About the Science and Technology Research Institute (STRI)
Learn more about what our institute hopes to achieve.
Our mission statement
The Science and Technology Research Institute (STRI) is one of three major Research Institutes at the University.
It brings together the research activities of the School of Computer Science, the School of Engineering and Technology, and the School of Physics Astronomy and Mathematics.
These activities are organised within four Research Centres:
- The Centre for Astrophysics Research (CAR)
- The Centre for Atmospheric and Instrumentation Research (CAIR)
- The Centre for Computer Science and Informatics Research (CCSIR)
- The Centre for Engineering Research (CER)
Alongside these four major Centres, some research also takes place in the smaller specialist groups, for example Mathematics and Theoretical Physics Research.
The STRI occupies over 2,500 sq.m of dedicated research office and laboratory accommodation, the majority adjacent to the University’s Innovation Centre on the Hatfield College Lane Campus.
By co-locating over 170 post-doctoral research staff and PhD students from the four Research Centres, the STRI provides a vibrant and dynamic research environment and a culture that encourages inter- and multi-disciplinary research.
The current research grant/contract portfolio totals more than £21 million, from sponsors including the UK Research Councils, the EU, national Government and commercial organisations from the UK and abroad.
STRI-based researchers collaborate with over 180 academic, governmental, and commercial organisations worldwide, engaging in a broad spectrum of basic, strategic, and applied research programmes.
RAE 2008
In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise, the quality of the research of our four Research Centres was independently assessed under the following RAE ‘Units of Assessment’:
- Computer Science (CCSIR)
- General Engineering (CER)
- Physics (CAR and CAIR)
In each case, 50% or more of the research was adjudged to be at either 4* (‘world-leading’) or 3* (‘internationally excellent’) level.
For more details, please see the RAE 2008 website.
