Research projects

By choosing to study at Brookes, you not only benefit from being in a place where the very latest ideas underpin teaching, you could also get the opportunity to take on your own research project.

There are so many research projects underway at Brookes but a few examples of current projects include:

Ground-breaking electric Mini trial

Brookes is working alongside BMW in trialling the world’s largest co-ordinated study of all-electric cars. Forty MINI E cars have been handed over to members of the public. One of the cars is being trialled by government ministers.

Engineers and statisticians from the Oxford Brookes Sustainable Vehicle Engineering Centre, along with a team of Brookes psychologists, will collect and analyse the technical data from the cars and feedback from drivers. The findings of the trials will help give a clear picture of customers' needs as BMW develop an electric vehicle for production by 2015.

Adapting cities for the future

As the world's climate changes and resources are depleted, how can cities adapt and evolve? Brookes' Oxford Institute for Sustainable Development, the largest academic research institute in its field, is undertaking major research into the future of cities (2020-2050). The project will focus on energy, water and waste in Manchester and Cardiff.

The aim is to provide a vision of how cities, in the UK and internationally, can be made more sustainable.

Improving treatment for Sickle Cell

Sickle Cell is one of the world's most common genetic disorders with 13,500 sufferers in the UK alone.

The disease is caused by faulty haemoglobin being inherited by children from their parents. There is no known cure. Dr Dave Carter, Senior Lecturer in Biomedical Science, is leading research to understand how haemoglobin is produced.

The project could lead to the development of new, more targeted therapy for this crippling disease that affects so many young lives.

Research - get involved

The Undergraduate Research Scheme (URSS), run jointly with the University of Warwick, gives you the opportunity to become directly involved in Brookes' research work, to experience what it's like to be a member of a research team and take part in cutting-edge research. You get the chance to:

  • enhance your research skills
  • learn about academic research and career options in this area
  • develop transferable skills such as project management and communication skills
  • boost your employability and CV.

To find out more about research at Oxford Brookes visit our research pages.