Research groups and centres

The Department of Mechanical Engineering has been active in acoustic research since the early 1960’s. The acoustic facilities have been continuously developed and currently consist of a reverberation room, transmission loss suite, fan noise test rig and low noise wind tunnel. These facilities are supported by state-of-the-art Bruel and Kjaer multi-channel analysers, sound level analysers, microphones, accelerometers, sound intensity systems, noise sources and calibration equipment. An extensive range of software is also available for computational analysis including ANSYS and COMSOL, environmental modeling software SoundPlan, sound absorption and sound transmission prediction software ENC and INSUL, room acoustics modeling software ODEON. In the last 10 years the group has been heavily involved in product development programs for NZ industry.

The Aerospace Engineering theme focuses on advancing knowledge and technology in the design, development, and analysis of aerospace systems. This research theme encompasses a wide range of topics, including aerodynamics, propulsion systems, structural analysis, and flight mechanics, both in the Earth’s atmosphere and in space. Students and researchers are engaged in cutting-edge projects that address the challenges of modern aerospace engineering, from improving the efficiency of aircraft and spacecraft to exploring new materials and innovative designs. Through a combination of theoretical study and hands-on experimentation, the theme aims to prepare graduates for successful careers in the aerospace industry and to contribute to the advancement of aerospace technology on a global scale

From data structures to maximum subarray, UC's Algorithm Engineering Group focuses on a range of topics. Learn more and meet our people.

The Applied Mechanics theme is dedicated to understanding and applying the principles of mechanics to solve real-world engineering problems. This theme covers a broad spectrum of topics, including solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, dynamics, and materials science. Students and researchers in this area focus on the behaviour of materials and structures under various forces, the dynamics of mechanical systems, and the flow of fluids in engineering applications. By integrating theoretical analysis with experimental techniques, the Applied Mechanics theme aims to innovate and optimise mechanical systems for industries such as manufacturing, construction, and transportation, providing practical solutions and advancing technological progress

UC AI is a transdisciplinary group of internationally recognised researchers for artificial intelligence. From regulation to robots, learn about UC's Artificial Intelligence Research Group.

Astroparticle physics lies at the intersection of astronomy and particle physics. It involves using the universe as a laboratory to study high-energy phenomena.

Atmospheric physics is the study of the fundamental processes governing the behaviour of the atmosphere. 

Set up in 1996 to promote Biomathematics and Biostatistics in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, the Biomathematics Research Centre has a number of research groups. Learn more about the centre.

Biomedical engineering is an active area of research at the University of Canterbury with a robust postgraduate programme. We are active in research that integrates principles of engineering and biological sciences to develop technologies and treatments to improve human health

The Biomolecular Interaction Centre (BIC) is a multi-disciplinary research centre dedicated to the study of molecular interactions critical to biological function. Learn more about the Biomolecular Interaction Centre by exploring the links below.

UC Biosecurity Innovations (UCBI) is a trans-disciplinary research cluster dedicated to solving key biosecurity problems. Learn about UC's Biosecurity Innovations Cluster.

Business School Cluster on Indigenous Research is a network of researchers interested in Indigenous research within the business realm. 

The Canterbury Child Development Research Group (CCDRG) is a multidisciplinary research team based at UC. The group investigates critical child development issues concerned with early developmental risks, brain development, parenting, and family functioning. Learn more.

UC's School of Law is home to the Canterbury Law Review (CantaLR). This peer-reviewed scholarly law journal publishes original content to the highest editorial standards. It facilitates academic excellence and the diffusion of legal academic work in NZ and the world. Learn more about the Canterbury Law Review.

UC's Centre for Commercial and Corporate Law provides a forum to exchange information, views, and expertise about corporate and commercial law. Through lectures, seminars, and publications we bridge the gap between academic lawyers, practitioners in law and accountancy, and those working in finance and industry. Learn more about this group.

Ecological Engineering solves problems for societies and the environment by designing solutions based on the interdependence of people and ecosystems. Research at the Centre for EcoLogical Technology Solutions (CELTS) focuses on solutions that are holistic, valorise waste resources, and align to the circular economy. Learn more about the centre.

UC's Centre for Integrated Research in Biosafety (INBI) aims to contribute to increased understanding and more effective management of emerging biotechnologies. Learn about the Centre for Integrated Research in Biosafety.

UC's Centre of Excellence in Aquaculture and Marine Ecology (CEAME) is a partnership approach for training students by the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) and UC's School of Biological Sciences. Learn more about the Centre of Excellence in Aquaculture and Marine Ecology. 

UC's Child Language Research Group explores children's speech and language development and related abilities. We cover a broad range of topics in child speech and language and focus on supporting children with difficulties to achieve optimal outcomes. Learn more about our Child Language Research Group.

UC's Child Wellbeing Research Institute nurtures research excellence to support children's holistic well-being. Learn about our Child Wellbeing Research Institute.

UC's Cluster for Community and Urban Resilience (CURe) is a transdisciplinary research team that seeks to build the resilience of communities through innovative, collaborative, and inclusive research that's focused on equitable and sustainable urban systems. Learn about our Cluster for Community and Urban Resilience.

COGENT was formed at the end of 2016 to raise the profile and enhance the research of COmbinatorics, GEometry, and Number Theory within the School of Mathematics and Statistics.

UC's Communications Research Group (UCCRG) is one of the largest research groups at UC and in our Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. We're engaged in an active programme of research, primarily in wireless communications. Learn more about the Communications Research Group.

UC's Computational Imaging Group does research and provides postgraduate training in a variety of practical imaging applications. Much of our research focuses on image reconstruction or image recovery, for example computing images of objects, scenes, and internal structures from a variety of data. Learn more about our Computational Imaging Group.

From CS Unplugged to Code:WOF, UC's Computer Science Education Group runs a range of projects. Learn more and check out our current and past projects.

UC's Confucius Institute (CI) is part of the global CI network. CIUC is managed by the UC (New Zealand), in collaboration with Huazhong University of Science and Technology (China). Learn more about our Confucius Institute.

The Canterbury School of Law has a distinguished tradition of research in criminal law. The School pioneered teaching and scholarship of criminal justice in New Zealand. The current members of our Criminal Law & Criminal Justice Group work across a range of legal areas. Learn more about Criminal Law and Criminal Justice research at UC.

The Critical Health and Wellbeing Research Group is made up of transdisciplinary critical health and wellbeing researchers with diverse backgrounds and interests across the social sciences. Learn more about this group.

UC's Cybersecurity Lab was established in 2011 as a unit to coordinate and support work in cybersecurity and dependability. Learn more about our research.

The Design and Manufacturing Group has a diverse range of research and development interests. We look at everything from design methodology, advanced manufacturing techniques, and rapid product development to engineering art and kinetic sculptures. Our group works collaboratively with Robotics, Materials, Instrumentation and Control, Applied Mechanics, Aerospace, and Biomedical disciplines to help reduce their ideas to practice

From examining how online friendships bloom on Minecraft to studying the effects of doomscrolling TikTok on our mental health, The University of Canterbury Digital Culture Lab researches our interactions with video games and social media.

While integrating technology has provided new opportunities, we need clear, critical, research-led discussion into design and equitable application of technology in education. UC's Digital Education Futures Lab focuses on examining practice, approaches, and research around digital technologies that shape the future of education. Learn more.

UC's Electric Power Engineering Centre (EPECentre) is New Zealand’s pioneering research centre for electric power and clean energy applications. Learn about our Electric Power Engineering Centre.

Element: Engineering Leadership and Management enhances teaching, research, and the practice of Engineering Management. We focus on student careers, the profession, and engineering employers in New Zealand. Learn more about UC's Element: Engineering Leadership and Management group.

The interdisciplinary team of researchers brings diverse expertise and focused research interests that collectively advance energy solutions. With strengths in thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics, they apply their knowledge to enhance HVAC systems, building services, and combustion processes, optimizing energy efficiency, and sustainability in urban environments

The University of Canterbury Environmental Psychology (UCEP) research group is dedicated to informing our understanding of the psychology of environmental attitudes and action in the domains of climate change, sustainability, and conservation. 

Fluid mechanics is an enabling technology that underpins many industrial sectors, and its applications are fundamental to addressing a wide range of societal challenges. It is central to understanding our changing climate and for developing renewable energy technologies. In the Department of Mechanical Engineering fluid mechanics research is concerned with a broad range of topics including aerodynamics, coatings and thin-film flow, spray and particle distribution, flows in heat transfer, biomedical and biological flows, flow in porous media, and drug delivery

Established in 2019, UC's Food, Policy and Wellbeing (FPW) Research Cluster is split into four subgroups. These focus on different research areas that examine how sustainable food can support wellbeing. Learn more about our Food, Policy and Wellbeing Research Cluster.

The Joint Postgraduate School Food Transitions 2050 is a partnership initiative between UC, Lincoln University, Plant & Food Research, Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research, and AgResearch. Learn about Food Transitions 2050.

The Freshwater Ecology Research Group (FERG) is a co-operative group of researchers. It includes experienced academic staff, early career researchers, students, and technicians based in UC's School of Biological Sciences. Our collective desire is to improve the plight of freshwater ecosystems. Learn more about this group.

Gateway Antarctica is the Centre for Antarctic Studies and Research at UC. We aim to enhance understanding of Antarctica in the context of the global environment. The centre is a focal point for Antarctic study. Learn about Gateway Antarctica.

UC's Te Taiwhenua o te Hauora | GeoHealth Laboratory does applied research in health geography, spatial epidemiology, and Geographical Information Systems (GIS). It focuses on how the local and national contexts shape health outcomes and health inequalities. Learn more about our GeoHealth Laboratory.

The Geospatial Research Institute does interdisciplinary, partnership-based geospatial research across the social and physical sciences. Our research is culturally appropriate, ethical, and engaged. Find out more about the Geospatial Research Institute.

Our research topics are mainly based on the interests of Chris Stevens and David Wiltshire. Broadly they include cosmology, mathematical and numerical relativity, black holes, gravitational waves, quasilocal energy, and the global structure of space-time. Learn more about the Gravity and Cosmology Group.

Hei Puāwaitanga: Sustainability, Citizenship and Civic Imagination is a multidisciplinary international research team and civics lab at UC.

Industrial engineering is an interdisciplinary area of research that seeks to optimise production processes. It includes an element of engineering design, manufacturing, or materials science, and combines that with elements of modelling/simulation, psychology, biomechanics, commerce, or management. Engineering management is an overlapping but distinct research area, which is primarily focussed on the organisation of people into teams and organisations

UC's Intelligent Computer Tutoring Group (ICTG) has a range of projects on the go. From cognitive rehabilitation to data normalisation, learn more about our research.

UC's International and Comparative Law Group (ICLG) is a group of lecturers in public international and comparative law at our Faculty of Law. We look at teaching and research in comparative law and public international law that affects NZ, Antarctica, the Southern Ocean, and the Pacific. Find out about our International and Comparative Law Group.

UC's Language and Literacy Research Lab is a research group that comprises staff from our College of Education and Health and Human Development. We also have links with other groups across the university, including the UC Child Well-being Research Institute and the New Zealand Institute of Language, Brain and Behaviour. Learn more.

Traditional classrooms are designed for one teacher with a class of students. According to the Ministry of Education Innovative Learning Environment (ILE) guidelines, learning spaces should accommodate several teachers and students in one large space. Find out about UC's research into learning environments.

The Local Food Systems Research Cluster is composed of like-minded researchers with an interest in food systems. This cluster takes a broader and inclusive view of food systems that includes wine and novel culinary systems. It aims to generate impactful research that highlight various aspects of New Zealand food and wine products.  

Explore ground-breaking studies in visual selective attention, bilingualism, and cognitive inhibition. Discover the science behind how we focus, remember, and process languages. Logogin’s research delves into the complexities of how our minds manage attention, memory, and language. Our work offers fresh perspectives on the mechanisms that allow us to navigate a world full of distractions and multilingual contexts

The MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology is a network of researchers who create innovative, sustainable materials. We work with industry and government to address global challenges such as clean water, renewable energy, and climate change. Learn about the MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology.

The Macmillan Brown Centre for Pacific Studies (MBC) is a world leader in interdisciplinary research on the Pacific. We're at the forefront of publishing and disseminating knowledge on a wide range of issues related to Pacific peoples.

The Materials Cluster@UC is a diverse network of researchers who span various branches of materials research at UC. Like the broad research field of materials, the network is interdisciplinary, with members mainly drawn from the College of Science and College of Engineering.

The Department of Mechanical Engineering is actively involved in a broad range of research topics concerned with engineering materials, including ferrous and non-ferrous alloys, polymeric and composite materials, ferroelectric ceramics, and fracture and failure mechanisms. Members of this theme are also frequently involved with providing consulting services to a wide variety of industries across New Zealand. Both research activities and consulting services are supported by modern laboratories that provide a wide range of testing and characterisation methods

The Moral Psychology Lab investigates the psychological processes behind moral judgments and behaviour. The lab's research includes understanding motives, the significance of reputation, and the impact of moral injury.

Our Nanostructure Engineering Science and Technology (NEST) group does advanced research in areas that span the spectrum of applied engineering and fundamental science of nano-meter scale structures and devices. These include nanolithography, nanobiotechnology, and more. Learn more about Nanostructure Engineering Science and Technology at UC.

The National Centre for Research on Europe (NCRE) is New Zealand’s only research centre that's devoted to studying Europe and the European Union (EU).

UC's Biomaterials Engineering group does research into novel environmentally sustainable materials with the aim of reducing New Zealand’s reliance on materials derived from petrochemicals. Learn more about the Natural Fibre and Biocomposites group.

The Neural Engineering research group provides the primary engineering thrust in the Christchurch Neurotechnology Research Programme (NeuroTech). It's a collaboration between UC, University of Otago, Canterbury District Health Board, and the New Zealand Brain Research Institute. Learn more about the Neural Engineering research group.

The New Zealand Centre for Human-Animal Studies (NZCHAS) brings together scholars from the humanities and social sciences whose research and teaching is concerned with the conceptual and material treatment of nonhuman animals in culture, society, and history.

The New Zealand Institute of Language, Brain and Behaviour (NZILBB) is a multi-disciplinary centre dedicated to studying human language. From linguistics and language disorders to memory and cognitive science, our researchers come from a wide range of disciplines.

The New Zealand South Asia Centre (NZSAC) at UC is designed to promote recognition and understanding of South Asian societies and cultures in New Zealand.

The Ngāi Tahu Research Centre (NTRC) was founded to be a leader in indigenous scholarship and  provide a centre for the intellectual capital and development of Ngāi Tahu, the principal Māori iwi of the southern region of New Zealand.

For over twenty years the Project has combined scientific research with education at tertiary and local community levels to conserve a rare Nigerian afromontane forest reserve. This work has enabled us to develop a model for long-term sustainable management of forests involving local communities, which is applicable across the world. Learn more about this Project and get involved.

Pedagogies of Possibility (PoP) is a vibrant research community that seeks to reimagine, transform, and expand our understanding of pedagogical possibilities. Our cross-disciplinary group is keen to explore 'what if' and 'what could be' rather than merely 'what is'. Learn more.

Planetary science has an interdisciplinary focus on questions at the intersection of astronomy, physics, geology and environmental sciences. 

Most power electronics research involves using electronic devices in their switch mode. Switching power supplies and amplifiers are far more efficient than their linear counterparts. This becomes very important when power levels are large, if power supply is limited, or both. Learn more about UC's Power Electronics research group.

UC's power systems group researches renewable energy, energy efficiency and technology, power quality, transformers, power system dynamics, generation and distribution networks, power electronic control, high voltage engineering, and energy markets. Learn more about our Power Systems group.

The Public Diplomacy and Political Communication Forum (PD-PCF) is a multi- and inter-disciplinary research platform that unites leading experts and early-career researchers in a transnational network in their study of public diplomacy and political communication.

QuakeCoRE is transforming the earthquake resilience of communities and societies through innovative, world‐class research, human capability development, and deep national and international collaboration. We are a Centre of Research Excellence (CoRE) funded by the New Zealand Tertiary Education Commission. Learn more about QuakeCoRE.

The UC Robotics, Control and Instrumentation Research Theme facilitates research in multiple laboratories, including the Mechatronics & Robotics Laboratories, the Bio-Medical Laboratory as well as the Vibrations & Dynamic Systems Laboratories.

UC's Rose Centre for Stroke Recovery and Research is a state of the art facility at St Georges Medical Centre. It helps people with swallowing and communication disorders recover function or improve sufficiently to gain the best possible quality of life. Learn more about the Rose Centre for Stroke Recovery and Research.

All the research institutes, groups and centres at University of Canterbury. Use the search box below or browse the list.

UC's Simulation Research Group has covered many aspects of quantitative stochastic discrete-event simulation (DES), as well as modelling internet teletraffic, and other multimedia telecommunication networks. Learn more about our research.

The SSANSE project (2017-2019) was a preparedness initiative examining the defence and foreign policy choices and challenges of small states in Eastern Europe, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), and Oceania in the new security environment. Find out more about the project.

UC's Software Engineering Research and Applications Lab focuses on studying and improving the way we develop high quality software. This includes productive teams, processes and practices, and empirical software engineering. Learn more about our research.

The Southeast Asia Research Initiative (SEARI) focuses on cross-disciplinary research on contemporary Southeast Asia. It aims to foster a supportive research environment on Southeast Asia at UC and bring faculty and students together.

UC's Spatial And Image Learning (SAIL) group collaborates with a number of New Zealand organisations. We research image processing and machine learning problems and develop prototypes for deployment. Learn more.

The Spatial Engineering Research Centre (SERC) is an academic research centre hosted by UC's College of Engineering. The SERC team includes experienced research scientists, engineers, and PhD and graduate students, who can support a range of geospatial technologies.

The ability to effectively produce and comprehend speech is crucial for health and wellbeing. At the UC Speech-Language Neuroscience Lab we study different aspects of normal and disordered speech production and perception. We're interested in a range of issues that make it difficult to talk or comprehending speech. Learn about the UC Speech Lab.

The Sport, Health, and Rehabilitation Research Cluster (SHARRC) is research cluster. It combines sports, health sciences, engineering, design, data science, life sciences, human-computer interaction, social and psychological sciences, business, and law.

UC's Sport and Exercise Research Lab (SERL) is the result of an expansion of the previous Movement Pedagogy Research Hub to include strengths in research on sport and exercise science. Learn more.

With optimization models, we develop and inform decarbonization energy strategies and policies for countries and companies.

The Sustainable Food Transitions Research Cluster undertakes research on policies, supply chains, markets, social behaviours, technologies, and information systems related to transition toward sustainable food production and consumption. 

Our research group aims to find nutritional interventions that are effective in treating psychiatric/psychological illness. At our lab, we independently test new, ground-breaking, multi-nutrient formulae, probiotics, and other natural, beneficial substances. Learn more about Te Puna Toiora Mental Health and Nutrition Research.

Te Ru Rangahau | The Maori Research Laboratory supports and promotes the Strategy for Māori Development at UC. We support advancing indigenous postgraduates and research that's responsive to Māori and indigenous needs and aspirations. Learn more.

The Cultural Dynamics Lab focuses on modelling the evolution of human culture. We study how culture is transmitted and how it varies between populations and over time. Our group has diverse interests and conduct research on topics ranging from the cognitive capabilities of large language models to the social transmission of conspiracy beliefs. We specialise in modelling the cultural evolution of religion and mentalising

Our research group pioneers advancements in psychological research in the criminal justice system and the community, harnessing evidence-based strategies for prevention, intervention, and decision-making in the legal system.

Disasters are social phenomena, caused by society’s inability to cope with hazards. The Institute of Law, Emergencies and Disasters (LEAD) combines multi-disciplinary researchers based at UC's Faculty of Law. We work on all aspects of law, governance, and disasters. 

The Mind Control Lab is dedicated to investigating and decoding the mysteries of the human mind—the most powerful resource we have—specifically as it relates to harnessing and using this extraordinary and invisible force to exceed our aspirations and live more successfully in a world rife with distraction, angst, uncertainty, and ever-evolving socio-technological influences. 

Mind Control, in this context, should not be confused with the sinister term "brainwashing." Rather, it refers to the science of directing, training, and using the mind to rethink our thinking, so that we can achieve the success we desire in our professional and personal lives.

UC's Theoretical Computer Science research group studies the mathematical foundations of computation including algorithms, formal methods and logic. Learn more about our research.

Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer are fundamental pillars in the realm of mechanical engineering, especially in research at the graduate level. Thermodynamics forms the foundation for understanding energy conversion processes. In mechanical engineering, researchers often deal with designing and optimizing energy systems like engines, turbines, and power plants.

Socio-Legal studies examine legal ideas, practices, and institutions in their social and historical contexts. Its methodology is mainly empirical rather than doctrinal and it's often interdisciplinary. UC's Socio-Legal Studies Research Group comprises academics interested in collaborative research in Socio-Legal issues. Learn more about this group.

UC CEISMIC Canterbury Earthquake Digital Archive is a comprehensive digital archive of video, audio, documents and images related to the Canterbury Earthquakes of 2010 and 2011.

UC's Cleft Clinic is offered as a pilot clinic (trial). We offer Speech Language Therapy services for people aged 12 and over with communication difficulties as a result of cleft. Our clinic is currently offered free of charge, but you'll be asked to join a research study about the clinic. Find out more about the UC Cleft Research Centre.

UC's Te Pokapū Pāhekoheko Hapori | Community Engagement Hub has state of the art digital technologies, innovative spaces for research, learning and teaching; and social spaces that encourage collaboration and multidisciplinary ways of working. Check it out.

The UC Drone Institute is one of the leading research groups at UC. We focus on Aerodynamics & Propulsion, Control & Design, Application & Implementation of multi-rotors, as well as fixed-wing and vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft. Learn more about the UC Drone Institute.

Electrospinning is a process for producing continuous polymeric fibres with diameters in the submicron range, mainly by using electrostatic forces. UC's electrospinning research group (UC-Spin) researches novel nanofibres. We're working on processing a variety of different polymeric materials. Learn more about our Electrospinning Group.

UCMeta is a network of researchers interested in meta-research. We aim to work with stakeholders in Ōtautahi Christchurch and Waitaha Canterbury, including Ngāi Tūāhuriri and Ngāi Tahu. 

The Waterways Centre for Freshwater Management strives to bring bright minds and broad skillsets together to address freshwater challenges in Aotearoa and beyond. Our research delivers insights into freshwater quantities, variability and processes ki uta ki tai, from the mountains to the sea. Learn about Waterways Centre for Freshwater Management.

The Wireless Research Centre (WRC) is one of UC's leading industry-facing research centres. It supports industry to pave the way for the next generation of products. We research and develop innovative solutions that have a positive impact on the community and economy.

UC's Wood Technology Research Centre enables information exchange between staff engaged in wood-related research. It facilitates the shared use of research facilities, enhances research programmes, and promotes technology transfer to end users.