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.
Research case studies
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.