Research

The School of the Built Environment has an exciting and vibrant research community engaged in advanced research in the Built Environment, much of which also involves national and international partners. We enjoy a top position in the UK government national research assessment which recognises the outstanding national and international profile of our academic staff. We are also number one for research power, a position held since 1992 (source: Research Fortnightly Magazine 2008).
 
The School of the Built Environment makes a major contribution toward realization of the University strategic research theme of Built and Human Environment. This aims to transform the quality of life for society whilst ensuring the well-being of future generations through the provision of better and more sustainable futures. Key priority areas of this theme overall are sustainability and sustainable communities, which include issues such as energy production and consumption, healthy, accessible, inclusive and learning environments and wellbeing, disaster mitigation and reconstruction. Our aim is to act as the catalyst for positive change, both within the Built and Human Environment and at its many interfaces with the natural environment, engineering, health and social sciences. In doing so the theme will pay a leading role in shaping the Built and Human Environment towards green and sustainable futures incorporating high quality living and social responsibility.

As one of  the largest UK schools, we have today some 70 active research staff, very many of whom are internationally recognised leaders in their field. We also have some 240 PhD students from around the world undertaking research programmes with us. Our research is principally focussed in research centres. If you wish to undertake a PhD, each centre has identified areas on their web pages, where they will particularly welcome PhD proposals from prospective students. Read more about our Built Environment Research Centres.

Prof Charles Egbu - Associate Head of Research