School of Applied Sciences research centres

Through our research at the School of Applied Sciences we aim to make a major positive impact on health, the environment and society, both nationally and internationally.

Animal and Plant Science Research Group

Our research focusses on terrestrial and marine biodiversity conservation and management of temperate and tropical ecosystems in a changing world. Specific areas include: biodiversity and conservation, environmental microbiology, pollutants and tourism.

Biomedical Science Research Group

Our research focuses upon understanding physiology in terms of health and disease. Areas of interest include: applied microbiology, cancer and drug design, immunology and infection, neurological disease, physical health recovery, pollutants, public health and reproductive health.

Microbiology Research Group

Our current research examines microbiological interactions with a variety of hosts (humans, animals and plants) and microbiological interactions in the wider external environment. Our main areas of focus are: applied microbiology, biofuels, environmental microbiology, immunology and infection and pollutants.

Psychology Research Group

We work on both theory driven and applied research, with the majority of our research having a strong multidisciplinary focus. Our key research clusters are forensic psychology and applied cognition, however our staff work collaboratively with internal and external partners on areas including applied health, critical psychology, and occupational psychology.

SAS Pedagogical Research Group

Areas of research include education and pedagogy.

Social Sciences Research Group

Social science is able to develop nuanced understandings of why people and institutions behave as they do. Our areas of focus are: criminology, families and relationships, geopolitics, law, mental health, military studies and social justice.

Sports, Exercise and Health Science Research Group

Our work revolves around three central areas: sport science, sports coaching and development and physical activity and health. We have specialist knowledge and researchers working in each of these areas: coaching, injury and sports medicine, physical activity, physical health recovery, sports sciences and tourism.

Biofuel Research Centre

Founded in 2007, we are the UK’s first research centre dedicated to the development of renewable and sustainable biofuels. The University has established a twin research centre in Hong Kong. The Centre focuses on the development of biofuels from industrial and agricultural byproducts.

Centre for Nano Safety

The Centre for Nano Safety is a multi-disciplinary centre addressing the potential human and environmental effects of nanomaterials, incorporating human and environmental toxicology as well as microbiology. Areas of focus include pollutants and public health.

Mountain Bike Centre of Scotland

We are Scotland’s national centre for mountain biking innovation and excellence. From our base in the Scottish Borders, we support businesses of all sizes in developing world class mountain bike products and services.