Emerging Themes

In addition to our challenge-led strategic research themes, we support a number of community-driven research themes, in key underpinning technologies such as AI and Robotics, as well as in Materials and Transport.

Robotics and AI

Bringing together researchers from across disciplines to drive forward the understanding, development and integration of robotics, artificial intelligence and automation.

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Finding our voice: the rise and impact of voice recognition technology

In 2018, Sheffield launched the Centre for Speech and Language Technology, a joint research centre with VoiceBase, a major US provider of voice data analytics services to companies operating large call centres.

Bringing a competitive edge

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Truth and trust: combating disinformation and abuse on social media

Sheffield’s big data analytics has probed the veracity, sentiment and sharing patterns of social media posts and exposed the ways in which social media can be used and abused to shape opinions about significant political and societal events.

Fighting against the misuse of social media

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Sheffield Robotics

Bringing together industry and academics from the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University to make Sheffield a leading hub for robotics research.

Robotics, Autonomy, Artificial Intelligence: all for a better future

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Department of Computer Science

Our world-class researchers and talented graduates develop groundbreaking technology to protect and enhance people’s lives.

Our Department of Computer Science

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Department of Automatic Control and Systems Engineering

The only department in the UK and one of the best in the world dedicated to automation and systems engineering.

Our Department of Automatic Control and Systems Engineering

Materials

We aim to create and innovate the next generation of advanced materials and processing technologies, to address the global grand challenges of clean growth, future mobility and a healthy and ageing society.

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University of Sheffield scientists honoured for being at forefront of research and innovation in the UK

Two academics from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering have been recognised for their outstanding research that is at the forefront of research and innovation in the UK, and have been awarded Future Leaders Fellowships by UKRI.

Our outstanding research

Quantum computer chip

Sheffield’s spin-out to build the quantum technology of the future

The second quantum revolution is coming, but who will be the first to champion it? Now, it could be AegiQ, a University of Sheffield spin-out company with a new enabling technology and over two decades of quantum knowledge behind it.

The new age of quantum technology

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National Epitaxy Facility

The National Epitaxy Facility plays a central role in enabling UK University research through provision of high quality Semiconductor Epitaxy for custom designed structures and devices.

Engineering and biomedical sciences through III-V and Silicon technologies

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Henry Royce Institute

The Henry Royce Institute is Shefiield works closely with indistry to deliver a step-change in the discovery and making of new material systems and processes, with emphasis on metal powders and additive manufacturing.

Championing advanced metals processing

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Department of Materials Science and Engineering

We bring together the best bits of chemistry, physics, maths, biology and engineering and find out how they interact. We're ranked 1st in the UK Russell Group for Graduate Prospects for Materials Science and Engineering.

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Transport

Transport takes a user-driven approach, developing a close understanding of sector needs through partnerships with industry, as well as fundamental research that spans the breadth of engineering, focusing on rail, automotive and aerospace transportation sectors.

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Rolls-Royce UTC

ACSE is home to the University Technology Centre (UTC) in Control and Monitoring Systems Engineering supported by Rolls-Royce. This centre carries out co-ordinated and directed programmes of research in the fields of control and monitoring systems, including model-based architecture design and optimisation.

Learn more about the Rolls-Royce UTC

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Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre in Advanced Electrical Machines and Drives

The Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre (UTC) is one of 30 such centres worldwide. The UTC in Advanced Electrical Machines and Drives undertakes research programmes under the direction of Rolls-Royce with a view to facilitating advancements in technology aimed at future Rolls-Royce market requirements.

The Rolls-Royce UTC

Vibration and acoustic testing facilities at the Laboratory for Verification and Validation

Laboratory for Verification & Validation (LVV)

The Laboratory for Verification & Validation (LVV) is a unique facility enabling research into the Verification & Validation (V&V) of engineering models across test scales and in all environments.

Unique research capabilities