Research

We work with academics from across Imperial College London, UK and international universities, as well as industry and government partners, on a variety of research and innovation challenges.

Our research is applicable across Critical National Infrastructure, including sectors such as: Chemicals; Civil Nuclear, Communications, Defence, Emergency Services, Energy, Finance, Food, Government, Health, Space, Transport, Water and the Built Environment.

ISST programmes

SPRITE

SPRITE +

The Security, Privacy, Identity, and Trust Engagement NetworkPlus (SPRITE+) is a national programme which brings together people involved in research, practice, and policy relevant with a focus on digital contexts.

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RITICS

The Research Institute in Trustworthy Inter-connected Cyber-physical Systems (RITICS) is a portal to cutting-edge UK research into the cyber security of cyber-physical, critical systems.

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Cyber Security - Academic Centre of Excellence

Imperial College London is recognised as one of the UK's leading universities in cyber security research.

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Core capabilities

chiral

Matter, materials, and manufacturing

See example projects
server

Cyber, cyber-physical, and information security

See example projects
quantum navigator

Sensors, sources, and detection systems

See example projects

Capabilities

crowd

Biosystems, medicine, and human behaviour

See example projects
drone

Advanced machines and systems, hardware and software

See example projects
Data processing and algorithms

Data processing and algorithms

See example projects

Notable research centres and networks

SpaceLab

SpaceLab

Network of Excellence working with space agencies around the world, including NASA and ESA, researching a broad range of space-related fields.
Centre for Transport Studies

Centre for Transport Studies

The Centre is based in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and carries out teaching and research in a broad range of aspects of transport studies.
Electromagnetic and Biochemical Sensors

Electromagnetic and Biochemical Sensors

Network of Excellence focusing on sensors and detection technologies with a wide range of applications.

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Notable research centres and networks

Centre for Financial Tech

Business School Centre for Financial Technology

Imperial College Business School’s Centre for Financial Technology has been established to act as a hub for the interdisciplinary research that is needed to develop innovations, reveal insights and answer questions in financial technology.
Centre for Infrastructure Robotics Ecosystems

Centre for Infrastructure Robotics Ecosystems

A cross-disciplinary Centre integrating expertise in robotics, sensor networks, AI, data science, business innovation and environmental policy, for a more sustainable and safer management of infrastructures in cities, undergrounds and offshore environments.
Institute of Shock Physics

Institute of Shock Physics

World-class, multidisciplinary research organisation established in 2008 with major support from AWE and Imperial to provide a UK focus for shock physics research and training.

Notable research 3

Centre for Blast Injury Studies

Centre for Blast Injury Studies addresses the disabling injuries of conflict with a clinically-led approach.

Centre for Quantum Engineering, Science and Technology

The Centre brings together quantum research at Imperial College London for innovation through understanding of quantum mechanics.

Previous programmes

PETRAS

The PETRAS National Centre of Excellence ensured that technological advances in the Internet of Things (IoT) were developed and applied in consumer and business contexts, safely and securely. PETRAS was a consortium of 24 research institutions and was active from 2016 to 2024.