Research and expertise

Find out about our internationally renowned research and expertise at the University of Plymouth

Plant factory seed propagation and growth under a blue light

With world-leading research in marine and earth sciences, sustainability and health, the University of Plymouth takes a solutions-oriented, systems-thinking approach to solving complex global challenges, addressing critical issues through environmental, societal and economic lenses. Transdisciplinary, place-based research aligns with government agendas for people and place, while our approach to pioneering emerging technologies and digital inclusion allows us to engage effectively with policy agendas locally, nationally and internationally.

The scope of research at the University of Plymouth spans all 17 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Addressing global research challenges

Representatives of the Royal Navy and University of Plymouth meet beside Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV) Cetus at the launch of the National Centre for Coastal Autonomy

Delivering on the UK's defence and security priorities

“The threats we now face are more serious and less predictable than at any time since the Cold War.”

The UK's 2025 Strategic Defence Review sets out a vision to make Britain safer, secure at home and strong abroad. Through its military connections, and place at the heart of a city steeped in naval history, the University of Plymouth is delivering on that vision and much more.

Find out more about our commitment to national resilience

Sustainable Aquaculture and Fisheries

At Plymouth, a broad perspective on aquaculture and fisheries management is enabled by our transdisciplinary, systems-thinking approach

Celtic Sea

World-leading facilities and research expertise supporting the roll-out of floating offshore wind (FLOW)

Earth Smart

Innovative approaches to using advanced agri-tech and sensor solutions for productive, sustainable, healthy landscapes

Featured research

Marine

One of the largest marine and maritime portfolios in Europe, reinforced by an international reputation for world-leading, transdisciplinary research.

Cyber-Resilience of Offshore Wind Networks (CROWN)
World-leading expertise in maritime cyber security and vulnerabilities of offshore wind control systems

Ropes to Reefs FISP
Assessing the wider benefits of the UK’s first large-scale offshore mussel farm, and its impact on marine protected areas and fisheries

Virtual fish
Working with industry and academia to develop 3D in vitro models as effective alternatives to live fish studies for biomedical research

Earth

Pioneering an interdisciplinary, systems-thinking approach to tackle sustainability challenges and connect research expertise with the wider world.

Environmental Land Management Strategic Knowledge Exchange Hub
Research leadership and knowledge exchange to support the implementation of new agricultural policy

Crops in a farmed field covered by protective sheeting

BIO-PLASTIC-RISK: biodegradable bioplastics – assessing environmental risk
Research to establish the fate of biodegradable bioplastics in the environment and their effect on organisms and ecosystem function

Advancing Controlled Environment Agriculture
Integrating dynamic LED lighting with artificial intelligence to optimise photosynthesis and crop health

Health

Improving human health and care, from cutting-edge discovery research to translation into novel interventions and application within the community.

Older man playing video games with a young boy

ICONIC: Intergenerational Codesign Of Novel technologies in Coastal communities
Improving digital inclusion and fostering intergenerational connection in isolated regions with new technology

Centre for Therapeutic Ultrasound (CENTUS)
The UK's leading transcranial ultrasound stimulation research centre

TULAY: Co-designing Philippine community physical rehabilitation
Working with stroke survivors and families to facilitate recovery care delivered within the community setting

SHAPE disciplines address global challenges associated with marine, health and sustainability through the lens of place

Through five place-based research themes, we investigate the intricate relationships between communities, the natural world, and technology.

Locally, we co-create sustainable solutions to complex problems in order to build resilient and thriving neighbourhoods, cities, and regions. This work transcends geographical, social and political boundaries to become applicable on a global level.

Explore our research

SHAPE – Social Sciences, Humanities, and the Arts for People and the Economy

Driving research and innovation from the South West

Our research plays a key role in supporting the ambition of Great South West – a strategic initiative aimed at fostering economic growth and development in the region – in terms of both food and energy security, and defence.

Explore our contribution to the regional security and net zero agenda

Hear from our experts

Thought leadership and opinion from our experts to highlight how our research is tackling critical sustainability challenges.

1 / 8

Aquaculture

With Professor Daniel Merrifield and Professor Emma Sheehan

P N

2 / 8

Global Plastics Treaty

With Professor Richard Thompson

P N

3 / 8

Net Zero

with Professor Ian Bailey

P N

4 / 8

Energy Security

with Professor Deborah Greaves

P N

5 / 8

Clean Maritime

with Dr Richard Pemberton

P N

6 / 8

Soil Health

with Dr Jennifer Rowntree

P N

7 / 8

People and Place

with Professor James Daybell

P N

8 / 8

Maritime Cyber Security

with Professor Kevin Jones

P N

Entrepreneurial Futures (2024–2025)

A major initiative, powered by a £5.6 million investment from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, that aimed to inspire innovation and drive economic growth by connecting businesses in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly with the region’s further and higher education institutions through research and development-led activities.

Focusing on research priorities in support of key sectors for the county’s economy, University of Plymouth delivered activities around net zero, clean energy, agri-robotics, immersive technologies and coastal communities.

Discover the impact of Entrepreneurial Futures

Brain illustration showing neuron connections

Delivering solutions-focused research in life sciences

Our research covers a wide spectrum of life sciences, ranging from clinical medicine to marine biology, public health to neuroscience, psychology to agriculture and food sciences. Our scientists are working to combat antimicrobial resistance, food security, health inequality, and sustainable use of the blue economy.

We feature on South West Life Sciences – bringing together a critical mass of life sciences research, education and industry across the South West.

Discover more about life sciences at the University of Plymouth

Research centres

Strategic research institutes

Marine Institute

Advancing sustainable use of the marine environment through our systems-thinking approach to research, education and innovation.

Aerial view from high altitude of little planet earth with small village houses and distant green cultivated agricultural fields with growing crops on bright summer evening

Sustainable Earth Institute

Solving complex global sustainability challenges through a holistic, solutions-oriented approach to research, education, innovation and knowledge exchange.