcare through technology, data and patient-centred innovation.

University Research Institutes

Our six research institutes bring together world-leading expertise to tackle complex challenges across disciplines. Explore how each institute is shaping the future.

Explore our institutes

Shaping tomorrow's world, today

Professor Jude Onwudili

Driving the transition to cleaner fuels and sustainable chemicals.

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Dr Muhammad Imran

Powering a more sustainable future for vulnerable communities.

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Professor Andy Lymer

Building brighter financial futures for all by helping people manage their money.

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Professor Jun Du

Guiding UK business to increase trade, export and prosperity.

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Explore all our Breakthroughs stories

Research by College

College of Business and Social Sciences

Uniting the study of language, history, culture, politics, sociology, commerce and enterprise to deliver innovation and opportunity

College of Health and Life Sciences

Bridging the gap between laboratory and clinic to help scientists and practitioners make a real difference in their communities

College of Engineering and Physical Sciences

Nurturing technical skills in engineering and the application of science to address challenges that are critical for the future

Impact Case Studies

Our impact case studies showcase the breadth of research excellence at Aston. Our academics are dedicated to conducting pioneering research that has the power to reach far beyond academia and make positive changes in our society.

Read how our research is changing the world

Supporting our Researchers

RKE Support for Research

Find out more about the range of support offered by the Research and Knowledge Exchange Team, including funding opportunities and grant application support

Library Support for Research

The Library provides a range of resources and services to support research and services to support research at Aston

Research Integrity, Governance and Ethics

Find out more about Aston's Research Integrity, Governance and Ethics policies and procedures

West Midlands Innovation Accelerator

We are proud recipients of funding for three ground-breaking projects to be delivered as part of the West Midlands Innovation Accelerator. It aims to bolster the region’s innovation and R&D capability and capacity to spark commercial growth and investment.

First announced in the Government’s 2022 Levelling up White Paper, the West Midlands Innovation Accelerator commenced in May 2023, funded through a share of a £100m fund from Innovate UK. We are leading the Biochar Clean Tech Accelerator, which will build on our existing research facilities to unlock growth opportunities and target export contracts worth over £200 million of low carbon products produced by a regional industrial cluster. We also play a key role in two other projects; West Midlands Health Tech Innovation Accelerator, led by University of Birmingham and DIATOMIC, led by Connected Places Catapult. Together, we're driving innovation and propelling the West Midlands forward.