Driven by curiosity. Driving changeSustainability - research theme
Building an environmentally and socially sustainable future is a complex systems challenge. It requires thinking across disciplines, scales and sectors, and an ability to connect fundamental science with real-world engineering.
Research in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology approaches sustainability as a whole-system problem. Our work spans energy, materials, manufacturing and chemical processes, with a shared focus on reducing environmental impact while supporting a resilient, low-carbon society. It also aligns with one of the most significant areas of global research activity and investment, shaped by urgent environmental and societal challenges that require long-term, cross-disciplinary solutions.
How we approach sustainability
Our research in sustainability is grounded in chemical engineering and biotechnology, combined with insights from materials science, physics, chemistry and data-driven methods. This enables researchers to design, analyse and optimise systems rather than isolated components.
Across the department, sustainability research focuses on:
- cleaner and more efficient energy technologies
- sustainable materials and manufacturing pathways
- chemical processes designed for lower environmental impact
- system-level approaches to decarbonisation and resource use
This work aligns with the University’s climate commitments and is driven by the goal of supporting a transition to a zero-carbon world.
A distinctive strength of the department is the integration of chemical engineering and biotechnology. This combination enables new approaches to sustainability, from biologically inspired processes to engineered systems that make more efficient use of natural resources.
Research principles
Sustainability research in the department is guided by a clear set of principles. We focus on solutions that enable society to move away from fossil fuels and towards cleaner, more sustainable systems. Research into fossil fuel extraction or production does not form part of our research portfolio.
Instead, our work emphasises long-term impact, scalability and integration across sectors, recognising that sustainable solutions must function within real industrial, economic and societal constraints.