Our resources

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

Our Global Research Institutes focus our leading research in purpose-built centres of excellence and collaboration, with The National Robotarium and The Lyell Centre being joined soon by Institutes dedicated to Health and Care Technologies and  the global challenges of achieving Net Zero.

The National Robotarium is a partnership between Heriot-Watt University and the University of Edinburgh which combines our engineering heritage and strengths in robotics for hazardous environments, manufacturing, healthcare and human-robot interaction, with the University of Edinburgh's expertise in space, construction and humanoid robotics. 

The Lyell Centre for Earth and Marine Sciences is an example of major investment in research infrastructure by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), the Scottish Funding Council and Heriot-Watt University. Its specialist facilities and labs enable the university and British Geological Survey to build on their combined expertise in land and marine conservation, geology and geoscience, to catalyse and lead integrated and innovative research.

Our flagship GRID is an innovative Global, Research, Innovation and Discovery hub - designed to challenge and inspire students, academics, industry and society. Based around the latest models for open-space collaboration, its immersive learning, teaching and enterprise areas encourages interaction and design-led education. The Centre a ‘discovery laboratory' changing how we teach, learn and apply our spark and skills to solving global issues.

Our facilities

As a technology-focused university we offer an impressive range of laboratories, workshops and specialised equipment that business and industry can also access - for a range of purposes including experimental work, testing prototypes, data analysis or training. Our Small Research Facilities are fully supported by expert technicians and specialist colleagues who can assist with equipment and outcomes including interpretation of results.

Our Innovation Park enables companies and organisations to be based on our Edinburgh Campus, in 380 acres of beautiful parkland, with easy access to our resources and facilities. With an emphasis on research, development, design, engineering, training and prototyping, our aim is to provide the optimum location to undertake research and development. This unique location has attracted a diverse range of collaborators from Renishaw plc to the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service.

Contact us at GRID@hw.ac.uk for more detailed information.