Research subjects in Chemical Engineering
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Why study a Chemical Engineering research degree at Huddersfield?
Research in Chemical Engineering at Huddersfield places you at the forefront of developing sustainable technologies, combining strong academic expertise with a practical focus on solving real-world challenges.
You’ll work alongside experienced researchers across a range of areas, including sustainable materials, circular economy, bioprocessing, waste valorisation, particle engineering and process development. This breadth of expertise allows you to explore how chemical engineering can support more efficient use of resources and the development of sustainable materials and processes.
Chemical Engineering research at Huddersfield is defined by its hands-on approach. You’ll have access to specialist facilities including a bioethanol production plant and advanced analytical equipment, developing practical experience in process development, materials analysis and the investigation of sustainable technologies.
Benefits of a Chemical Engineering research degree
- You’ll benefit from strong links with industry and research partners, with projects addressing challenges such as textile waste recycling, resource recovery and circular manufacturing. These connections help ensure research is closely aligned with real-world needs, while providing opportunities to contribute to innovative solutions for global sustainability challenges.
- You’ll become part of a collaborative and supportive research community, working across disciplines and benefiting from specialist training, knowledge exchange and opportunities to contribute to research with practical impact.
- You’ll graduate with advanced research, engineering and problem-solving skills, preparing you for careers across chemical engineering, sustainable technologies, industrial research and the wider engineering sector.
Research disciplines in Chemical Engineering
Sustainable Materials and Circular Economy
Explore Sustainable Materials and Circular Economy and use of innovative recycling and reuse of textile and plastic waste, sustainable biomaterials and resource-efficient solutions for medical and textile applications.
Cereal Biorefineries and Process Engineering
Cereal Biorefineries and Process Engineering explores sustainable cereal-based processes for food and non-food applications, developing biorefineries that maximise renewable resources and produce valuable compounds and biofuels.
Bioprocessing and Waste Valorisation
Bioprocessing and Waste Valorisation explores how agricultural, food and other waste can be transformed into valuable products and sustainable resources for healthcare, fine chemicals and bio-based manufacturing.
Environmental Impact and Life Cycle Assessment
Through the Environmental Impact and Life Cycle Assessment discipline, evaluate the environmental impacts of products, materials and processes throughout their life cycles, using sustainability assessments to support more responsible engineering solutions.
Particle Engineering and Nanomaterials
Explore Particle Engineering and Nanomaterials and how particles behave and interact across different scales, from molecules to granular materials, with applications in nanofluids, nanoparticles and advanced engineering processes.
Find out more about our team's expertise
Awards and achievements
Our achievements demonstrate the impact of Huddersfield’s chemical engineering research, translating research and innovation into practical solutions that support sustainability, industry and the development of a more circular economy.
Our research centre
Centre for Chemical Design and Engineering
This interdisciplinary research centre brings together expertise in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, analytical and forensic science, and bioprocessing. Its integrated approach supports the development of novel materials, sustainable processes and innovative technologies addressing challenges across health, energy and environmental sustainability.
Research facilities
Research students have access to specialist facilities within the Joseph Priestley Building, supporting experimental research in chemical engineering, biofuels, process development and chemical analysis.
Facilities include access to:
- bioethanol production plant
- HPAEC-PAD analytical equipment
- size exclusion chromatography
- agilent gas analysis systems.
These facilities support a range of experimental research activities, giving you opportunities to develop practical skills, investigate chemical processes and analyse materials using specialist techniques and equipment.
Research environment and culture
Research students at the University of Huddersfield are part of a collaborative, inclusive and multidisciplinary research environment, bringing together scientists, clinicians and practitioners to work across shared areas of expertise. The research culture encourages innovation, translational impact and global engagement, supported by structured doctoral training and active research communities.
You’ll have opportunities to:
- engage in regular seminars, workshops and specialist research training sessions
- collaborate with peers and supervisors across disciplines in a supportive environment
- participate in international collaborations and knowledge exchange activities
- develop both academic research skills and wider professional competencies.
There are currently around 12 PhD students in the subject area, contributing to a close-knit but active research community. Students benefit from strong supervision, regular academic interaction, and a balanced research culture that supports both depth of study and professional development.
Useful links
Department of Physical and Life Sciences
Find out more about our Department of Physical and Life Sciences, located in our central Huddersfield campus, where you will undertake your studies.
Research degrees homepage
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