Research

We undertake world leading research in topics such as artificial intelligence and data science, networks, cyber security, nanotechnology, and satellite engineering.

Research excellence

We are ranked 7th in the country for our research outputs in computer science and informatics and 15th in the UK for ‘*research power’ in engineering, according to the latest UK Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021).

88% of our computer science and informatics research has been judged as world-leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*) overall.

Overall, Surrey has risen 12 places in the rankings since 2014 to 33rd in the UK for our research quality.

Explore our research impact

* Research power is the overall quality of submissions, calculated by grade point average and multiplied by the full-time equivalent number of staff submitted.

Centres

Blue lasers in a lab

Advanced Technology Institute

An interdisciplinary research institute investigating materials and devices for future electronics and photonics.

Student wearing virtual reality headset

Centre for Vision, Speech and Signal Processing

One of the most highly renowned centres in Europe working on all aspects of image, video and audio processing research.

Man with eye scanner

Computer Science Research Centre

An active centre, with a proud reputation as a friendly and supportive environment. Specialising in security and artificial intelligence research.

Pan-University institutes

These pan-University institutes support the University's aspirations for increasing the scale and enhancing the excellence of our research and innovation.

Child looking at global with lots of symbols floating around

Surrey Institute for People-Centred Artificial Intelligence

Putting people at the heart of AI, augmenting human capabilities to deliver an inclusive and responsible force for good in partnership with industry, the public sector, government and national AI organisations.

Solar panels

Institute for Sustainability

We want to be a critical player in the global transition to sustainable living for everyone, through interdisciplinary research and innovation in partnership with national and international organisations, education and civic engagement.

Research spotlights

Find out more about our capabilities in autonomous vehicles, 5G technologies, blockchain, virtual reality, gaming and smart health.

The Autonomous Generation

Listen to what we're doing around autonomous vehicles.

Find out more
The Secure Generation

Listen to what we're doing around blockchain.

Find out more
The Immersive Generation

Listen to what we're doing around virtual reality and gaming.

Find out more
The Caring Generation

Listen to what we're doing around smart health.

Find out more

Study with us

If you're interested in doing a PhD in our School, then take a look at our offering from space engineering, AI, communications, robotics, security, distributed systems and many more.

Find out more