School research
Research in the School of Applied Sciences' focuses on environmental science and technology, manufacturing, and materials.
In relation to the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE), Cranfield University is third in the UK for the impact of its mechanical, aeronautical and manufacturing research. We received a strong result in the Agriculture Unit of Assessment with 85% gaining international status and 40% of that research being deemed of an internationally excellent standard. We are also one of the UK's top five research intensive universities, based on research income as a percentage of our turnover.
Our focus is on fundamental research and its application to meet the needs of industry and society, ensuring we are able to realise significant funding directly from industry as well as through the Research Councils. We adopt a multidisciplinary approach to research which is highly beneficial to our partners, including organisations such as Airbus, BAE Systems, Boeing, BP, the Environment Agency, Ford, Land Rover, Rolls-Royce, Shell, Thames Water and Yorkshire Water.
In terms of aerospace, transport and defence Cranfield is the largest recipient of grant funds from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). We also secure significant funding support for our environment sector related research.
Our staff drive our research forwards. Their work is underpinned by our key facilities, many of which are industrial scale, and often unique to Cranfield.
The School's research contributes to Cranfield's strategy of 'research informing teaching' through the development of related postgraduate teaching, continuing professional development (CPD) and consultancy.
