Research
Our research
Our research tackles fundamental questions in computer science and addresses interdisciplinary problems. We collaborate with academic departments across the University, nationally and internationally to respond to global challenges.
We have an established reputation for conducting research that has real impact in a wide range of sectors; in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014, we were ranked 5th for impact, 6th for environment and 7th in the UK overall.
Research successes
Researchers in the Department of Computer Science have found no evidence to support a link between violent video games and behaviour.
A series of experiments showed that video game concepts do not ‘prime’ players to behave in certain ways, and that increasing the realism of violent video games does not necessarily increase aggression in game players.
Meet our researchers
Dr Ibrahim Habli
Dr Habli’s research investigates the design and assurance of safety critical systems with a particular focus on digital health and intelligent systems.
"I was awarded a Royal Academy of Engineering Industrial Fellowship that helped me to establish an active research profile in digital health safety, including new research projects, research students and close collaboration with the NHS and health IT firms."
Read Dr Habli's researcher profile
Research degrees
In this video, Professor Ana Cavalcanti gives an overview of our research, how students are involved in research, and our specialist facilities. Professor Cavalcanti is former Chair of our Research Student Committee, which supports postgraduate research students.
Watch Professor Cavalcanti discuss our research
Featured research
RoboCalc: establishing safety for autonomous robotics and systems
The UK Government identified robotics and autonomous systems as an area where the UK can lead the world in research and commercialisation. For that to happen, establishing guidelines around safety of autonomous systems is paramount.
Professor Ana Cavalcanti is leading this project to develop a framework for integrated modelling, simulation and programming of mobile and autonomous robots. This work will provide industry and academics with guidance for developers and a pathway to consider safety certification, which currently does not exist. It will give tool developers a platform to discuss the soundness of their techniques.
Read about more of our featured research projects