Enterprising research

Our research reputation is founded on our ability to tackle problems of real significance; to translate our expertise into providing real-world impact. We achieve this by having both the scale and flexibility to mobilise solutions-focused research, in a collaborative environment and through external partnerships.

Recent major research awards include joint leadership of the TransiT Hub, dedicated to decarbonisation of the UK’s transport infrastructure through digital twinning, funded by UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

We also lead the Integrated Quantum Networks (IQN) Hub, focused on large-scale quantum networks for ‘un-hackable’ communications. This is one of five announced by the UK government in July 2024 as part of a £160 million investment, with the University playing significant roles in a further three, delivering work on quantum-enabled position, navigation and timing and quantum biomedical sensing.

Connectivity with business is reinforced throughout these major bids and projects, with industry backing and funding critical to their success, through significant international collaborations and connectivity to business. We continue to pioneer in our approach to enterprise and partnerships, integrating with our research and teaching, to develop people and ideas to spark new and transformative developments. Our pipeline of startups and spinouts is strong including the multi-award-winning Kenoteq and K-Briq.

Our enterprising research is underpinned by the needs of people and the planet. Our four Global Research Institutes (GRIs) are platforms for delivering interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary research, in collaboration with external partners. They act as focal points for world-leading research on major global challenges, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, together with our institutional approach to sustainability.

In the 2025 QS World Rankings: Sustainability the University rose 277 places to 211th globally. In Environmental Impact we are ranked in the world top 150 for Environmental Research (joint 139th).

Our impact

Our research activity is driven by delivering real results with far-reaching impact. Spanning the Environment, Health and Wellbeing, Industry and Innovation, and Society, our research shapes the future by delivering real results with far-reaching impact.

Societal engagement

We are committed to societal impact and social responsibility, tracing our roots from a night school for working people to a dynamic, enterprise-focused institution 200 years later. Our societal engagement ensures that our education and research benefits society.

People and culture

We prioritise investing in our people, culture and environment. Heriot-Watt’s enterprising research culture is a dynamic and multifaceted ecosystem designed to foster innovation, collaboration, and excellence in research. 

Our research environment

To maintain our high level of achievement in research innovation, industry collaboration and enterprise, we continually invest in the resources and infrastructure to support a research-led environment and our ability to share knowledge.

Portal to our research

Our Research Portal is the gateway to Heriot-Watt University's wide range of research activity. Much of this research is publicly funded and we aim to make results and outcomes freely available to all.

Postgraduate opportunities

As a research-intensive university known for pioneering and applied research, we offer an inspiring environment for research students, with opportunities across our world-leading research areas.

Governance

We set high standards for the effective management of our research across quality, access and assurance. This involves enhancing ethical and scientific quality, promoting good practice and ensuring oversight through a range of policies overseen by the University Committee for Research and Innovation.

At Heriot-Watt University, our enterprising research culture thrives on diversity, inclusivity, and collaboration. We foster an environment where every researcher feels valued and supported, driving key themes like Research Careers, Collegiality, Open Research, and Research Integrity. By celebrating efforts and promoting an inclusive community, we shape the future of research with purpose and impact.
Professor Steve McLaughlin, Vice-Principal and Provost

Why Heriot -Watt?

Since 1821 we have been at the forefront of new ideas and solutions, creating radical innovations that make a difference in the real world. Heriot-Watt has an established reputation as a dynamic facilitator of successful strategic alliances. The University aims to solve problems of real significance to society by excelling in research and enterprise.