Research in Computer Science and Mathematics

Providing innovative research with real-world applications.

In the latest research assessment (Research Excellence Framework, REF 2021) we submitted to the Unit of Assessment 11, Computer Science and Informatics. 80% of our research outputs (or publications) and 75% of our research impact within this unit were rated as being world leading or internationally excellent.

Computer Science research

Our REF results were achieved thanks to our research strategy, which focuses on encouraging and supporting collaborative research and external funding applications. For example, as part of our EU Wi-5 Project (What to do With the Wi-Fi Wild West) we are working with European partners in the Netherlands, Spain and Turkey to build smarter Wi-Fi. This work has supported new user experiences and business models, even as the Wi-Fi radio spectrum becomes more congested.

Another cross-disciplinary project we work on focuses on the design and implementation of a mobile lifelogging platform, which has been designed to measure the effects negative emotion has on cardiovascular health in everyday life. This is a collaborative project between Computer Science and the School of Biological and Environmental Sciences at Liverpool John Moores University.

In addition to these interdisciplinary relationships, we also have long-standing national and international collaborations with companies and institutions. For example, we worked with Thales Research and Technology (UK) Ltd, SAP in Germany and SINTEF in Norway. We also have partners in a number of other EU countries. These partnerships have resulted in the development of advanced trustworthy computing technologies and tools to address research challenges in computer systems and services, as well as publications and invention disclosures.

Our research is further enhanced by our participation in international research events. Our leading academics hold memberships on advisory boards, standard bodies and councils. They also organise and chair major international conferences, including some symposiums and workshops such as IEEE World Congress on Communications and the Annual International Conference on Developments in eSystems Engineering.

In the future, we plan to continue growing our research activity and quality by strengthening our current research collaborations, while developing new partnerships and extending our enterprise activities. We will also attract external funding and continue our international recruitment of outstanding researchers.

Mathematics research

Researchers from Mathematics specialise in machine learning, mathematical biology and data science.

Our leading academics publish in peer-reviewed journals and speak at conferences around the world. Members are also actively engaged with funding bodies, including the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA). Researchers work closely with organisations such as the Whiston NHS Trust, Public Health England, Prozone Performance Lab and the Football Exchange.

As part of our future plans, we will also continue to lead on sports analytics research at the Football Exchange. Tesco and a premiership football club have provided PhD funding for us to continue this work.

Our expertise

Computer-related

  • Applied Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
  • Network and information security
  • Networking and distributed systems
  • Computer games technology
  • Applied computing
  • Critical infrastructure protection
  • e-Healthcare

Maths-related

  • Bioinformatics data
  • Clinical diagnosis and prognosis
  • Databases in public health
  • Shopping basket analysis for digital marketing
  • Football match analysis
  • Mathematical biology