Transformative Sciences and Technology

This area focuses on research that aims to make a personal, societal and economic difference in relation to Child-Computer Interaction (ChiCI); Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and Information Systems; and Games and Gaming. Academics focus on delivering better technologies for children, engaging in general HCI, user experience (UX), augmented reality and virtual reality (AR/VR) and Interaction Design research, Agile systems development, and Security and Forensics.

This research area covers a wide span of engineering applications and is driven by a mix of academics' thirst for knowledge and investigations within industry settings. We mix scientific and technological expertise that is focused on topics within Autonomy and Systems Integration, Digital Manufacturing, Intelligent Machines and Maintenance, Artificial Intelligence and Data Analysis, Clean Growth (including Waste Management) and Human Factors. We have contributed to and made many important developments from improving the safety and competitiveness of European aircraft through signal and image processing technology, improving radiation therapy planning and delivery, to the creation of a dynamic 3D facial scan for face-based health monitoring and a breakthrough discovery of an acoustic emission-based biomarker linked to knee ageing and degeneration.

Research in this area has a firm emphasis on scientific analysis and encompasses work in archaeology, forensic anthropology and forensic genetics. Our academics undertake exciting global archaeological activity, in places such as world-renowned sites from Orkney to California, working with the police and pathologists, and DNA profiling.

Our academics come from a wide range of research groups across the university, with expertise in the methodology and conduct of evidence syntheses – the process of bringing together information from a range of sources and disciplines to inform debates and decisions on specific issues. This includes systematic reviews, economic evaluations and information science, clinical trials and health implementation science. By working together we can support decision-making about the clinical and cost effectiveness and use of new and existing interventions in health and social care. We work with many NHS Trusts and are members of the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) College of Experts and Clinical Studies groups.

This encompasses a broad range of research from the molecular to clinical, from research into aptamers to concussion from sports. Our goal is to be internationally recognised in 3 areas: neuro-oncology, dementia and neurodegeneration; and molecular psychiatry. Our academics range from biomedical scientists through to pharmaceutics and clinicians. We do significant collaboration with Brain Tumour North West and are invited to give lectures at events and institutions around the world.

This research area brings together theoretical and experimental work on topics relating to Astronomy and Astrophysics, Physics and Mathematics, Materials Science, and Fire and Hazards Science. Our Jeremiah Horrocks Institute led a Space Act Agreement with NASA and pursues research into the Sun, stars, planets, galaxies and the universe. We have a broad range of physicists, mathematicians and chemists as well as leading experts in fire safety who have contributed to national and international fire safety regulations.

This area has a focus on both theory and evidence-based research and multidisciplinary collaboration. Key research strengths relate to the three broad topics of Perception, Cognition and Neuroscience; Forensic Psychology and Quality of Life, including the Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience (DCN) Research Laboratory. We have national and international links including NHS Trusts, allied health professionals, police forces, and Local Education Authorities.

Researchers in the area of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation can be lab-based or field-based, working in local practices in the UK or with large international organisations. Our multidisciplinary research teams are internationally renowned in the fields of health, rehabilitation, sports performance, sport and exercise, sports coaching, sport and humanities, physical education, and strength and conditioning. We develop and evaluate the effectiveness of products designed to interact with the body, and the effectiveness of surgical and therapeutic treatments. We work with institutions at home and abroad to ensure quantifiable impact and outcomes, working with a variety of sports teams such as Wigan Warriors Rugby League Club and British Cycling.

Biomedical sciences encompasses various disciplines including pathology, medical microbiology, clinical biochemistry and haematology and transfusion sciences. To address such disciplines different applied and translational sciences have emerged and we have several active research teams working at the cutting edge of these areas. Our main focus is to take laboratory research into applications which will benefit medical professionals in the clinic and in healthcare.

Here we support collaborative research between the University and health care organisations. We have internationally recognised expertise in Clinical Sciences, Dental Sciences and Clinical Medicine. Research topics include: dental sciences, concussion, cancer, cardiovascular disease, pulmonary diseases, infectious diseases, genetics, gastroenterology, intellectual disability and education. We have new groups – Dental Research Team and Biomedical Evidence Synthesis and Translation (BEST) – which are a contributor to two international networks, Cochrane and Best Evidence Medical Education Collaboration