Research centres and initiatives

Research centres and initiatives bring together expertise from across the department and beyond. They provide a focus for collaboration around shared challenges, connecting fundamental science with real-world application.

These activities are typically interdisciplinary and outward-facing, supporting partnerships, major research and training programmes, and translation beyond academia.

Working with centres and initiatives

These centres provide routes for collaboration with academic, industrial and international partners. They support work that spans disciplines and sectors, with a focus on translation, scale and real-world impact.

For further information, including current projects and opportunities to engage, please visit the individual centre pages.

EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Sensor Technologies and Applications in an Uncertain World

The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training is one of the department’s flagship interdisciplinary programmes, bringing together researchers, students and partners to tackle challenges in sustainability, healthcare and engineering science.

By combining doctoral research with industry engagement and advanced skills training, the CDT supports both fundamental discovery and the development of future research leaders.

→ Visit the CDT

The Cambridge Centre for Advanced Research and Education (CARES)

The Cambridge Centre for Advanced Research and Education (CARES) is the University’s first research centre outside the UK, based in Singapore. It brings together international partners to address challenges in decarbonisation, particularly in chemical and industrial systems.

Building on its flagship work in carbon reduction technologies, CARES develops approaches to carbon-free fuels, chemical systems and sustainable urban infrastructure.

→ Visit CARES

Cambridge Infinitus Research Centre (CIRCE)

The Cambridge Infinitus Research Centre (CIRCE) focuses on understanding the biological activity of compounds derived from plants and fungi. Its research explores how natural molecules can regulate protein function, with particular relevance to diseases linked to protein misfolding.

CIRCE carries out independent fundamental research into the molecular function of natural products, contributing to the broader effort to design new therapeutics inspired by nature.

→ Visit CIRCE

The Innovation Centre in Digital Molecular Technologies (iDMT)

The Innovation Centre in Digital Molecular Technologies (iDMT) brings together expertise in chemical engineering, chemistry and data science to accelerate the discovery and development of functional molecules.

Using machine learning, AI and automated synthesis, iDMT focuses on translating research into real-world applications. It works closely with industry and supports early-stage ventures, helping to move ideas from research towards scalable technologies and new products.

Research centres and initiatives