Definitions for EPSRC Research Topics

Acoustics	Physics of acoustical phenomena including aero-, magneto-, opto-, thermo- and photo-acoustics, acousto-electronics, shock waves, solitons, acoustic levitation, acoustic cavitation and sonoluminescence. Noise and vibration measurement, generation and control, propagation and reduction. Loudspeakers, microphones, public address systems, acoustical transducers. Industrial acoustics including condition monitoring, process control and acoustic emissions. Ultrasonics in nondestructive testing, industrial processes and industrial products. Uses of acoustics in oceanography and underwater remote sensing. Speech recognition, processing, perception and perceptual coding. Acoustical communication systems. Instruments and methods related to hearing and its measurement. Perceptual effects of sound, aspects of hearing including localisation of sources, loudness and noisiness. Musical instruments, and music and its effects. Physical, biological and chemical effects of ultrasound and their exploitation. Acoustical properties of the auditory system, the outer ear, middle-ear and cochlear mechanics and reflex, otoacoustic emissions, evoked responses to sound. Physiological effects of noise and vibration including noise-induced hearing loss, and acoustic trauma.
Aerodynamics	Research covering airflow over and around air-borne and static structures (e.g. aeroplanes, helicopters, bridges, tall buildings, cooling towers) or components (e.g. turbines, engines). Also included are studies of aerodynamic forces exerted upon bodies in motion and their associated effects (e.g. high-sided vehicles). Research techniques include computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and finite element analysis. Excludes the study of semi-solid and liquid flow around structures or through pipes covered by Fluid Dynamics or Multiphase Flow respectively
Algebra and Geometry	The theory and development of algebra and geometry including related group theory, number theory and topology.
Analytical Science	The development of novel techniques, or the novel application of existing techniques, for the analysis of chemical or biological systems and entities, including the use of optical, thermal, acoustic, magnetic, electronic and electrochemical methods. This includes techniques such as mass spectrometry, NMR spectroscopy, EPR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and reflection, neutron diffraction, laser spectroscopy, fluorescence imaging, optical and probe microscopy, chromatography, and calorimetry. It also includes elements such as sample preparation, pre-processing and tailored synthesis of specifically targeted probes, as well as aspects of data capture and processing. Also included is work involved in miniaturisation of analytical techniques, and its integration onto single chip technology, including microfluidic techniques; and in developing novel methods to enable high throughput approaches to analytical problems
Artificial Intelligence Technologies	The application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques, including research into areas such as scheduling and planning, intelligent and expert systems (including decision support), machine learning, genetic algorithms, and agents.
Arts and Humanities Interface	Research and related activities that lie within the subject domain of the Arts and Humanities Research Council from traditional humanities subjects, such as history, modern languages and English literature, to the creative and performing arts, whether supported through joint initiatives or other mechanisms. It should only be used for research in these areas, and not research within the EPSRC domain that supports such cultural activity.
Assessment and Remediation of Contaminated Land and Groundwater	Research into all engineering aspects of contaminated land and groundwater (including closed landfill sites) including: site investigation and risk assessment; contaminant mobility; in-situ and ex-situ remediation techniques; containment technologies and management of landfill gas.
Asymmetric Chemistry	Chemistry leading to products containing single enantiomers of chiral molecules that can otherwise form two mirror image forms
Bioelectronic Devices	Modelling and simulation, design, construction and operation of hybrid bioelectronic devices (e.g., neurons and chloroplasts) and biomaterials for information processing, information storage and actuators. Explores the fields of biosensors, neural networks and other microelectronic technologies. Fabrication of silicon-based electrodes for use in in-vitro experiments.
Bioinformatics	This research topic may be used to capture informatics, statistics and life-science elements of research projects funded by the EPSRC. The development and use of computational and statistical methods for the automated acquisition, curation, visualization, analysis, interpretation and sharing of biological data to determine biological functions and mechanisms. Includes neuroinformatics, medical and health informatics, and excludes non-automated theoretical biology.
Biological and Medicinal Chemistry	Novel chemistry that is directly associated with the molecular basis of biological processes. This includes natural product synthesis, drug discovery, synthesis of tailored molecules with specified biomedical properties, protein design and synthesis, and biomimetic chemistry where this involves the transfer of chemical paradigms from biological systems for application in other areas of chemistry.
Biomass, Bioenergy and Biofuels	Research and development of components and systems for utilizing sustainable bio-derived material in the generation of power, conversion to fuel or chemical feedstocks. This topic also includes socio-economic and environmental issues related to biomass and biofuel technologies e.g. the economic and logistical issues related to the development of biomass supply chains.
Biomaterials	Natural or synthetic materials used in a range of medical implants and applications and for the replacement of body tissues (e.g. skin cultures for tissue engineering). Biomedical materials (including properties of wear, strength etc.) with novel chemical, physical or mechanical properties (e.g. biofunctional materials).
Biomechanics and Rehabilitation	The study of forces on the human body under static and dynamic conditions (e.g. gait analysis). Design and evaluation of implantable devices and external prosthetics (e.g. joint prostheses, dental implants, artificial limbs and orthotics systems). Engineering solutions for rehabilitation and therapy (e.g. functional electrical stimulation).
Bioprocess Engineering	This research topic should be used to capture both engineering and life-science elements of research projects. The combination of biological and engineering principles in the manufacture of existing or novel products via more reliable/sustainable routes. This topic includes both work on the engineering challenges involved and research where knowledge is primarily gained on the underpinning biology of the process routes.
Brain Sciences	This research topic should only be used to capture research in the life sciences, which would normally fall within the remit of another Research Council. Research into the neurosciences and mental health, from basic neurobiology to cognitive science, behavioural neuroscience, psychology, clinical neurology and mental health. Includes research into the biology of vision, hearing and other senses and cognitive development and disorders. Excludes all ICT applications of cognitive science and ‘omic’ science and technologies.
Building Operations and Management	Research covering the environmental implications of buildings, on occupants, building services engineering, building performance, refurbishment, maintenance and operation of buildings
Carbohydrate Chemistry	The chemistry of sugars including novel glycosylation methods, oligosaccharide synthesis, and use of sugars as chiral synthetic reagents.
Catalysis and Applied Catalysis	Structural and kinetic studies to understand the molecular mechanisms involved in catalytic reactions, preparation of novel or improved catalysts and their development towards industrially useful processes but extending to manufacture of catalysts and the design and scale-up of reactors to use new catalysis systems (and existing catalysts by cleaner and more efficient routes).
Cell Biology	This research topic should only be used to capture research in the life sciences, which would normally fall within the remit of another Research Council. Research into the physiological properties of cells, as well as cell behaviour, interactions and environment, on both molecular and microscopic scales. This topic includes research on both single-celled organisms, such as bacteria, and cellular development in multicellular organisms, including humans. Exemplar areas include fundamental cell biology, cell ageing and death, embryonic stem cells and cell-cell interactions. Research centred on the physiology of more complex organisms is covered under ‘Developmental biology and physiology’; theoretical, quantitative and predictive approaches to cellular models/model organisms is covered under ‘Quantitative, predictive biology’.
Chemical Biology	The application of chemical techniques, including theoretical and molecular modelling approaches, for the understanding of biological processes: macromolecular structure determination and prediction; understanding macromolecular folding processes; understanding macromolecular structure/function relationships and aspects of biomolecular recognition; chemical genetics; non-covalent interactions between molecules in biology; thermodynamics of macromolecular interactions within biological processes; and biomimetic chemistry where this involves producing simplified chemical models of complex biological systems. Within this context macromolecules can be of any size and include proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, lipids, ligands, and coordination complexes.
Chemical Structure	Determination of chemical structure by spectroscopic, diffraction and thermodynamic techniques. Determination of intermolecular forces, including weak interactions, and of weak structures within liquid crystals and similar systems.
Chemical Synthetic Methodology	Novel methods for the synthesis of compounds including oligo- and macromolecules, peptides, nucleotides, polymers, and components of supramolecular arrays.
Coal Technology	The handling, characterisation and properties of coal. This will include liquefaction, gasification, pyrolysis
Coastal and Waterway Engineering	Research pertaining to coastal and waterway structures, coastal and waterway management, coastal defences (both ‘soft’ and ‘hard’ defences), beach replenishment, estuarine engineering, reservoir and dam engineering and hydrodynamics (including action of currents and waves, sediment transport, mixing processes, and coastal, estuarine and river dynamics and offshore hydrodynamics).
Cognitive Science Applications in ICT	Cognitive Science is the study of intelligence and intelligence systems (the kinds of knowledge that underlie human cognition, the details of human cognitive processing, and the computational modelling of those processes). It combines knowledge gained from a number of disciplines including: computer science, neuroscience, cognitive psychology, philosophy, and linguistics. EPSRC supported research in this area should have the aim of applying knowledge of human cognition to the design of computer systems.
Cold Atomic Species	Includes theoretical and experimental studies of Bose-Einstein Condensation (BEC) as well as atom interferometry and cooling and trapping of atoms and molecules.
Colloids, Soft Solids and Complex Fluids	Structural studies and the characterisation, handling, formulation and processing of complex fluid and colloid systems (including soft solids). This includes the theory covering the application of statistical mechanics techniques to soft condensed matter. Synthesis of tailored molecules to produce specific properties within such systems. Examples of these systems include: creams, pastes, drilling fluids, foods (where they are an example system), ceramics (in the green state), concrete/cement.
Combinatorial Chemistry	Automated synthetic techniques to enable the simultaneous production of all possible combinations of a given set of molecular components
Combustion	The topic extends from research covering the chemical reaction mechanisms involved in combustion processes to fundamental, generic and applied research in coal, gas and oil combustion in power generation. Other topics are: fuels for aero- and stationary gas turbines, liquid and gaseous fuels in automotive engines, Burners and incinerators for a variety of uses, fires and explosions.
Complexity Science	Complexity science covers the scientific, mathematical and engineering study of complex systems, systems which comprise simple components but exhibit complex overall behaviour. Typically, complex systems consist of large numbers of interacting, and often heterogeneous, components whose overall behaviour cannot be inferred from the behaviour of their individual components. It is a relatively new discipline which cuts across fields as diverse as economics, science, sociology and technology. The behaviour of national economies, the human brain, traders operating in stock markets and the Internet are all good examples of complex systems.
Composites : Characterisation	Emphasis is on the understanding of the materials and their properties. Characterisation techniques will include compositional , electrical, optical and structural analysis methods. Materials will be hybrids of two or more materials typically reinforced ceramics, metals or organic-matrix materials. However, filled polymers are included within the relevant “structural polymers” code.
Composites : Processing	Emphasis is on the development of the techniques for producing and processing these materials and/or on characterising the effect of the process (or changes to it) on the material. The research may have engineering or product applications in mind but research on the products or structures themselves (e.g. manufacture, development, design or improvement) should be classified using other codes. Materials will be hybrids of two or more materials typically reinforced ceramics, metals or organic-matrix materials. However, filled polymers are included within the relevant “structural polymers” code.
Computational and Theoretical Chemistry	The theoretical study of chemical structure, bonding and reactivity in homogeneous, micro-heterogeneous and heterogeneous systems by ab-initio and approximate techniques, including molecular modelling.
Construction Operations and Management	Management of the construction process and operations including site management, mapping and simulation of the construction process, procurement, risk assessment, client briefing, integration of design and construction, standardised components, on site and off site manufacture, whole life costing, facilities management, benchmarking, supply chain management, business process re-engineering, culture, productivity, innovation, communication, supporting technology
Continuum Mechanics	Mathematical aspects of the flow and deformation of fluid and solid continuous media i.e. fluid and solid dynamics.
Control Systems Engineering, Integration and Autonomy	Research into the integration and co-ordination of control systems, instrumentation systems and human operators working in/ with complex systems and processes.
Co-ordination Chemistry	Synthetic methodology leading to structures, often with unusual physical properties, resulting from the binding of atoms or ligands to a central co-ordinating metal ion.
Design and Testing Technology	Research into improving technological design tools (e.g.CAD, Virtual Reality) and the techniques underpinning them (including geometric modelling, simulation and optimisation). Also includes tools for design validation and testing.
Design Engineering	Understanding the conversion of a product concept into an engineered device. Includes understanding of design principles appropriate for general classes of engineered object, such as aircraft, ships or motor vehicles.
Design Processes	Understanding the work of designers and design teams and research into the means of improving, controlling or monitoring the design process. Includes approaches to new product introduction, product design, design knowledge management, design management, studies of creativity, design review and audit methods.
Developmental Biology and Physiology	This research topic should only be used to capture research in the life sciences, which would normally fall within the remit of another Research Council. Research into the development and function of living organisms. Included are aspects of reproduction, development and ageing, where the focus is on the whole organism, and the development of physiological mimics aimed at replacing animal testing. Excludes research centred on the physiology of individual cells, which is covered under ‘Cell Biology’, and evolutionary biology, which is covered by ‘Population Biology and Biodiversity.’
Digital Signal Processing	Digital signal theory and design, including the development of algorithms for image and voice processing, transmission and coding, multi-functional channel coding, security coding for networks and signal improvement techniques. Areas of interest are the theory and application of filtering, coding, transmitting, estimating, detecting, analysing, recognising, synthesising, recording, and reproducing signals by digital or analogue devices or techniques. The term signal includes audio, video, speech, image, communication, geophysical, sonar, radar, medical, musical, and other signals.
Disease and Treatment	All aspects of disease and disease therapy, other than neuromedicine, including: transmission and control of infectious agents and their interaction with the immune system; pathogenesis, development and control of the immune system; parasitology, virology, and bacteriology; tropical medicine; function and pathophysiology of the major organ systems; molecular medicine; genetics of disease and genomic epidemiology; cancer; inflammation; pharmacology; metabolism; and toxicology. Clinical trials and translational medicine also fall under this topic, but should normally only be supported by EPSRC at an initial stage and as a minor component of a wider proposal.
Displays	Research on the design and use of novel or improved optoelectronic devices or systems to display text, graphics, images and video infomration on a screen. An intermediate between electronic information systems and the eye. These can include: Cathode ray tubes (CRT),liquid crystal displays (LCD,AMLCD, FLCD, TNLCD, etc), light emitting polymers, projection displays, scanners, spatial light modulators. Other imaging systems,e.g. for use in medicine might also be included.
Drug Formulation and Delivery	Mutidisciplinary research into the formulation and controlled delivery of therapeutic, diagnostic or imaging agents to the body via the full range of routes of administration and including: tailored synthesis of molecules with specific desired delivery properties; formulation science; encapsulation techniques; pro-drugs; polymer therapeutics; controlled release devices; and delivery devices such as patches, inhalers, injection systems and gene guns. Also included within this topic are: gene delivery for gene therapy; delivery of cells and growth factors for tissue engineering; applied pharmacogenetics; understanding the nature and function of biological barriers to delivery; development of in-vitro or in-silico models of delivery pathways and target organs; and initial toxicology and clinical trial studies related to delivery issues.
Electrical Motor and Drive Systems	The design, manufacture etc. of electromechanical systems with associated drives and controls.
Electrochemistry and Electrochemical Engineering	Research covers the electrochemical control of heterogeneous reactions, novel chemical reactions of anions, cations and electrolytes, elucidation of reaction rates and mechanisms by electro-analytical techniques but extends to the recovery of metals from scrap and the electrochemical deposition of metals. Research related specifically to the development and application of fuel cells should be coded within the separate research topic Fuel Cell Technologies.
Electromagnetics	The study of electromagnetism and electromagnetic interactions in engineering materials and devices. Includes electromagnetic compatibility.
Electronic Devices and Subsystems	Research concerning new or improved devices or circuits. Theme covers design, modelling, fabrication and processing of such devices and circuits. Components covered will be those fabricated from Si, SiGe, and other Group III, IV and V materials. Subsystems include instrumentation systems, data acquisition systems, filters, multicouplers, transducers, oscillators and timing systems and power supply systems.
Energy Efficiency	Research into the development and introduction of potential energy efficiency measures in areas extending from the built environment to industrial processes and products, from materials to power generation, and from markets and regulation to organisational and individual behaviour. Transport is excluded.
Energy Generation - Conventional	Design and development of new plant and machinery and/or research on the improved operation of existing plant for conventional electrical generation (i.e. based on fossil fuels). Monitoring of plant condition within the generation process is included in the theme.
Energy Generation - Marine and Hydropower	The study and research of devices and systems to capture and utilise the kinetic or oscillatory energy of bodies of water. Includes systems and components. This topic also includes socio-economic and environmental issues related to wave and tidal technologies e.g. the public acceptability and possible environmental impact of large scale wave and tidal schemes. This topic specifically does not include the development and application of hydrothermal sources and ocean thermal gradients, which should be coded under HEAT AND MASS TRANSFER
Energy Generation - Nuclear	Design and development of new plant and machinery and/or research on the improved operation of existing plant for nuclear power. Monitoring of plant condition within the generation process is included in the theme.
Energy Storage	All forms of energy storage, including electrical storage as well as other vectors such as kinetic and chemical energy storage. Synthesis, characterisation and production of new and existing energy storage materials and devices together with their subsequent applications and any socio-economic implications of their use are specifically covered by this topic.
Engineering Dynamics and Tribology	Structural integrity of engineering structures and components including crack growth, fatigue, corrosion, impact, buckling, deformation, friction and wear. Study of interacting surfaces in relative motion.
Engineering of Matrs/Props/Test: Civil	Analysis and design of civil engineering structures, excluding those with a strong application in transport infrastructure. This includes structural assessment and performance in use; timber construction and technology; concrete and masonry structures; cementitious materials; the use of steels and advanced composites in civil engineering; joining materials and the development of construction materials and methods.
Engineering of Matrs/Props/Test: Mechanical	Research covering the design, production, development and/or the construction of materials and components for use in engineering (excludes civil engineering), to optimise their behaviour and characteristics in operation. Includes the use of non-destructive testing techniques to study the formation, properties and processing of materials for manufacturing structures and research into the use of joining techniques in the assembly of such structures.
Environmental Impacts of Human Activity	This research topic should only be used to capture environmental aspects of research projects, i.e., areas which would normally fall within NERC’s remit. The breadth of this topic is deliberately wider than the remit of the LSI Programme. Research into all aspects of the impacts of human activity on the natural environment, including ecosystems, land, rivers, coasts, beaches, estuaries, oceans and the atmosphere. Includes for these purposes impacts on human health.
Experimental Electronic Structure of Condensed Matter	Experimental study of novel electron phenomena. Includes mesoscopic metallic systems, quantum hall effect, electron transport studies in metals, alloys and semiconductors. Excludes such research on magnetic materials.
Fluid Dynamics	The study of fluids (solid, liquid or gas) moving around structures. To include techniques covering computational fluid dynamics (CFD), finite element analysis, etc. Excluding research covered under topics, Aerodynamics and Multiphase Flow.
Food and Nutrition	All aspects of Food Science and Technology including: food production; food handling, storage and transport; food processing and manufacture; food formulation science; food safety and hygiene; ingredients and additives; nutrition; nutriceuticals and functional foods.
Fuel Cell Technologies	The study of electrochemical devices which generate electron flow through an internal redox reaction. Includes the materials, fuel and utilization of such devices. This topic also includes any socio-economic and environmental issues related to fuel cell technologies.
Functional Ceramics and Inorganics: Characterisation	Emphasis is on the understanding of the materials and their properties. Characterisation techniques will include compositional , electrical, optical and structural analysis methods. Materials will be functionally active and could typically include glasses, ionic materials, electroceramics, zeolites and diamond when acting as a non-semiconductor. Research on superconducting or magnetic materials should be included in the specific codes for these material types.
Functional Ceramics and Inorganics: Processing	Emphasis is on the development of the techniques for processing these materials and/or on characterising the effect of the process (or changes to it) on the material. The research may have device or product applications in mind but research where the emphasis is on the device itself (e.g. its manufacture, development, design or improvement) should be classified using other codes . Materials will be functionally active and could typically include glasses, ionic materials, electroceramics, zeolites and diamond when acting as a non-semiconductor. Research on superconducting or magnetic materials should be included in the specific codes for these material types.
Functional Ceramics and Inorganics: Synthesis and Growth	Synthesis of materials, development of deposition and growth techniques and research on the effect of these techniques on materials properties. However, research where the emphasis is on, for example, understanding the chemistry of novel synthetic pathways is excluded. Materials will be functionally active and could typically include glasses, ionic materials, electroceramics, zeolites and diamond when acting as a non-semiconductor. Research on superconducting or magnetic materials should be included in the specific codes for these material types.
Functional Organics and Polymers: Characterisation	Emphasis is on the understanding of the materials and its properties. Characterisation techniques will include compositional , electrical, optical and structural analysis methods. Materials will be functionally active and could typically include dyes, liquid crystals, ferro-electric organics and polymers, dielectric organics and polymers etc. Research on superconducting or magnetic materials should be included in the specific codes for these material types.
Functional Organics and Polymers: Processing	Emphasis is on the development of the techniques for processing these materials and/or on characterising the effect of the process (or changes to it) on the material. The research may have device or product applications in mind but research where the emphasis is on the device itself (e.g. its manufacture, development, design or improvement) should be classified using other codes. Materials will be functionally active and could typically include dyes, liquid crystals, ferro-electric organics and polymers, dielectric organics and polymers etc. Research on superconducting or magnetic materials should be included in the specific codes for these material types.
Functional Organics and Polymers: Synthesis and Growth	Synthesis of materials, development of deposition and growth techniques and research on the effect of these techniques on materials properties. However, research where the emphasis is on, for example, understanding the chemistry of novel synthetic pathways is excluded. Materials will be functionally active and could typically include dyes, liquid crystals, ferro-electric organics and polymers, dielectric organics and polymers etc. Research on superconducting or magnetic materials should be included in the specific codes for these material types.
Fundamental Constants & Physical Laws	Topics include: measuring fundamental constants; developing high precision clocks; testing fundamental theories (such as QED); gravity & elementary particle physics models; quantum chaology.
Fundamentals of Computing	The fundamental and mathematical underpinnings in Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence. This includes all fundamental work into programming languages, logic (including temporal, modal and fuzzy logic), formal methods, reasoning, proof, theorem proving, computer algebra, complexity theory, concurrency & the semantics of computation.
Fusion	Research on magnetically confined plasmas, tokamak development (e.g., MAST, JET and ITER), development of other fusion devices, and materials for fusion. Excludes research on Internal Confinement Fusion.
Gas and Solution Phase Reactions	Studies of rates and mechanisms of gas phase reactions including scalar and vector correlations of unimolecular and bimolecular reactions, complex reactions, formation and properties of clusters. Studies of rates and mechanisms of reactions in the liquid phase, speciation, non-linear feedback and complex processes
Genomic and Post Genomic Science and Technologies	Science and technology related to the better understanding of the human and other genomes, or in fields directly resulting from such activity including proteomics, metabolomics and glycomics and their technological applications. This includes pharmacogenetic approaches to drug design and development of gene-based therapies. Development of the novel computational and mathematical techniques for large scale data management that underpin these activities is excluded from this topic as it forms part of the bioinformatics research topic. Also excluded is environmental genomics which falls under the Biodiversity and Population Biology Research Topic.
Ground Engineering	Research covering geotechnics, ground reinforcement, retaining walls, piling and deep excavations, tunnelling, trenchless technology, pipejacking, geomorphology and site investigation, slopes and embankments. Also includes rock mechanics and rock mass classifications
Heat and Mass Transfer	Theoretical and experimental studies of the movement of heat by conduction, convection or radiation and of molecules by absorption, condensation or diffusion. Applications to heat pumps, exchangers, refrigeration, refrigerants and condensers. Also includes transfer of heat via bubbles. This topic additionally includes the development and application of geothermal and ground heating sources together with the exploitation of ocean thermal gradients as alternative energy sources. The movement of solids by mixing (pastes, powders), pneumatic conveying. Chemical loss under diffusion. Operation of fluidised beds.
High End Computing	Research that requires access to terascale level high performance computing. This includes research that uses the UK national high performance computing services, currently CSAR and HPCx, but also research that uses University services that are at the terascale level eg at Cambridge, Cardiff and Southampton.
Human Communication	Research in linguistics and related areas looking at the way humans communicate and using this knowledge to improve the design and implementation of natural language interfaces to computers through better understanding by machines of human intentions, improved recognition, better and more informed information retrieval and extraction, etc.
Human-Computer Interactions	The study of how humans interact with computers, and how to design computer systems that are effective for humans to use.
ICT Networks and Distributed Systems	All aspects of ICT networks and distributed systems including network protocols and services, network management, programmable and active networks, mobile computing services and nomadic computing, distributed programming environments, distributed systems design, construction and integration. Also scaling and complexity management in large distributed systems, security and performance evaluation, modelling and simulation.
Image and Vision Computing	The theory and fundamental underpinning of image and vision computing in both 2D and 3D, colour and monochrome. Applications of novel image and vision computing to domains such as feature and pattern analysis, pattern recognition, computer-based image interpretation (including medical imaging), document image processing, video images, image databases, machine vision and robotics.
Information and Knowledge Management	All aspects of the management of information and the use of knowledge based systems including database theory, datamining, knowledge discovery, distributed information management, knowledge management, information systems, and the application of agent technology.
Inorganic Semiconductors: Characterisation	Research where the emphasis is on the understanding of the materials and its properties. Characterisation techniques will include compositional , electrical, optical and structural analysis (including phase transition studies and crystallography). Material types in this category include III-V, II-VI and group IV semiconductors. Research on diamond as a semiconductor would also be included here.
Inorganic Semiconductors: Processing	Emphasis is on the development of the techniques for processing these materials and/or on characterising the effect of the process (or changes to it) on the material. The research may have device or product applications in mind but research where the emphasis is on the device itself (e.g. its manufacture, development, design or improvement) should be classified using other codes . Material types in this category include III-V, II-VI and group IV semiconductors. Research on diamond as a semiconductor would also be included here.
Inorganic Semiconductors: Synthesis and Growth	Synthesis of materials, development of deposition and growth techniques and research on the effect of these techniques on materials properties. Research on the precursors used in the growth process is included. Material types in this category include III-V, II-VI and group IV semiconductors. Research on diamond as a semiconductor would also be included here
Instrumentation Engineering and Development	The development/engineering of specific instrument (for specific applications) or the development of methodologies to be used in generic instrumentation development. The emphasis can be either on i) the hardware issues e.g. reliability robustness, miniaturisation etc. or ii) the development of instrumentation to measure important variables which are currently difficult or impossible to determine with existing technology.
Intelligent and Expert Systems	Research into the development and use of intelligent products and systems within manufactured goods. This includes the development and use of telematic devices and their associated human interfaces and reasoning systems based upon human experience. Includes decision support systems.
Intelligent Measurement Systems	The study and development of measurement systems that behave intelligently, for example by being able to interpret their own outputs. Emphasis on the processing of information with research on signal processing, automatic data validation, sensor data fusion techniques and the modelling of intelligent instrumentation systems covered.
Lasers and Laser Systems	Development of novel laser systems, laser physics and the understanding of lasing mechanisms e.g. short pulse, high repetition rate tuneable laser systems. Topic extends to cover research into laser technologies, beam delivery systems (such as fibre optics), and laser/material process interactions, leading to the development and use of laser-based systems for engineering applications. However, the development of semiconducting lasers for opto-electronic applications is excluded and covered within the “opto-electronic devices” heading.
Learning Engineering Systems	Control systems that are capable of learning or behaving intelligently by interpreting their own outputs. Emphasis on algorithm development e.g. neural networks, fuzzy logic and genetic algorithms for the control process. Control system design (other than non-linear), both theory and specific applications, is also covered.
Light-Matter Interactions	Has overlap with the four other A&M topics, but the core activity is in high intensity laser-matter interactions (clustered around Vulcan system at the Central Laser Facility). Theoretical studies include high-field, multi-photon processes.
Logic and Combinatorics	Discrete mathematics concerned with the foundations of maths in formal logic and set theory and the arrangement of objects according to certain rules (permutations and combinations). Topic includes theoretical cryptography and excludes logic applied to computing.
Magnetic Materials: Characterisation	Emphasis on the understanding of the materials and its properties. Characterisation techniques will include compositional , electrical, optical , magnetic and structural analysis methods, including the use of synchrotron radiation and neutrons. Materials types will include organic and inorganic magnetic materials as well as metals and alloys.
Magnetic Materials: Processing	Emphasis is on the development of the techniques for processing these materials and/or on characterising the effect of the process or (changes to it ) on the material. The research may have device or product applications in mind but research where the emphasis is on the device itself (e.g. its manufacture, development, design or improvement) should be classified using other codes . Materials types will include organic and inorganic magnetic materials as well as metals and alloys.
Magnetic Materials: Synthesis and Growth	Synthesis of materials, development of deposition and growth techniques and research on the effect of these techniques on the materials properties. Materials types will include organic and inorganic magnetic materials as well as metals and alloys.
Magnetism/Magnetic Phenomena	Theoretical and experimental studies of novel magnetic phenomena in magnetic thin films and multilayers, metals, fine particles, clusters and intermetallic compounds. Includes Giant magnetoresistance (GMR).
Manufacturing Business Strategy	Concerned with improving the competitiveness (strategic performance) of a manufacturing enterprise including business, manufacturing and marketing strategy, outsourcing, performance measures, benchmarking, costing techniques and competitiveness.
Manufacturing Enterprise Operations and Management	Management of operational processes within a manufacturing enterprise. Including mapping and simulation of the manufacturing process, procurement, risk assessment, supply chain management, business process re-engineering, culture, productivity, innovation, through-life support, communication. Also includes supporting technology, such as digital manufacturing systems or e-business research.
Manufacturing Machinery and Plant	Research into the design, operation and control of manufacturing machinery and process plant and the associated technologies and processes, with the aim of optimising their performance. Includes technological aspects of the integration of manufacturing machinery into integrated production systems.
Mathematical Analysis	The theory and development of those mathematical techniques stemming from differential calculus. Research area covers linear, complex and harmonic analysis, operator theory, ordinary and partial differential equations (but excluding computational differential equations), probability theory and fundamental stochastic analysis.
Mathematical Aspects of Operational Research	Mathematical analysis, modelling and solution of the problems of operations, management and administration in business, commerce and the public sector.
Mathematical Physics	Research on those areas of theoretical physics with a significant mathematical content. Topics include classical and quantum field theory, the theory of gravity and string theory.
Mechanical and Fluid Power Transmission	Research covering gears, chains, ropes and pulleys. Hydraulic power including pumps and valves and covering noise, vibration and flow.
Medical Instrumentation, Devices and Equipment	Instrument research and development aspects of new and existing medical images and signals (e.g., ultrasound, radiography, NIR spectroscopy, EIT, OCT, Thertz, PET, EEG, ECG and MRI), and physiological measurement. Medical sensors for use either in-vivo or in-vitro. Instrumentation for surgery or other clinical procedures where the emphasis is on technological advance rather than surgical/clinical techniques (e.g., endoscopic surgery, 3D imaging for surgical assistance). Rehabilitation engineering (e.g., physiotherapy machines, muscular stimulators).N.B. Prosthetics, orthotics and implantable devices are classified under ‘Biomaterials, implants and external prosthetics’
Medical Modelling and Simulation	All aspects of physiological modelling and simulation, applying engineering principles to understand the human body. Examples include cardiovascular dynamics, biomechanics and modelling of bone, respiratory airflow, reconstruction of anatomical structures, and rapid prototyping for medical applications. Includes methods of numerical analysis such as computational fluid dynamics, and finite element methods.
Metals and Alloys: Characterisation	Emphasis is on the understanding of the materials and their properties. Characterisation techniques will include compositional and structural analysis methods. Materials will be mainly for structural application and will extend from metal atoms to alloys and intermetallics.
Metals and Alloys: Processing	Emphasis is on the development of the techniques for producing and processing these materials and/or on characterising the effect of the process (or changes to it) on the material. The research may have engineering or product applications in mind but research on the products or structures themselves (e.g. manufacture, development, design or improvement) should be classified using other codes. Materials will be mainly for structural application and will extend from metal atoms to alloys and intermetallics.
Microsystems	To include research into the integration, manufacture or development of microsystems
Mining and Mineral Extraction	The extraction of minerals from mines (including coal) and assessment of mining design methods in relation to rock properties and rock mechanisms.
Mobile Computing	All aspects of mobile and ubiquitous computing including convergence of mobile communications, computing and digital information, pervasive and nomadic computing. Techniques and infrastructure for reactive and adaptive applications; context awareness and location services. Also includes power and computing resource and service discovery.
Modelling and Simulation of IT Systems	All aspects of modelling and simulation of complex IT systems (physical and virtual) including model design, deterministic systems, stochastic systems, performance engineering, queues and queuing models, stochastic simulations, random number generators and data sampling and reduction. Also, all technologies relevant to these.
Multimedia	Multimedia research is a broad term that encompasses work involving various media, for example the transmission, manipulation and presentation of sound, still pictures, computer animations, video pictures and the architectures to support multimedia processing. Some research will combine work in some or all of these domains. Areas of application include CD-ROMs, broadcasting technology, the Internet including work into hypertext, as well as the security of such systems.
Multiphase Flow	The flow of solids, liquids, gases and their combinations through pipes and plant. Bubbly flow. Flow patterns through pipes of different sizes and configurations
Neural Computing	The theory and fundamental underpinning of neural computing and related technologies, including biologically inspired architectures (both hardware and software). Applications of novel neural computing to domains such as image processing, control systems (including optimisation and constraint tasks, novelty and fault detection), medical applications, data fusion, data visualisation and others.
New and Emerging Computing Paradigms	Long term, speculative, emerging areas of computing; novel computational architectures and models inspired by other domains, such as physics (quantum computing) and biology.
Non-linear Control Systems	The development of control theory for non linear processes. The design of systems to control these processes.
Non-linear Systems Mathematics	The understanding and development of the mathematics of all forms of non-linear processes.
Nuclear Matter	The study of the nucleon-particle interface, including relativistic effects, heavy-ion collisions at high energies, electro-magnetic probes, extra-nucleonic degrees of freedom, charge distribution in neutrons and protons and the search for the quark-gluon plasma.
Nuclear Structure - Exotic Nuclei	The study of nuclei far from stability, including extreme neutron-proton difference and deficiencies, work at the neutron and proton driplines, the nuclear processes in high energy astrophysical phenomena (element generation), neutron halos and other examples of extreme form and energy, radioactive ion beams.
Nuclear Structure - General	The study of the shape, interactions and energy levels within nuclei including nuclei at extreme deformation and energy levels (high spin), decay mechanisms (especially gamma-ray spectroscopy), charged particles including clusters and chains of nucleons or particles, spin-pairing of nucleons, acceleration and detection technology. Excludes exotic nuclei - see above.
Numerical Analysis	The development, analysis etc. of algorithms for the problems of continuous mathematics. Includes numerical solutions to differential equations, numerical dynamical systems, construction and analysis of algorithms for computational fluid dynamics, numerical linear algebra, optimisation and approximation theory.
Oil and Gas Extraction	Research into the extraction of oil and/or gas from offshore and/or onshore reserves. Includes: discovery and assessment technologies, software development, remote sensing for engineering applications, relevant drilling technology, production technology, down-hole processing, on-site processing not covered elsewhere, environmental impact reduction. Does not include research into sub-sea working (or sub-surface activities, e.g. ROV's, underwater welding, etc.), ground engineering or rock mass classification, which are coded elsewhere
Optical Communications	Techniques for the transport of information by means of photons using optical fibre and through free space. This will include both analogue and digital signals. Optical signal processing, including switching and networking. Wavelength and time division multiplexing. May include some communications related signal processing and nonlinear optical techniques including optical solitons.
Optical Devices and Subsystems	Planar wave-guide and fibre-based devices. Design, modelling, fabrication and processing of new or improved devices whose quantum unit is the photon, including UV, visible, IR and microwave radiation. Bulk optical components such as high-speed sources and modulators. Nonlinear optical devices. Gratings, sensors and sensor arrays. Optical computing and data storage. Photonic band-gap structures. Integrated optical sub-systems to perform specific functions. Interactive development of components and systems. Note 1: Where the main thrust of the proposal is on systems methodologies the Systems Integration or Networks & Distributed Systems research topic codes should normally be used. Note 2: The applications of optical technology will normally be covered under the research topics relevant to the engineering-led application (e.g. 0650 Instrumentation Engineering & Development, 0750 Manufacturing Machinery & Plant, or 1020 Optics - Applied).
Optical Phenomena	Fundamental physics of non-linear optical phenomena e.g. non-linear pattern formation, periodic poling and non-linear dynamics.
Optics - Applied	The study of “classical” optics applied in optical devices e.g. microscopes and imaging equipment. Coverage of lasers within this theme is restricted to optical science e.g.. novel imaging techniques, holography etc. Non-Linear optics is covered in “optical phenomena” and excluded here.
Optoelectronic Devices and Circuits	Semiconductor-based devices, including solid state lasers, LEDs, photodiodes, amplifiers, detectors, receivers and switches. Quantum dots, wires and wells. Photovoltaics. Optoelectronic integrated circuits. Design, modelling, fabrication and processing of new or improved devices using electrons and photons, including UV, visible, IR and microwave radiation.
Parallel Computing	The theory and practice underpinning the design and exploitation of parallel architectures. This includes servers, fault tolerance architectures, models of parallel execution, formal methods for hardware design, hardware systems implementation, parallel algorithm design methods, parallel language design and implementation, software tools for parallel applications, portable tools for parallel computing. Also included are the applications of parallel and novel architectures, such as information processing, parallel databases, scientific and numerical applications, high performance computational visualisation and simulation, multimedia and image processing.
Particle Technology	Modelling, growth (crystal growth, supercritical fluids), formation, characterisation (x-ray diffraction, particle shape and size) and processing of particulate systems of importance to the process industries (chemical, pharmaceutical, paper etc.). Included under this heading will particle sizing, attrition, comminution, agglomeration, drying, flocculation. Ultimate aim to form predictive links between material properties, processing performance and particle formation operations
Pavement Engineering	Research into the design of materials and methods for the construction, operation and maintenance of roads, highways and other pavements (e.g. rail track, sports surfaces, etc.). Including research into the durability, operational performance
Physical Organic Chemistry	Studies of rates and mechanisms of organic reactions including reaction pathways and intermediates, kinetic and thermodynamic parameters and energy transfer, structure of intermediates - both transient and long-lived, molecular dynamics, non-covalent bonding and molecular complexation
Plasmas - Laser and Fusion	Research into high temperature and high density plasmas produced by high power laser and/or fusion related devices. Includes all research related to Inertial Confinement Fusion and fusion plasmas. Excludes research on Magnetically Confined Fusion.
Plasmas - Technological	Research into low temperature, low density discharge or atmospheric plasmas and their applications in devices and manufacturing systems. Includes research into physics of the plasma, its optimisation and its application and plasma diagnostics.
Population Biology and Biodiversity	This research topic should only be used to capture research in the life sciences, which would normally fall within the remit of another Research Council. Research into ecosystems, interactions of organisms with their natural environment and biodiversity. Includes evolution and environmental genomics.
Postgraduate Education and Training
Power Electronics	Research concerning the fabrication and engineering of circuits for high power and high voltage applications.
Power Systems Management, Protection and Control	Research covering the integrated control, protection and monitoring of electrical power transmission and distribution systems. Economics and pricing strategies are also included.
Power Systems Plant	The design and development of new plant and the improvement of existing plant for electrical transmission and distribution.
Process Systems, Modelling and Design	The design of new, safer, more efficient process plant. Also includes research taking an integrated approach to the development of generic computer-based techniques, operation, control and management in process systems.
Processing of Electronic Components	Research on processes or process steps for generic electronic device or circuit production aiming to improve the performance of the device. Processing of specific devices should be classed within the “compound semiconductors” or “silicon components” heading. Processing where the emphasis is on materials is likewise classified elsewhere.
Public Engagement - Direct Interaction	Relates to activities involving direct interactions between researchers and the public. For example, workshops, open days or public lectures. This also includes exhibits and public displays at which the researcher is present to answer questions.
Public Engagement - Engaging Special Audiences for Diversity	Relates to activities targeted at special audiences for diversity, for example, women or audiences with a specific ethnicity or disabilities.
Public Engagement - Engaging the General Public	Relates to activities targeted at general audiences. For example, activities or exhibits at museums, science festivals or in public places.
Public Engagement - Engaging Young People	Relates to activities targeted at young audiences, for example in schools or colleges.
Public Engagement - Mass Media	Relates to interactions with the mass media. For example, the publication of articles in national newspapers, or the production of TV or radio programmes.
Public Engagement - Producing Resources	Relates to producing specific resources to enable public engagement. For example, CD ROMs, websites, exhibits or curriculum materials.
Public Engagement - Public Dialogue	Relates to genuine public dialogue, which includes an element of public consultation, not just making the public aware. For example, an opinion poll, people's panel, online consultation or a public debate.
Public Engagement in Chemistry	Relates to public engagement projects that focus on chemistry research.
Public Engagement in Engineering	Relates to public engagement projects that focus on engineering research.
Public Engagement in Environmental Sciences	Relates to public engagement projects that focus on environmental sciences research.
Public Engagement in Information and Communications Technologies	Relates to public engagement projects that focus on ICT research.
Public Engagement in Materials Science	Relates to public engagement projects that focus on materials science research.
Public Engagement in Mathematical Sciences	Relates to public engagement projects that focus on mathematical sciences research.
Public Engagement in Physics	Relates to public engagement projects that focus on physics research.
Public Engagement in the Life Sciences	Relates to public engagement projects that focus on life sciences research.
Quantitative Predictive Biology	This research topic should only be used to capture research in the life sciences, which would normally fall within the remit of another Research Council. Research in quantitative approaches to biological research and the development of predictive models of biological systems using theoretical and mathematical tools. Includes research on emergent behaviour and complexity in biological systems, and excludes bioinformatics, population biology, evolution and ‘omic’ science and technologies.
Quantum Fluids and Solids	Ultra low temperature physics studies (<100microK). Emphasis particularly on superfluid helium.
Quantum Optics & Information	Covers theory and experiment in quantum optics and quantum information processing (QIP). QIP is interdisciplinary in nature with overlap into materials, mathematics, computer science as well as other areas of physics.
Radio Frequency (RF) and Microwave Technology	Radio frequency (RF) front ends, custom antennas, interference measurement products, low power transmitters, power amplifiers, switches, filters, transceivers, linearisers and complete RF sub-system designs for commercial applications. Monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMIC) including power amplifiers, low-noise amplifiers, mixers etc. MMIC includes processes such as GaAs MESFET pseudomorphic HEMT and GaInP/GaAs HBT. Topic includes MMIC design and layout, assembly and test, module design, simulation and assembly.
Reactor Engineering	The design and scale up of new and existing reaction vessels to undertake chemical reactions. Includes batch reactors, trickle bed reactors, fluid bed reactors.
Rheology	The study of flow and shear properties of chemicals. The design of rheometers to measure shear and flow. The processes occurring during extrusion.
Robotics, Assembly, and Automatic Handling	Research into the use of robots and automated systems for handling and assembling items (including manufactured goods) and remote operation, decommissioning and handling of hazardous material. Research into the use and development of robotics in medical applications such as surgery is also included.
Safety and Reliability of Systems, Processes and Plant	The modelling, analysis and control of safety and related issues during the operation of manufacturing processes and plant.
Scattering & Spectroscopy	Contains the most mature branches of A&M physics and is thus the key underpinning area. Includes experimental and theoretical studies of few-body Coulomb physics through a wide range of collision processes involving photons, electrons and positrons. The study of small molecules close to their ionisation and dissociation limits.
Separation Processes	The separation of chemicals (gas, liquid, solid or combinations thereof) using membranes, magnetic fields, high intensity fields, adsorption, absorption. This also includes biological separations for engineering applications
Software Engineering	All aspects of research in software engineering, including the methods, tools & techniques for software engineering, requirements engineering, metrics and software maintenance/reuse. Work in software evolution includes the set of activities, both technical and managerial, that ensures that software continues to meet organisational and business objectives in a cost-effective way. This topic also includes software safety, and research into safety critical & high-integrity systems, dependability & reliability.
Solar Technology	The research and development of devices to harness incident solar radiation and conversion to other vectors or direct use. This includes solar heating/cooling and all PV technologies. This topic also includes socio-economic and environmental issues related to solar technologies e.g. the public acceptability of large scale deployment of solar cells in the built environment.
Solid-state Chemistry	The synthesis, modification and characterisation of compounds with extended structure composed of infinite lattices (not packed discrete molecules).
Statistical Physics	The mathematical treatment of statistical mechanics and the application of equilibrium and non-equilibrium statistical mechanics e.g. in optimisation problems and complex systems.
Statistics and Applied Probability	Development of mathematical models for investigating phenomena involving some form of randomness or noise. Research covers general statistical development and the development of stochastic modelling with identified applications.
Strongly Correlated Systems	Study of systems with non-standard electron behaviour. Mainly theoretical investigations but some novel experimentation. Includes heavy fermion and superconducting systems.
Structural Ceramics and Inorganics: Characterisation	Emphasis is on the understanding of the materials and their properties. Characterisation techniques will include compositional and structural analysis methods. Materials derived from non-metallic inorganic minerals and for structural applications, could include: glass, diamond and overlay ceramic coatings.
Structural Ceramics and Inorganics: Processing	Emphasis is on the development of the techniques for processing these materials and/or on characterising the effect of the process or (changes to it ) on the material. The research may have engineering or product applications in mind but research on the products or structures themselves (e.g. manufacture, development, design or improvement) should be classified using other codes. Materials derived from non-metallic inorganic minerals and for structural applications, could include: glass, diamond and overlay ceramic coatings.
Structural Ceramics and Inorganics: Synthesis and Growth	Synthesis of materials, development of deposition and growth techniques and research on the effect of these techniques on materials properties. However, research where the emphasis is on, for example, understanding the chemistry of novel synthetic pathways is excluded. Materials derived from non-metallic inorganic minerals and for structural applications, could include: glass, diamond and overlay ceramic coatings.
Structural Condensed Matter Physics	Emphasis on understanding fundamental physical structure and properties of liquids and solids. Includes structural phase transitions, structural defects and disorder. Techniques include the use of synchrotrons and neutrons.
Structural Engineering	Analysis and design of engineering structures both civil and mechanical, but excluding those with a strong application in transport infrastructure. This includes structural health monitoring, structural assessment and performance in use covering the design, production, construction and development of such structures.
Structural Polymers: Characterisation	Emphasis is on the understanding of the materials and their properties. Characterisation techniques will include compositional and structural analysis methods. The polymers classified here are for structural applications and include i) those from natural or synthetic sources and ii) those with organic or inorganic backbones. Filled polymers are also included.
Structural Polymers: Processing	Emphasis is on the development of the techniques for processing these materials and/or on characterising the effect of the process (or changes to it) on the material. The research may have engineering or product applications in mind but research on the products or structures themselves (e.g. manufacture, development, design or improvement) should be classified using other codes . The polymers classified here are for structural applications and include i) those from natural or synthetic sources and ii) those with organic or inorganic backbones. Filled polymers are also included.
Structural Polymers: Synthesis and Growth	Synthesis of materials, development of deposition and growth techniques and research on the effect of these techniques on materials properties. However, research where the emphasis is on, for example, understanding the chemistry of novel synthetic pathways is excluded. The polymers classified here are for structural applications and include i) those from natural or synthetic sources and ii) those with organic or inorganic backbones. Filled polymers are also included.
Superconductors: Characterisation	Emphasis is on the understanding of the materials and its properties. Characterisation techniques will include compositional , electrical, optical and structural analysis methods. All superconducting materials are covered including high temperature, low temperature and unconventional (e.g. organic).
Superconductors: Processing	Emphasis is on the development of the techniques for processing these materials and/or on characterising the effect of the process (or changes to it) on the material. The research may have device or product applications in mind but research where the emphasis is on the device itself (e.g. its manufacture, development, design or improvement) should be classified using other codes . All superconducting materials are covered including high temperature, low temperature and unconventional (e.g. organic) superconductors.
Superconductors: Synthesis and Growth	Synthesis of materials, development of deposition and growth techniques and research on the effect of these techniques on materials properties. However, research where the emphasis is on, for example, understanding the chemistry of novel synthetic pathways is excluded. All superconducting materials are covered including high temperature, low temperature and unconventional (e.g. organic) superconductors.
Surfaces, Surface Probes and Interfaces	The study of surfaces and interfaces. Techniques include x-ray and electron diffraction, synchrotron radiation and scanning probe microscopy. Research topic covers the study of surface mediated chemical reactions and surface adsorbed species.
Sustainable Energy Networks	This research topic focuses on the effect of increases in the use of renewable energy sources on the existing energy supply network and how future network technologies will deal with these challenges. It includes small and medium scale generation networks and issues such as intermittency of supply from renewable sources including wind and tidal. It also includes possible socio-economic issues related to a changing energy infrastructure. The activities covered by this topic are complementary to those activities in the ‘Power electronics’, ‘Power Systems, Management, Protection & Control’ and ‘Power systems Plant’ research topics, which focus more on conventional networks, their associated technologies and infrastructure.
Sustainable Energy Vectors	The study of alternative energy carriers (e.g. hydrogen) and the research into the utilization of these in sustainable energy systems. This topic also includes socio-economic and environmental issues related to new energy vectors e.g. the possible impacts on society of moving to a hydrogen economy. This topic does not include include the development and application of geothermal and ground heating sources or the exploitation of ocean thermal gradients as alternative energy sources, which should be coded under HEAT AND MASS TRANSFER.
Systems Integration	All aspects of creating complex products and services including the integration of components and sub-systems within complex systems and also pre-existing systems into more complex systems. Also, integrating new technologies and existing technologies by novel methods in new products to deliver new services, or to manufacture new products. All practical tools and supporting theory that are related to Systems Integration.
Systems Methodology and Architecture	The design and exploitation of novel computer systems architecture. Also including all aspects of systems methodology and architecture in multimedia systems, high integrity systems, availability of systems and other relevant technologies. Also including hardware/software codesign.
Systems on a Chip	Research in silicon processing that supports multiple design technologies on a single chip. Tools to manage complexity in design, integration, verification and test on chip. Combination of analogue and mixed signal components brought into a unified design flow. Connection of 'virtual components' and development of design tools which can synthesise hardware and software from very high level descriptions of the system. SoCs will integrate transduction, processing and communication on a single chip to interpret complex datastreams and communicate with remote services.
Theoretical Materials Science	Theoretical and computational simulation of materials structure and properties. Includes ceramic, metallic, polymeric,magnetic,electronic, photonic, superconducting and ionic materials.
Theory and Computational Physics of Condensed Matter	Theoretical and computational simulation of electronic structure in condensed matter. Includes use of many body theory and first principle simulations to further the understanding of metals, alloys and semiconductors.
Tissue Engineering and Biocompatibility	The application of engineering methods to understand the principles of tissue growth and to produce functional replacement tissue for medical purposes. The application of engineering methods to cell and molecular biology (e.g. the effect of mechanical force or artificial materials on cell growth). Fundamental and applied biocompatibility studies are included.
Transportation Operations and Management	Monitoring, controlling and improving traffic flow across all transport modes. Traffic scheduling, control and modelling; telematics and vehicle locationing; transport safety; reducing the undesirable effects of transport on the environment (emissions, noise and vibration). Excludes vehicle technology.
Underwater Engineering	Research into application of engineering techniques and methods in underwater environments e.g., welding, remote inspection and repair. Also includes research into the design of underwater vehicles e.g., ROV and other types
Urban and Land Management	Research relating to the sustainable use, management and modelling of land and the urban environment (including IT-based information systems), land use planning, and assessment and understanding of urban pollution (excluding environmental monitoring and waste and pollution management).
User Interface Technologies	The development of software or hardware that allows a user to interact with a computer, rather than the investigation of the underlying principles. For example, algorithms or signal processing techniques to support speech recognition, software to support new visual displays (eg virtual environments, animation), visualisation, etc.
Vision, Hearing and Other Senses - Applications in ICT	Basic studies of the biology and psychology of human vision, hearing and other senses, especially touch, to underpin the design and implementation of human computer interfaces. For example, studies of human vision can inform the design of displays, of hearing to aid improved speech recognition systems, of touch to inform the design of haptic interfaces to virtual environments, etc. For research to be considered by EPSRC (rather than BBSRC or MRC) the aims and objectives must be linked to the underpinning of IT design, rather than the understanding of the biological processes in their own right.
VLSI Design	Development of new design tools (e.g. CAD) or technologies (including synthesis, simulation and optimisation). Research on processes or process steps for generic electronic device or circuit production aiming to improve the performance of the device. Topic includes analogue and digital conversion techniques, logic controllers, algorithm and architecture verification, linear and non-linear integrated circuits, modelling, test and mixed-signal circuit design.
Waste Management	Management, treatment and disposal of all forms of hazardous and non-hazardous waste materials. Including composting, landfill practice and design, re-use of “bulk waste” materials and anaerobic digestion.
Waste Minimisation	Research relating to recycling, re-use and recovery of waste materials within the processing and manufacturing industries aimed at reduction the volume of waste produced through recycling or re-use of materials within - or arising from - the process itself, or within the factory or plant, and/or recovering valuable and environmentally harmful components of worn-out products to allow their re-use. Clean-up and remediation technologies are not included in this area.
Water Engineering	Design and optimisation of technologies relating to water resource management, water treatment (including potable water) and water distribution systems including assessment and control of water quality. Engineering research pertaining to the management and treatment of waste water and sewerage, including drainage systems.
Wind Power	The study, design, development and research of machines to harness the kinetic energy of large volumes of moving air, whether natural or forced. The topic includes materials technology and components of the machines. This topic also includes socio-economic and environmental issues related to wind power technologies e.g. the public acceptability and possible environmental impact of large scale onshore wind farms.