Department of Chemical Engineering research

Our research focuses on sustainability. We improve products and processes in areas key to society including water, energy and food, health and well-being.

Upcoming research seminars

Find out about our series of research seminars in the Department.

Digitalisation in the process industries: substance beyond the hype?

19 Nov 2019 1.15pm 2.3, 5 West, University of Bath

Professor Costas Pantelides will present at this Department of Chemical Engineering research seminar. You can self-enrol on Moodle for more information.

Our research centres

Our research is carried out in one of our three centres. Research ranges from fundamental and blue skies innovation to industrial-scale development. They address chemical, materials, pharmaceutical, biochemical, water and waste treatment challenges.

Centre for Advanced Separations Engineering (CASE)

a student works on a rig in a laboratory

CASE conducts world-leading research into advanced separations technologies, to make separating industrial products more efficient.

Centre for Integrated Bioprocessing Research

Stylised image of gloved hand using a pipette with chemical flasks

Our research focuses on all parts of the bioprocess from fundamental biology to industrial scale-up, addressing challenges in food, sustainability and health.

Water Innovation and Research Centre (WIRC@Bath)

WIRC provides a unique environment to engage globally in research and policy on water technologies and resource management.

Associated research hubs

Our research is multidisciplinary at heart. We have links with other centres in the University and networks further afield.

Centre for Sustainable Chemical Technologies

graphic showing research areas from CSCT

A multidisciplinary centre that brings together researchers with a strong interest in sustainability.

Centre for Regenerative Medicine

We improve patient health by researching the repair, replacement and regeneration of cells, tissues and organs.

Institute for Sustainable Energy and the Environment

Rows of solar panels in a field on a sunny day

We bring together stakeholder communities to discuss how we can develop more sustainable, affordable energy for the future of our society and environment.

Hydrogen and fuel cell research hub (H2FCSUPERGEN)

The H2FCSUPERGEN hub brings together the UK hydrogen and fuel cells research community. It funds multidisciplinary research, informs policy and builds networks.

Study with us

We support Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs) to train the next generation of chemical engineers.

Join our Centre for Doctoral Training in Water Informatics: Science and Engineering (WISE)

Close up of water being poured into a hand

Train as a researcher at the interface of hydroinformatics, science and engineering. Develop the skills needed to lead innovation in the water industry.

Centre for Doctoral Training in Catalysis

time capture of people moving around a laboratory

This CDT trains postgraduate researchers in heterogeneous, homogeneous catalysis and reaction engineering to equip them to advance the UK's catalysis sector.

Our research impact

89% of our research submitted to the Aeronautical, Mechanical, Chemical and Manufacturing Engineering unit of assessment in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF) was deemed world leading or internationally excellent.

The case for a coordinated, less fragmented UK Hydrogen Energy programme

A group of PhD Sustainable Chemical Engineering students

A project that aimed to overcome challenges, start dialogues and prove the need for a UK Hydrogen Energy Programme.

Creating a nanoparticle factory-on-a-chip

A researcher observing nanoparticles with a microscope

We're developing methods for the large-scale production of nanoparticles that may lead to exciting applications across industry.

Optimising gas separation and purification for industry

Dr Semali Perera holds filter sticks with gas coming out of the ends

Research at Bath into new adsorption materials and techniques has led to a more energy efficient process with benefits for industry and consumers.