Research at the University of Bath is developing innovative technology to improve lives. Our Institute for the Augmented Human, a multi-disciplinary community of researchers, policy makers and entrepreneurs, is delivering cutting-edge projects and showing how machines can have a wide-reaching impact on society and individuals. Our expertise in robotics, engineering, computer science, health, neuroscience and psychology has led to the development and deployment of human augmentation which promises to improve health and wellbeing for millions.
Developing brain-computer interfaces
University research has developed a brain-computer interface that, in the future, may enable a person of tetraplegia or locked-in syndrome to autonomously steer a wheelchair, control a robotic manipulator or use a smartphone. The high-precision neuro technology could go on to improve the autonomy and social participation of people with severe physical disabilities. In 2024, the research reached a significant milestone when it was crowned winner at the annual international CYBATHLON Challenge, a competition where cybathletes race against each other in computer game-like challenges using brainwaves alone.
Improving early diagnosis of dementia
Research at the University has created a passive, completely non-invasive test which can improve early detection for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The test, ‘Fastball’, measures patients’ brain waves whilst they watch a series of flashing images displayed on a screen. Developed in-house by University researchers, the technology requires users to wear an electroencephalogram (EEG) headset, which is linked to a computer for analysis. Tests have shown Fastball to be highly effective at picking up small, subtle changes in brain waves. As this response changes during the onset of dementia, the research offers hope as a breakthrough for early diagnosis. By testing more people earlier and more regularly, the team believes it could help lower the age of diagnosis by up to five years in the short-term and by more in the future.
Allowing people with neurological conditions to communicate using a hidden ear muscle
Earswitch is a revolutionary assistive technology developed with a team of researchers that allows people to communicate by tensing a tiny muscle in the inner ear. The device, attached to the tensor tympani muscle, is linked to an assistive keyboard. Current existing assistive devices can become unusable as neurological conditions such as MND worsen over time, and it’s hoped that Earswitch could offer a breakthrough for individuals with severe communications restrictions.

Our Centre for Sustainable Energy Systems brings together multidisciplinary experts, working across all areas of energy research. We are finding greener solutions in energy production, storage and networking, and consumption. Our research creates novel-whole system solutions to large-scale and complex energy challenges. Our projects draw expertise together from across the University exploring bio-based energy, offshore renewables, and life-cycle assessments.
Driving the growth of low-carbon hydrogen and alternative liquid fuels
The UK aims to reach net zero emissions by 2050. Finding ways to use hydrogen and hydrogen-based, low-carbon liquid fuels such as ammonia is crucial to this. We are leading UK-HyRES - the UK Hub for Research Challenges in Hydrogen and Alternative Liquid Fuels. Following an £11 million award by UK Research and Innovation, we are identifying sustainable solutions to how we make, store, distribute, and use hydrogen and other liquid fuels. At the University of Bath, we have the expertise and ambition to speed up the take-up of hydrogen and other fuels on the journey to a net zero economy.
Digitising power systems for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
We are using our research expertise in a government study that rethinks how the UK invests in and manages energy systems. The project is the first step towards the digitisation of the country’s energy system. It will provide evidence for the benefits of a smart, flexible decarbonised energy system. It will also deliver better energy security, and value for money for consumers. Working with Arup, and Energy Systems Catapult, our research is playing an important role in achieving net zero at a lower cost.
Green hydrogen production using bio-based resources
We are converting biomass waste to green hydrogen and other high-value chemicals. Our Centre Co-Director, Dr Sanjay Nagarajan is exploring ways to apply advanced oxidation processes to create a circular and sustainable energy source. He is the only researcher in the UK working on hydrodynamic cavitation of biomass for sustainable biorefineries.

Millions of people worldwide are subjected to forced labour. Research from the University of Bath’s School of Management is educating academics, professionals and policymakers about how to spot modern slavery and, crucially, what to do about it.
Sharing expertise
Professor Andrew Crane, Director of the Centre for Business, Organisations and Society, is one of the world’s leading experts in business and modern slavery, having published his first paper in the field in 2013. One of his recent projects focused on how non-governmental organisations (NGOs) can successfully get involved in tackling forced labour. He found that the most important elements for NGOs’ credibility were being viewed as experts in their specific industry or country, having a good reputation within that industry, and a deep connection to workers. In 2023, Andrew brought together the largest ever gathering of modern slavery researchers and practitioners for the second annual Crossing Boundaries conference.
Examining public sector supply chains
Dr Johanne Grosvold uncovered substantial gaps in procurement teams’ knowledge during her project ‘Climate Change and Modern Slavery in Public Procurement’. The research was carried out with the Modern Slavery & Human Rights Policy & Evidence Centre, London Universities Purchasing Consortium and Unseen UK, as well as colleagues from the Universities of Sussex and the West of England. Their key recommendations included the implementation of different forms of training for staff based on their role; stronger tendering requirements for public sector contracts; and the introduction of processes to actively manage known risks, such as in the electronics supply chain.
Supporting dignity for all
Professor Vivek Soundararajan leads Embed Dignity, a research initiative based at the School of Management that aims to improve working conditions across all facets of organisations. His research focuses on a range of areas, including the garment and software industries, and caste – a form of traditional social stratification in South Asia that has a pervasive socio-economic influence to this day. Vivek and his Bath colleague Dr Pankhuri Agarwal investigated the aftermath of the 2020 Boohoo scandal, where large-scale exploitation was found in brand’s Leicester factories amid allegations of modern slavery. The team spent four months in the city during 2023 carrying out interviews and focus groups with affected people, finding that government and brand interventions were essentially no more than a sticking plaster. The team demonstrated that more should be invested in community-based solutions, such as initiatives that bring together unions, workers and brands to address working conditions in factories. More attention is also needed on the wider social issues that render people vulnerable to labour exploitation in the first place.