Impact of our research

Climate change, energy, engineering, healthcare, science and technology are just some areas where we are breaking new ground for the benefit of people in the UK and across the globe.

Discovering earth-like planets outside our solar system; creating pioneering atmospheric models to monitor and improve air quality; protecting civilians against chemical terror attacks; and furthering social interaction between robots and humans.

These are some of the ways in which our interdisciplinary research is addressing some of today’s biggest challenges regionally, nationally and globally.

Microscope with more microscopes behind in a labatory

Contributing to the fight against COVID-19

Our research, enterprise support, and testing and vaccination efforts have taken on the challenges faced across the globe by the spread of COVID-19. From looking at the effectiveness of different personal protective equipment (PPE) and investigating the connection between the chemical senses and COVID-19, to developing a social distancing game for children and conducting research into attitudes towards fitness, body image and physical activity at home.

Research case studies

Better healthcare in care homes

Research at the University of Hertfordshire is helping to identify ways to improve healthcare for the nearly half a million people living in care homes in the UK.
The coffee historian

Coffee is a global product that influences millions of lives. From crop to cup, its production faces challenges ranging from environmental conservation to economic equality. An expert on the global history of coffee, Professor Jonathan Morris is working with the industry to understand its heritage and ensure its sustainability.
Discovering new planets

The finding of new planet Proxima b marks a significant step in mankind’s quest to know if life exists outside our Solar System. University of Hertfordshire astronomers played a leading role in the game-changing discovery
Exploring science through art

Understanding our world using music and sculpture. Cosmoscope, a monumental sound and light sculpture created by artist Professor Simeon Nelson and composer Rob Godman at the University’s School of Creative Arts, crosses the boundaries between science and art to explore the complexities of the universe.
Monitoring air quality

Air pollution shortens the lives of some 40,000 people in the UK each year. Low-cost, highly accurate technology developed by the University’s researchers to monitor air quality at Heathrow Airport is now helping to tackle this urgent problem in more than 60 countries worldwide.
Next generation scientists

Developing future generations of scientists is vital to the UK’s economy, so it is important to engage pupils in science from the start of their education. The Primary Science Quality Mark is a unique award programme helping to raise the profile of science teaching and learning in primary schools.
Protecting our troops in biowarfare

University of Hertfordshire researchers are working with Ministry of Defence agencies and multinational defence companies to develop technologies that protect the UK’s armed forces from biological attacks.
A fairer gig economy

The rise of ‘on-demand’ work managed by online platforms such as Uber and Deliveroo is changing the way work is organised and challenging traditional forms of employment. Research by Hertfordshire Business School is informing policymakers seeking to protect labour standards.

Previous 1 2 3 Next